Looking for a new backpack

[Tater]

Ok, I'm looking for a new backpack for hiking. I have a Cabelas Alaskan II that works great but it's a little on the heavy side even empty. I mainly got it for hunting to pack my gear in and to use the external frame to haul out a kill (if I ever make one) I'm looking for one a little lighter for strictly hiking. I really have no preference on the frame type (external or internal), I don't need loops for ice axes or shovels. My only real need is for it to be able to hold around 40-45 lbs; yeah, I overpack. I'm looking at trips of just a couple nights with the possibility of trips 3 or 4 nights but no much more and I'm not super worried about the price though I'd like to keep it around $200 if possible. I'll pay a little extra for something I know will last. Anyway, if you have any suggestions I'm open. I also prefer personal experience to "I read in a magazine" Thanks for any input

[270man]

Tater,

I can be considered a pack "gearhead" myself, and have spent lots of time (and gone through several "day" packs) before settling on what I now have. I continue to check the stores and catalogs regularly to see what newfangled things are being sold. There are a number of packs out there that might fill your needs. The two we have, while not that old, are no longer being made. For years I used the old camo daypacks that you can find at Wally World and everywhere else. They are cheap, but they are also too small and all the weight hangs from the shoulders.

A hunter's guide published by the Alaska Fish & Game people recommends that hunter's day packs be no smaller than 2000 cubic inches in capacity. As you get closer to 3000 cu-in, you get back in the full backpack area. Be sure to look for a pack that has a supportive hip belt (not just a waist strap). For me, the limit is 20-25 pounds for unsupported weight on my shoulders, and it almost always exceeds that number when I'm big game hunting. Bigger volume allows you to stash cold weather clothing when the weather warms up in afternoons. My packs do not have easy access to water bottles and that feature is a plus. Of course, you can use those hydration bladders (with sip tubes) with most packs. Another thing I don't have on my packs, but would like, are some small compartments that provide easy access to folding knives, GPS, laser rangefinder, etc. I've only seen one pack of this type with external frame. Most have internal staves that stiffen the pack but let it ride closer to your body. It's your choice. Finally, watch out for side pockets that are so big that they interfere with your rifle when it is slung over the shoulder.

With your $200 maximum cost, you should have no problem getting a great pack. Please keep us posted and let us know what you get.

270man

[buckhunter]

I got tired of my fanny packs falling down around my knees so I pretty much have relagated them to mistake pile. I did come across a big fanny type pack with shoulder straps and a waste support from Field and Stream at Dick's. Cost was about $45.00. Enough room for a good day trip however don't believe it would be big enough to haul sleeping bags, pots and pans etc. Used it a couple of times this year and it worked fine.

Not sure if thats what your looking for.

[Tater]

To clarify, I know what to look for in a backpack and what I want; I'm just looking for one that will hold the weight I need without falling apart