Finding a pack that works for you is important. Hiking with a pack that's uncomfortable or the wrong fit, is going to make you feel miserable. If you're going to splurge on a piece of gear, this is it.
Other sources will tell you that you should purchase your pack at an outfitter, so you can try it on to make sure that it fits right and is comfortable. However, unless you live in an outdoor mecca, it's going to be difficult to find an outfitter with a wide selection of packs available. I would recommend going to an outfitter to find the right size and fit. Then you can order online if you like. At the very least, make sure you're ordering from a website that will allow you to make returns.
I'm pretty convinced that that I'll be purchasing the new Osprey Aura 65 for my thru-hike. In addition to the sleek look and pretty color options, this pack has some great features. While it comes in sizes from small to large, you can also adjust the harness and hipbelt to make a perfect fit. Osprey is also known for their extremely comfortable hipbelts. The downsize is that there isn't a pocket for large water bottles, so you either have to get a hydration reservoir or use smaller water bottles. Osprey packs are also more pricey, so you'll probably be spending between $200-$250.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/
Osprey has great customer service who know what they're talking about and seem to be real hikers.
Kelty is another reliable brand that has great packs. My first pack was a Kelty, and after 250 miles of hiking and a trip to England, I haven't had any problems with it. It's been comfortable, durable, and easily fits all of my gear. Kelty has a new Agile Series of packs that have great ventilation and suspension systems. You can easily store your hydration reservoir or use the large side pockets for your water bottles. The downside is that the harness isn't adjustable, so be sure to measure your torso length and check out the size chart before you order. Kelty is a bit more reasonably priced than the Osprey. You'll probably be able to find a great pack for around $150.
http://www.kelty.com/default.aspx
Kelty is another brand with great customer service from real hikers.
Another well-known brand is North Face. I've never actually met anyone who owned a North Face pack and was happy with it, but there are some great reviews online. Most North Face packs seem to have an adjustable harness and good ventilation on the back panel, which are great features. For the high price of these packs, I think they should be a little more lightweight. Prices range from $140- $270, so you can still shop in your price range.
http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/index.html
Other notable brands are:
Gregory
Black Diamond
REI
If you're not set on a specific brand, and you just want to shop around and compare prices and styles, REI is also great for that along with Altrec and Backcountry. These websites offer great discounts, so you can find a pack priced anywhere from $80- $500.
Other sources will tell you that you should purchase your pack at an outfitter, so you can try it on to make sure that it fits right and is comfortable. However, unless you live in an outdoor mecca, it's going to be difficult to find an outfitter with a wide selection of packs available. I would recommend going to an outfitter to find the right size and fit. Then you can order online if you like. At the very least, make sure you're ordering from a website that will allow you to make returns.
I'm pretty convinced that that I'll be purchasing the new Osprey Aura 65 for my thru-hike. In addition to the sleek look and pretty color options, this pack has some great features. While it comes in sizes from small to large, you can also adjust the harness and hipbelt to make a perfect fit. Osprey is also known for their extremely comfortable hipbelts. The downsize is that there isn't a pocket for large water bottles, so you either have to get a hydration reservoir or use smaller water bottles. Osprey packs are also more pricey, so you'll probably be spending between $200-$250.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/
Osprey has great customer service who know what they're talking about and seem to be real hikers.
Kelty is another reliable brand that has great packs. My first pack was a Kelty, and after 250 miles of hiking and a trip to England, I haven't had any problems with it. It's been comfortable, durable, and easily fits all of my gear. Kelty has a new Agile Series of packs that have great ventilation and suspension systems. You can easily store your hydration reservoir or use the large side pockets for your water bottles. The downside is that the harness isn't adjustable, so be sure to measure your torso length and check out the size chart before you order. Kelty is a bit more reasonably priced than the Osprey. You'll probably be able to find a great pack for around $150.
http://www.kelty.com/default.aspx
Kelty is another brand with great customer service from real hikers.
Another well-known brand is North Face. I've never actually met anyone who owned a North Face pack and was happy with it, but there are some great reviews online. Most North Face packs seem to have an adjustable harness and good ventilation on the back panel, which are great features. For the high price of these packs, I think they should be a little more lightweight. Prices range from $140- $270, so you can still shop in your price range.
http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/index.html
Other notable brands are:
Gregory
Black Diamond
REI
If you're not set on a specific brand, and you just want to shop around and compare prices and styles, REI is also great for that along with Altrec and Backcountry. These websites offer great discounts, so you can find a pack priced anywhere from $80- $500.
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