Jansport Katahdin 50

[Nuts]

Has anyone had an experience with this backpack? I'm trying to find some cheaper-end options for lighter weight (yet beginner friendly) gear for a friend who takes disadvantaged kids and has a limited budget.

I'd normally buy one (at this price) just to oogle.. but it's not something I have a place for.. General thoughts on the pack, does it have a frame or not? Suspect it doesn't given the materials/weight. Iv'e been gleaning the details and some reviews today and there's almost no mention. One reviewer said it had what seemed like ''a piece of cardboard' sewn in??

PS Or tips on another cheap option, with good padding, and solid materials (around 1kg/ 45-50L) (and cheap).

Thanks!

[Lamont]

I'm seeing this at about $130 Aus? You didn't provide a link so this is what I got from a search-all overseas.
As you asked -If that is the case my Osprey Talon 44 for sale on the Market page is about the same price has a proper wire frame, with a padded backpanel, has an adjustable torso and carries weight far better than the Jansport would. Weighs a tad over 1kg. The reviews I linked cover that. It is basically the size of the Granite Gear Crown "60 litre". What is cheap? If you have a better price on the Jansport obviously ignore this.

[wildwanderer]

Has anyone had an experience with this backpack? I'm trying to find some cheaper-end options for lighter weight (yet beginner friendly) gear for a friend who takes disadvantaged kids and has a limited budget.

I'd normally buy one (at this price) just to oogle.. but it's not something I have a place for.. General thoughts on the pack, does it have a frame or not? Suspect it doesn't given the materials/weight. Iv'e been gleaning the details and some reviews today and there's almost no mention. One reviewer said it had what seemed like ''a piece of cardboard' sewn in??

PS Or tips on another cheap option, with good padding, and solid materials (around 1kg/ 45-50L) (and cheap).

Thanks!

If its for use by kids and will see multiple uses then much better off getting a robust canvas pack. Otherwise your friend will be replacing/repairing the pack/s regularly. Yes they are heavish.. but I remember my days at school camps etc.. the packs were thrown, dragged and kicked.

If its for use by your friend..then he/she should still spend a bit more and get a higher quality pack. Cheap packs are fine if your only going to use a couple of times.. but if its going to be used regularly.. then worth spending more. or look around for second hand packs.

Suggestions (for teens)

http://wildernessequipment.com.au/detai ... de=Nullaki 55L $249RRP. Very robust but 2.6kg

https://www.oneplanet.com.au/product/pa ... vershadow/ 50L $349 1.5kg. Slightly less robust but much lighter weight. More expensive.

[Nuts]

Oh I see. Iv'e seen $50US mentioned at sales. I should get them at around $110 au delivered through a regular source (though I haven't tried around other vendors yet).
I like Osprey packs. See the Talon at around $160au? She'll need 6/8 packs. I did like the heavy material and layout of the Jansport but thanks for the Talon tip. I'll keep it in mind.

[Nuts]

Thanks Wildwanderer. Something like that Overshadow would be my choice (for teens and longevity) but the budget really is limited. At the moment it's also an exercise in keeping the weight down (on the least possible budget).

[wildwanderer]

Why is the focus on keeping the weight down? If its teenage kids they are plenty strong. And if they are sharing tents/stoves etc then the weight is going to be lowish anyway.

[wildwanderer]

Check out this company https://www.titrading.com.au/tas/index.php

They make packs/gear for school cadets etc. Pack comes in 50L and 60L. Looks fairly light and robust. 900D nylon. Adjustable harness. Dont know if it has a frame or not though..
Can get them in black as well as the auscam colour.

This is their cataloge https://www.titrading.com.au/pdf/tas-complete.pdf

Video of pack - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTjijJeIb_k

Heavy duty 900D 2 coats PU fabric
UTX nylon buckles/ Heavy duty webbing
Dual compartment pack + top pocket
#10 zips
Heavy duty webbing with full MOLLE setup
Adjustable ladder harness
Limited lifetime warranty

Several companies retail them. Saw $89 for the 50L $100-110 for 60L. from https://www.tacticalforce.com.au/shop/p ... /1009.php#


Also check out https://www.caribee.com/collections/military-inspired. Carribee's made for Cadet stuff. Looks to be tough.

[Nuts]

There may be some physically challenged, but lightweight, just as it's a possibility.

Ok, there may be something among those links. Iv'e seen other army/scout institutional packs (including very cheap US stuff) though the emphasis is on durability (ie. they were heavy). I'll check them out though, they may be lighter in poly or nylon. Our (company) packs are heavy nylon and have held up for 6/7 yrs with little repair.

Thanks.

[Nuts]

I'm still keen to hear abt the Jansport frame and any other thoughts.

Maybe more of a longshot, and a bit over-budget, any thoughts on Summitgear (a pic of their harness/ the real V's listed capacity) ?

https://www.summitgear.com.au/summit-ge ... gJvu_D_BwE

[wildwanderer]

I'm still keen to hear abt the Jansport frame and any other thoughts.

Maybe more of a longshot, and a bit over-budget, any thoughts on Summitgear (a pic of their harness/ the real V's listed capacity) ?

https://www.summitgear.com.au/summit-ge ... gJvu_D_BwE

Summitgear pack looks robust and weight is reasonable. They are known for quality kit. Though Id be concerned about the 40L size. Kids dont usually have the funds to purchase compact sleeping bags/gear. So the pack may not be big enough.

Also did you see these?

65L 1.9kg framed pack. $129 https://www.caribee.com/collections/mil ... b=features

65 1.8kg framed pack. $169 (essentially a non cadet version of above but possibly a bit less robust as 100 grams lighter. More expensive also) https://www.caribee.com/collections/ruc ... b=features

[Nuts]

I think we are heading away from the ultralight forum

Yeah, they have some donated six moon shelters and other bits of lighter gear. For the purpose they should only need 40-50L

There's an early discussion of Summit Gear packs on here, I have seen them before, just not for a while, or this model.