backpacks?

[Holt]

If you were buying a new pack, what would you buy and why?
I have looked at Osprey and there is a few different ones I like
Raptor
Talon
Escapist
Syncro

Also looked at Ergon?

want to use for hiking/biking. It will get first use on AZT

[murf]

I just bought a flash 18 from rei for $34 super light weight but does not have a ton of pockets.it hasn't been delivered yet so I can only comment on price and the marketing info on the site.

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[Stevland]

I've been riding with a Hornet 24 and been really happy with it. Another guy that we rode with on the Coconino 250 last fall had one as well. It's super lightweight and plenty of room. If you're happy with the volume it beats out the Raptor, Talon, and Syncro imo.

Another guy I ride with likes the Camelbak Octane. That one might be worth looking into as well.

[Done]

Check out Wingnut's packs too. I absolutely LOVE mine for riding. So comfortable, incredible ventilation, lightweight. http://www.wingnutgear.com/

[NT]

Love my camelbak octane. Expandable size and most of the volume sits low and around waist, somewhat similar to the wingnut design (which I'd like to try). Belt pockets are nice too.

[AnatolyG]

If you were buying a new pack, what would you buy and why?

Raptor

want to use for hiking/biking. It will get first use on AZT

I have an Osprey Raptor 14 I picked up on sale. I really like the quality and build of Osprey packs, and this one is no different. Sweet back pannel really helps w/ a hot back, the reservoir design is AWESOME -- I've even used the reservoir in other bags with success -- the reservoir has a sheet built into it, so it gives structure to the bag, but doesn't weigh much. The on/off valve is easy to use and works well. Plenty of room inside the bag, including a stretch front pocket, a small keys/tools compartment, and a larger clothes compartment.

The bag is very comfortable -- wide straps, unpadded hip belt and plenty of ways to synch the bag so it doesn't flap around.

No really big downsides, it's a little pricey, but you can find it on sale.

This is now my favorite daypack - for hiking and most importantly for bikepacking.

[JRA]

I've never really warmed up to wearing a backpack cycling, though sometimes it's a necessity.
I have the Osprey Talon 22 and it works great for hiking.  It works well on the bike too.

[Colorado Cool Breeze]

For bikepacking and hiking I really like the Aarn packs.
This is a Marathon 22 it is perfect for the light bulky stuff like sleeping bag, coat, etc.
I don't use the front balance pockets when peddling but carry them because I've been know to stash the bike and
hike a little.

[jbphilly]

I just bought a flash 18 from rei for $34 super light weight but does not have a ton of pockets.it hasn't been delivered yet so I can only comment on price and the marketing info on the site.

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I use this pack. It's probably the cheapest of the options discussed, only weighs 10oz, rolls up real tiny, and is quite comfy. I recommend it.

[JRA]

I use this pack. It's probably the cheapest of the options discussed, only weighs 10oz, rolls up real tiny, and is quite comfy. I recommend it.

I use one for backpacking.  Turn it inside-out and it doubles as a stuff sack for a sleeping bag or other gear. 

[wisaunders]

I have one of these that I really like.  I returned my Flash 18 because it was a little too small.  The extra space comes in handy when needed and the draw cords around the sides really cinch it down tight.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/vaude-rock-ultralight-25-backpack-internal-frame~p~4184w/



Wow!  That image is huge!

[murf]

That looks nice.while I've yet to use my flash 18 , the first thing I started to think about was what can I sew onto this to take up the slack when its not stuffed completely. ..kinda wish I saw the Sierra pack first 

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[Holt]

Glad to see all the replies. Its nice to see some other brands I didn't know about. I have a 13 year old Mountain Smith bikepack that is well used. I like it and it has held up well but compared to modern packs it is heavy, bulky and no water bladder. I have used a C-back bladder in it but it moves around to much for long events. Its time for something new. I am leaning to the Raptor. I went to REI and checked it out in person, seems good.

[evdog]

I have the Osprey Manta 30.  Has a bit more capacity than the Raptors or any other series I looked at. I also liked that it had a good range of small and large pockets to keep things organized.  I have used it constantly since last fall and it is holding up well.  Unfortunately I think they're discontinued, though you may still be able to order online.  I'm sure Osprey will have something good to replace it with.  Edit...they have some new Mantas (28 and 36) this year.  All is good....

I have used Wingnut in the past also.  They are really high capacity compared to what you might expect, and very light.  But with that light weight I found they were not as durable as I would like, with hip belt pulling out and the main zipper failing.   

[stumpyfsr]

Im a big Osprey fan, but Columbia Mobex (Titanium series) is really worth to check. Backpack specifically designed for bikepacking. I've got one at TJ Max for $50 and really happy with it. For a one-day rides I use smaller Camelback or Osprey, depends on season.
http://www.columbia.com/The-Mobex-%7C-Product-Spotlight/Pinnacle_Product-Mobex,default,pg.html

[phil_rad]

I'm not a big fan of riding with backpacks but sometimes it is necessary, so when I do us one it's an Osprey Talon 22. Sometimes I take this with me.

http://www.seatosummit.com/products/display/162

Not the most comfortable pack but packs up super small and works in a pinch.

[wisaunders]

Well, I just ordered another backpack with the backcountry 20% off coupon code (SAVE20).  This pack will allow me to go from pedaling to paddling without having to transfer my items in the pack that can't get wet to a dry sack as it is a dry sack itself.  Only 11.3 oz is a plus too.

Outdoor Research DryComp Summit Sack

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-research-drycomp-summit-sack

[MartinFarrent]

@wisaunders: There's a frameless, 25 liter version of that Vaude Rock pack that weighs just 350g. Highly recommended.

[wisaunders]

@wisaunders: There's a frameless, 25 liter version of that Vaude Rock pack that weighs just 350g. Highly recommended.

I think that's actually the one that I have, but maybe not.  Mine had a molded plastic back frame that I removed.  I'm really happy with it.  

On another note, I ended up sending the Outdoor Research DryComp Summit Sack back as it did not provide for a secure way to carry the paddles that I need it for while on the bike.