Recommendation for overnight hiking backpack - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sfloriII · #1 07-29-2005, 09:23 PM

Hey guys/gals,

There's a good chance I'll be climbing Mt. Washington in September. Three days of hiking with two overnight campouts, either in a cabin or a tent.

Does anyone know of a good backpack for this kind of hike? I assume I'll be carrying a sleeping bag and tent as well. I do have a good day pack, but think it'll be too small for this type of hike.

Thanks!

MTI · #2 07-29-2005, 09:58 PM

You'll want something with a lightweight frame . . . is there an REI near you, or some other well stocked outdoors store?

MS Fowler · #3 07-29-2005, 10:01 PM

Please read the warnings posted about hiking Mt Washington! It truly is the " Most dangerous weather in the world" ( Google is great for this)
Not to discourage you, but be prepared for the worst. Many people, including experienced hikers, have died on that little hill because they did not have proper respect for how fast the weather can change there. Europeans and western US climbers are not impressed because of its low elevation--but that is a trap waiting to kill. Even though its peak is only 6288, that is more than 1000' above the tree line. People have died within a few feet of reaching a shelter, but couldn't see that far due to the poor visibility.
I was up there last month and the summit conditions were mid 80 degrees and winds at 3mph. On past trips with similar conditions at the base, conditions at the summit have been temps in the 30s and windspeeds in the 60 to 80 mph range.
It is an awesome place--if extremes of weather appeal to you. Just take all recommended safety tips.

Lebenz · #4 07-30-2005, 12:09 AM

All the state of the science stuff employs a so called internal frame except for the heaviest loads. The internal frame is a torso adjustable padded support complete with wide padded waist band. When done right an internal frame pack is a personally fitted device. When you get a good pack and pack it right, you’ll be able to carry better than 95% of the pack’s weight on your hips. Wtih a good pack, you'll only hardly notice it's there.

I recently looked at a bunch of packs, and here’s some recommendations

Overall size: this is the storage volume of the pack. A good multiple day pack is about 3000-4000 cubic inches.

Weight varies from about 3.5 to about 7 lbs. Don’t necessarily go for the lightest one as the often don’t have features such as extra pockets, tie down straps and sockets, and a lesser frame. Note that the worse the frame the more weight you carry on your shoulders.

Features: comes down to more verses less storage areas and tie down areas. I like lots of external pockets and tie down locations. Another biggie for some is an integrated hydration pack

My pack is a Jansport Rockies 2. I love it, and spend as much time in it as I can.

Here’s some good light to mid weight packs.

Osprey packs such as the Aether 60
Granite Gear packs such as the Acadia
REI packs such as the Morning Star
Jansport packs such as the Dharma

All the heavier weight stuff is for about 6000 cu which is more suitable for long trips.

Very important to have someone show you how to fit the pack and give some guidance as to how to pack it. It will save a lot of fidgeting time on the trail.

Also echo MS comments about being prepared. I always carry a complete set of rain gear, change of clothing and, well about 20 lbs of stuff in all, and that’s just for day trips.

sfloriII · #5 07-30-2005, 12:20 PM

Thanks, Guys,

I buddy of mine has hiked Mt. Washington many times and clued me in about the extreme weather. He's actually doing the climb again next week.

There are several REI's in my area. I'll go over there with the list of recommended packs in hand and see what they've got.

Thanks again!

sfloriII · #6 07-30-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lebenz

My pack is a Jansport Rockies 2. I love it, and spend as much time in it as I can.

Huh. Can't seem to find this bag on the net. Great reviews, but I don't even see it on Jansort's own website. Does it have a new name?

mzsmbs · #7 08-02-2005, 01:25 PM

did you find one Stefano? check out this Arc'Terix pack.. it's a bit large but if they make a 70L I'd look into it... super comfortable.. it's on my dream list..

and yeah, be smart when you're on washington.. beautiful but can be deadly... check out franconia notch (E. side, the flume too) if you have the time... super views and you could make a day hike of it.. always keep an eye out for escape routes.. there are many there...

have fun and i hope to see some pictures and your impressions..

Lebenz · #8 08-02-2005, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfloriII

Huh. Can't seem to find this bag on the net. Great reviews, but I don't even see it on Jansort's own website. Does it have a new name?

Sorry, I missed yer comment.

It appears that the one I use has been discontinued.

These are good choices:

http://jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=3&pid=TK11

This is very similar to mine, same capacity, same design, only some minor aesthetic differences:
http://jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=3&pid=T239

Lebenz · #9 08-20-2005, 12:56 PM

REI is having a good sale on packs and other stuff....

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8001&query=*&cat=22000001&page_size=100&group=2.0&

mzsmbs · #10 08-20-2005, 01:06 PM

i wish their store was closer then 200mi away..

for cheap gear check out the sierratradingpost

Stefano, is this still on? and are you ready?

mzsmbs · #11 08-20-2005, 01:13 PM

http://www.mountwashington.com/

http://www.mountwashington.org/

sfloriII · #12 08-20-2005, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the info and links!

Yeah, the trip is still on, but I'm waffleing on whether to go or not. We weren't able to get more than three people including me interested. Plus, I may be buying some investment property in the next few weeks and am a bit freaked out about taking time off for doing the hike. I work for myself, so I don't get paid vacations.

I should know in the next few days. A work-buddy of mine just got back from hiking it last week and said it was great!

Kuan · #13 08-20-2005, 09:26 PM

What do you mean waffling? Go do it! You sit around waiting for some other time to do it and whaddayknow 15 years later you still haven't done it.

mzsmbs · #14 08-21-2005, 04:43 AM

yeah, i have to agree with Kuan on this 100%.. just do it.. swoosh..

listen to your friend and believe me.. the place is really something.. can't remember if i mentioned the mt. washington cog railway but check that out.. and the mt. washington hotel is a sight to be hold and it's on the north/east side too..

and here to intice you even more are some links:

http://www.thecog.com/
http://www.mt-washington.com/autoroad/

this area is not that far and it's a grand drive from Pinkham, for sure:
http://www.franconianotch.org/
http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/whites/franconia.html
http://www.franconianotchstatepark.com/oldman.html
http://www.flumegorge.com/

poke around Dartmouth's pages.. they have a super strong outing club.. know the area well.. Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is also taking care of huts and trails. http://www.outdoors.org/ (their site loads super slow and sometimes it needs multiple tries.. it could be just me though)

Lebenz · #15 08-21-2005, 11:27 AM

Go for it Stefano! Hiking is the coolest. If you don’t go you’ll probably regret that you didn’t.