Check out
McHale Packs
. I've had mine for 10 years now and it hardly shows any where. They are pricey and a little on the heavier side, but you do get what you pay for and I expect this thing to outlast myself. It also is the most comfortable pack I have ever owned.
Thanks for the link on McHale, pretty interesting, well thought out packs. Their site is a bit cluttered with info, similar to a good small motors shop that has everything you need, only if you can find it. It's great to see a local place making outdoor gear.
They cover the longevity criteria which is important to the overall purpose of Lernr's post...a pack that can survive the rigors and test of time. Not one that sits in the closet and is pulled out once a year for ten years.
Good topic Lernr, I always like to see what people favor.
It would be better if posters would say why they like their pack of choice in particular to their needs. A post that says, "Such and such pack (add Link) is the best pack ever, hands down." is kind of meaningless unless there is some sort of credible info to support the case of why it is the best for your needs. I will determine if those needs apply to mine.
The problem with getting a pack that covers all the bells and whistles is that it gets heavy. Companies who design packs realize that weight, in most all cases, overrides needs especially in a daypack. It's hard to sell a "Homermobile" that weighs 5-6lbs for day hikes.
I have a pile of packs I don't use, but fear selling them.
This years best buy for me is the Camelback Hellion pack.
I consider it a daypack or long daypack.
It says it's a 1478in (24L), but it packs like a 1900in. It weighs almost 3# with padded back. I got it on Steep and Cheep for like $49 with shipping.
Waterproof zips, mostly water resistant, but I have had stuff get wet from the pack sitting on the snow and the shovel sleeve tends to hold snow. Water bottle sleeve with compression strap to hold bottle top on opposite side of shovel holder.
I can put goggles, glasses, warm hat, winter gloves, 2 pair spring gloves, R1 Large sweater, down coat, gore jacket and pants, lunch, snacks, 1st aid, tools, wind shirt and vest all in there, probe goes into your choice of two sleeves. Two T-handle zips that access pack, NOT a top loader.
Shovel handle attaches outside with sleeve on outside I can sneak the wet skins under the shovel and use a compression strap to hold them, room for ice ax and loops with built in compression straps to carry skis vert or a retractable loop to load skis crosswise. Snowboard friendly too.
Classic Camelback 100oz water that loads on back; I recommend putting water in first before stuffing the pack. Water tube stays clear for most my hiking in cold temps last season. It can be a bit bulky on the RT shoulder strap, especially when slinging skis on the shoulder. Hard to define what side of the water tube to carry the skis.
Shoulder straps have a strap design that attaches it to the pack so they they are easy to flip over to access the water compartment. Shoulder straps are comfortable and cinch up simply a Velcro tie on keeps straps from dangling.
A lined goggle zipped area, I never use for goggles, but other stuff. There are two compartment in the main storage area. One hydration type sleeve that I carry maps, tools, 1st aid, headlamp, light gloves and the main baggage area for probe and all the other clothing and food.
MP3 player holds my snacks and there is a small lined pouch on the waistbelt that can hold sunscreen or mp3 player.
When the shovel is on and the pack is loaded the cross ski carry is a little bulky but still works, I would A-frame if I need to carry long term when approaches melt out.
Overall a great pack, especially for the price paid.
I have made many purchases based on price that would have been better to spend more cash and gotten something more comfortable.
But this is a great pack and value rated 5 stars (out of 5).
There is a womans version (Muse) for those with smaller frames, but the shovel handle holder is excluded, no waist belt pocket, but all the other features.
I think it's an awesome deal even if I paid double the price, I would endorse it to any one who needs an effective day or day extended pack. departmentofgoods.com carries both models if you are interested.
