Help Which backpack???

[fradda]

Hi all as you can tell by the post I'm new to the forum. I have been researching the forum and the net for the pack right for me. I'm 5'7 46yo, with a wide torso and wide hips so basically I look like a 44 gallon drum with arms and legs I have had a few hikes in my life when I was younger 6 foot track Morton national park etc I also get with my 4wd all my family does and thats been the way I mostly have been getting around. Anyway I have seen a few packs that I think will suite...

1st I'm carrying a bit more gear for my son who is nine so a bigger pack up to 90l.... with outings from 1 day to 6 days in mind... he will be carrying his own sleep gear mat etc and I will will be carrying tent for two camp stove food and some of his clothes etc.

so I have been interested in these packs...
Gregory baltoro 75
Osprey Aether 85
osprey Zenith 88
And now have come across this little beauty Aarn pack with front section
so I'm in a dilemma of sorts, any input would be greatly appreciated.

thanks Jorge

[neilmny]

I'm no expert Jorge but I reckon the consensus will be to go and try them on at a place that can adjust them properly and let you play around for a while with some weight in it.
I believe fit comes first specially if your going for bigger volume and therefore weight.

[bernieq]

Yes, packs are a very individual thing - like pillows

However, IM(nvH)O, Aarn packs are very good - you'll find lots of discussion on this site about their attributes.

My personal experience (I've had a Natural Balance since mid-2009 and done over 2500km with it) is all positive. I know, and frequently walk with, 8 other multi-day walkers (male and female) who have gradually converted to various models of Aarn pack. All, but one, are very happy indeed.

[Strider]

I will +1 for Aarn. I have a Guiding Light and will never go back to using an ordinary backpack. They are particularly good for hard-to-fit body types. Amazing stuff

Bernieq - OT I know, though can you elaborate why your friend is still unsatisfied with their Aarn?

[GPSGuided]

Fundamentally, the more you carry the more you should seriously consider Aarns for their benefits in weight distribution. But as all have said, go an try them out to see how each fits your body and specific needs.

[wayno]

they are all good packs, try them
the xenith is a heavier duty more padded version of the aether. xenith will be more comfy with a lot of weight but the pack itself is a bit heavier, its down to what you prefer.. i've used an aether, great pack.

[fradda]

Thanks for all of your replies... yes I will try them on this week and see how I go. I've looked into the Aarn on the forum so I think I will be heading up to Hornsby to have a look. Is there any other outlets that stock them in Sydney? Thanks again

[Mutley]

Don't forget to look at One Planet. The Strezleki is a bit heavy at 3 kgs, but it holds 80 litres, and the harness is endorsed by the chiropractors association. I too am built like a keg, and 49 yo at 5'8'. I find my Strezleki beautifully comfortable. But I am considering upgrading to a op WBA, at 2 kgs and 60 litre with the same harness. Pack choice very much depends on the type of bushwalking you intent to do. Open tracks may suit the osprey, aarn style of light nylon packs. If you are venturing off track or in thick scrubby or rocky conditions, a stronger pack may be needed.

[Strider]

Open tracks may suit the osprey, aarn style of light nylon packs. If you are venturing off track or in thick scrubby or rocky conditions, a stronger pack may be needed.

Depends which model Aarn you're referring to.

[RonK]

Open tracks may suit the osprey, aarn style of light nylon packs. If you are venturing off track or in thick scrubby or rocky conditions, a stronger pack may be needed.

He probably won't be doing much bush-bashing with a nine year old in tow.

[GPSGuided]

Kelly's in Brookvale is listed as a Aarn stockist but I have never seen them with any stock. So Hornsby is the only option. Ring first to see which models they have in stock.

[cajun]

I found the staff at Hornsby were very helpful esp as a noob. Happily recommend a trip there.

[Strider]

I bought mine sight unseen when I was living in Tassie and did a fitting with Tim at Backpackinglight via Skype. So its not always critical to try before you buy as they are designed to fit pretty much any person.

[photohiker]

Before you start thinking of carting a 90L pack around, how fit are you, and how long since you carried anything of weight on your back?

I'd be very reticent to re-start bushwalking with a heavy pack. My suggestion would be to start as light as you can. Buying a pack that will hold a lot of gear will probably mean you will pack a lot of gear, and your body and enjoyment of the hike will suffer as a result.

[GPSGuided]

Photohiker has a good point. Now, up budget and invest in UL or at least lighter gears.

[madmacca]

I agree with the point that Photohiker makes. Those pack sizes all seem extremely large.

I can get my gear and 14 days worth of food comfortably into a 75 l pack, and would only consider an 85 l pack if I was doing winter alpine expeditions.

A 50 l pack should do a weekender, and 60-65 l pack should do 4-7 days. You mention that you are carrying some gear for your son, so in your case 60-65 should do a weekender, and I can't see much reason to go beyond 75 even for a 7 day trip.

Large packs seem to offer more flexibility, but large packs require larger and more complex suspension systems, and become heavy in themselves. 2.5-3kg in the pack alone becomes heavy even before you have packed a single item of gear.

Ideally, your pack should be one of the last items you purchase, after you have all the rest of your gear dialled in. If you publish a gear list here, I am sure some people will give you some constructive ideas on what ways to lighten your load.

[icefest]

I agree with the point that Photohiker makes. Those pack sizes all seem extremely large.

I can get my gear and 14 days worth of food comfortably into a 75 l pack, and would only consider an 85 l pack if I was doing winter alpine expeditions.

A 50 l pack should do a weekender, and 60-65 l pack should do 4-7 days. You mention that you are carrying some gear for your son, so in your case 60-65 should do a weekender, and I can't see much reason to go beyond 75 even for a 7 day trip.

Large packs seem to offer more flexibility, but large packs require larger and more complex suspension systems, and become heavy in themselves. 2.5-3kg in the pack alone becomes heavy even before you have packed a single item of gear.

Ideally, your pack should be one of the last items you purchase, after you have all the rest of your gear dialled in. If you publish a gear list here, I am sure some people will give you some constructive ideas on what ways to lighten your load.

This must be balanced by how much money you wish to spend and how much you have already invested in your gear (and how much you care for your own health). Lighter is usually better. With kids gear that you are carrying lightness often isn't a huge problem as it is still rather small. 

The sizes that madmacca here proposes are a reasonable middle ground for an average baseweight with added weight from a second person. Personally I can go up to 10 days with a 52L pack, but that's the exception. I do not have a huge amount of spare room and adding an extra persons gear would max out my load at 2-3 days shorter trips.

[fradda]

Thanks everyone for such constructive views... as I have just started bushwalking again I agree with all your points... as far as weight goes I'd say I'm fit enough but could do better. I just did 26km kayak trip last weekend on a tandem with all my camping gear and my son hardly helped little bugger... I also MTB lover and enjoy a good bush ride so fitness isn't a real problem but I could be wrong. I want to spend my money right and spend it once, in my mind its easier for me to have a larger pack than a smaller one and get caught out needing more space. That is why the Aarn has detectable front pockets and just have the pack its self at 70l etc is the better option for me. Yet I want to get in to more challenging tracks with extended days. I will be going this week to check these packs and see how I go. Thanks again for all your views

[Strider]

You will never detach the Aarn balance pockets. Trust me.

[peregrinator]

I bought mine sight unseen when I was living in Tassie and did a fitting with Tim at Backpackinglight via Skype. So its not always critical to try before you buy as they are designed to fit pretty much any person.

"Which backpack" in which Topic?

Based on my experience so far with an Aarn pack, I'd totally agree with Strider's later post about not wishing to detach the pockets. The Aarn design is based on spreading the load between back and front, therefore the fact that the pockets are detachable is only a by-product. It's not the reason for this design choice.

I don't entirely agree with the comment in this message though. Seems to me that you got very lucky, Strider, buying sight unseen. There are several variables in getting the best fit. I started with Large torso length and Large hip belt, then went to Small hip belt. That made a significant difference to comfort. And all of that comes only after deciding which is the most appropriate model of backpack and pockets from the range. Tim and his team provide superb service for customers but it can take a bit of time to get set up. So while it is not critical to try before you buy, it may save a lot of hassle. Especially if you're not buying in Melbourne.

[puredingo]

Don't forget to look at One Planet. The Strezleki is a bit heavy at 3 kgs, but it holds 80 litres, and the harness is endorsed by the chiropractors association. I too am built like a keg, and 49 yo at 5'8'. I find my Strezleki beautifully comfortable. But I am considering upgrading to a op WBA, at 2 kgs and 60 litre with the same harness. Pack choice very much depends on the type of bushwalking you intent to do. Open tracks may suit the osprey, aarn style of light nylon packs. If you are venturing off track or in thick scrubby or rocky conditions, a stronger pack may be needed.

I'm starting to get a bit keggish myself...We should start a club, what would we call it?.....

[Strider]

I don't entirely agree with the comment in this message though. Seems to me that you got very lucky, Strider, buying sight unseen. There are several variables in getting the best fit. I started with Large torso length and Large hip belt, then went to Small hip belt. That made a significant difference to comfort.

I had a good chat with Tim over the phone before placing my order. I measured my back length but seemed to be in between the two sizes (which overlap BTW) and Tim told me most males are Large and most females are Small. I was sure I needed a larger hipbelt but Tim talked me into a medium and provided confidence with the offer to simply send down the correct size if it didn't fit correctly.

It is not just the Aarn product that allows online purchasing without trying on, but Tims knowledge of the product and service that strives for customer satisfaction.

[north-north-west]

I've been keeping quiet on this, but I have to agree - Tim at backpackinglight in Melbourne is about the most helpful and knowledgeable shop owner I've ever come across.
I also reckon the Aarn packs are brilliant, but if you start doing much scrub-bashing you'll want to get some sort of a cover - a basic home-made job out of Tyvek is fine - to protect it.

[photohiker]

I agree, getting the backlength correct is important, the hipbelt is adjustable and replaceable if you get the size wrong.

The pockets are great, but if lightly loaded then sometimes you just don't need them. For instance I've left them in my tent when off for a local walk from camp with just water and camera etc in the pack. (Peak Aspiration)

[peregrinator]

I don't entirely agree with the comment in this message though. Seems to me that you got very lucky, Strider, buying sight unseen. There are several variables in getting the best fit. I started with Large torso length and Large hip belt, then went to Small hip belt. That made a significant difference to comfort.

I had a good chat with Tim over the phone before placing my order. I measured my back length but seemed to be in between the two sizes (which overlap BTW) and Tim told me most males are Large and most females are Small. I was sure I needed a larger hipbelt but Tim talked me into a medium and provided confidence with the offer to simply send down the correct size if it didn't fit correctly.

It is not just the Aarn product that allows online purchasing without trying on, but Tims knowledge of the product and service that strives for customer satisfaction.

Now I understand. I didn't realise Tim's skills extended to a detailed briefing by telephone before you buy. And having a guaranteed exchange policy is of course essential.

Yes, it's the overlap between the sizes that makes it difficult to know which combination is best. I unthinkingly assumed that Large in one area meant Large in the other would be the best choice. Wrong.

[bernieq]

... but if you start doing much scrub-bashing you'll want to get some sort of a cover ...

I do a lot of scrub bashing, NNW, but my pockets have survived quite well (and no cover).

I've pushed through some extremely thick vegetation - from the 3m tall Daviesia near the Viking, thick untracked bush on the slopes of Square Head Jinny and kilometres through nigh-impenetrable Melaleuca and Richea scoparia in Tasmania (Western Arthurs, Falling Mountain, Southern Range) since 2009 and the pockets have handled the abuse very well.

Aarn pockets after 2,500km

P1020910.JPG (84.24 KiB) Viewed 12077 times

True, the reflective trim is worn and I’ve needed to do a bit of repair on the netting but the pockets are fine. (note re pic : same pockets, different lighting).

I agree that the material is not as robust, for example, as 1000d cordura – but it is sufficiently robust for the intended use.

[bernieq]

Bernieq - OT I know, though can you elaborate why your friend is still unsatisfied with their Aarn?

She is particularly slim and has trouble with the waist-belt across/over the crest of the iliac - it rubs and causes bruising.

We've tried various adjustments and It works better than 'normal' packs - but still an issue.

[north-north-west]

... but if you start doing much scrub-bashing you'll want to get some sort of a cover ...

I do a lot of scrub bashing, NNW, but my pockets have survived quite well (and no cover).

Yeah,mine have survived, but obviously I'm a lot harder on my gear than you, because they're a bit more tattered than yours. Still mostly coping, though.

... thick untracked bush on the slopes of Square Head Jinny...

You're the only person I've ever met or talked to who has also done that. It's a nice little bit of rock, isn't it? Did you go up or down?

[bernieq]

You're the only person I've ever met or talked to who has also done that. It's a nice little bit of rock, isn't it? Did you go up or down?

At the risk of hijacking the thread, yes it's a good bit of fun. We went down (Jan 2013 – a group of 10, 7 with Aarn packs). We’ve been up and down Helicopter Spur a few times previously so wanted a bit of variation.
The second half, pushing all the way down to the Howqua River, was slow going - topped off with blackberries at the bottom.

[bernieq]

Just remembered that I wrote a trip report for the SHJ walk : viewtopic.php?f=46&t=12345