Backpack for winter camping

[KayakDan]

After several years of using my NF pack for winter,I really would like a bigger pack that would eliminate some of the gear strapped to the outside.
So here's what I would like.
5000cu in
seperate compartment for sleeping bag
pockets on hip straps(camera,gps etc)
lot's of elastic webbing for attaching
detachable top pack fpr daypack if possible
really comfortable load carrier-especially shoulders
and I would like the whole thing to come in under 6 lbs!

possible?recommendations?

 

[sli74]

Hey,

If I had more than one minute I would do the search for you and post the results but I don't so here is the website www.gearfinder.com

It has been very helpful to me in the past. Good Luck and let us know what you decide on . . .

sli74

 

[MEB]

I have been using a Dana Arcflex pack for the past 15 years or so and it has many of the features you have listed. The bottom section hold the sleeping bag but it can also be cinched-up from the inside so it can be used a day pack as well. The top does come off and can be used as a fanny pack. I done this a couple of times and it's not too hard to do. My favorite feature about this pack is the wet-rib. It's a pouch that attaches to the hip belt and and shoulder strap and is perfect for holding maps, snacks, camera, etc and a water bottle. As far as comfort I could not be happier. When I bought it the sales person helped my with the adjustments and fitting me with the right size waist belt. I'm not sure about the weight though...I think it might be a little on the heavy side. Also they are kind of pricey. Good luck.

 

[Gris]

Jansport Endeavor 8000 Pro ...?

 

[KayakDan]

Thanks for the responses. And Seema,thanks for the great link!
It's gotta be out there somewhere.

 

[giggy]

one of the bigger lowe alpine ones. I think the one I have is called the countour IV. - its about 5500-6000cui - I love their packs and have a couple one in different sizes. They don't break the bak either. I have never used a gregory or arcterx and it probably won't comptete with them, but they are very expensive.

never pay full price - check sierra trading post, campmor, etc..

I am hearing good things about the new EMS alpine expedition pack. Not sure on the size though.

 

[TCD]

Another place I would look is Mountain Equipment Co-op, www.mec.ca. They have a large variety of products, and a particularly excellent range of packs. The MEC branded packs are great bargains. The Serratus brnd is also very good for a moderate price. I have had a Serratus Icefall pack for about 15 years that I use for climbing gear year round. I've overloaded it, hauled it, and dropped it off cliffs. I can't kill it!

(Hey, Giggy, you borrowed my line "never pay full price - check sierra trading post, campmor, etc.." from another thread! Glad I could contribute!)

TCD

 

[dundare]

The Kelty 50th Anniversary Pack is an excellent choice. I think it combines the best of externals and internals.

It is 5900 cu, but with removable side pockets expands to 7900 cu and is under 5 pounds. I picked one up last year for use on longer backpacking trips (I dont get out on enough of these) and have only used it twice. I loved it. I carried 40 pounds on one trip and 37 on the other and it felt like I was carrying a daypack.

It has all the things you arel ooking for.

 

[bobmak]

Years ago when my knees were younger and my ambitions greater, I purchased a Dana Designs Astral Plane for mountaineering. It's a big pack (about 7000 c.i.) and a little on the heavy side (close to 8 lbs.) but you can literally fit everything inside. I have carried loads up to 80 lbs in this beast and it has never disappointed me. It's big enough to carry everything for a week in the winter, and everything (except maybe snow shoes) fits inside. Ton of features, including side zip access, separate sleeping bag compartment, big external pockets and ski/wand pockets. The hood becomes a very reasonable & comfortable but bag in the 1000 c.i. range for short day trips. And for longer day trips and summit attempts, you can remove the hood and collapse the sleeping bag compartment and make a very manueverable 3000-4000 c.i. day bag. I have always felt that it is more comfortable to carry an underfilled large pack than an overfilled small pack; it carries better in general and you have less opportunity for snags. The one man-band look with stuff hanging everywhere does nothing for me!

 

[Jasonst]

Love my Gregory Forester. Can't go wrong with Gregory...

 

[giggy]

hahaha - actually I didn't - that was a phrase I just rolled out - great minds think alike.

 

[Rick]

Years ago when my knees were younger and my ambitions greater, I purchased a Dana Designs Astral Plane for mountaineering. It's a big pack (about 7000 c.i.) and a little on the heavy side (close to 8 lbs.) but you can literally fit everything inside....

I got mine 4 years ago and am literally amazed at just how many stuffed animals you can fit into it when you are going backpacking with the little one in the back yard.

The one man-band look with stuff hanging everywhere does nothing for me!

I like the one man band comment - it's up there with Colin Fletcher's description of a pack with gear festooned about it...