Doug, I think you’re channel is starting to be the best overall backpacking channel for the everyday guy. You provide the best info on gear...not the specs you can read on your own, but knowledge about the gear. Well done!
Excellent advice, Doctor. I purchased an REI New Star years ago. It weighed a ton, could carry beer and gear for great outings in the days when I only cared about carrying as much as I could. I've gotten a lot smarter in my old age, and now the New Star belongs to my son! Your hard work is paying off with some great videos.
Great advice, much the same advice we give in our shop when helping fit new backpackers. My first pack was a North Face Badlands internal frame pack I got around 1995. At the time it worked great dealing with our average loads of around 40 pounds. It was obvious very different then my current Osprey exos 58 and my current load of around 20 pounds. Keep up the great work!
Good information. I have the Osprey Atmos AG50 as well. It’s bulletproof. I love it. The suspension is great too. Load it up and hike all day no problem.
Really well done video Doug! I think going through a ton of packs is a right of passage...at least that is what I've kept telling myself. I'm finally down to three and really happy with them!
I have been using a Deuter backpack and since 3 years a lightweight Zpack. But somewhere I still have an old one with the frame outside... 😁 Have a great day!
Wow. This was amazing content. This would have been helpful back in 2005 when I started backpacking. I finally came up with the atmos 50 AG and it carried well on my 5 day trip in the Himalayas.
My first pack was 85L bought on a whim on sale from REI. I still use it for slack packing but it is utterly useless for long distance at my range of fitness!! This video was well thought out and put together. I've been tagged to do a 5 tips for beginners and I am currently over thinking that since I feel I am still just a novice myself! 😀
Excellent video as always, Doug. I never met a backpack I didn't like, which probably why I own a dozen plus. I don't even need much of an excuse anymore. My last purchase was a month ago, the Osprey Daylite Plus. I started hiking the list of 100 NH Fire Towers Past & Present and decided I needed something smaller than my current smallest pack(26L) and the Daylite Plus was only 20L. Besides, Osprey has discontinued it and REI has it on sale currently for $47. How could I not buy it. Oh, and yes, it is a great little pack.
Can you recommend which type of back would be best for a big guy? As a big guy everything I carry will be heavier than smaller folks. I am considering an external frame pack. What do you think?
First, I would make sure you can try on the packs (fitted correctly and with weight - preferably your actual loadout). You'll need to do this for longer than you have in the store, so if you buy online make sure you can return! Second, I am not a heavy pack guy - but I will make some suggestions based on what I've researched in the past. Note that links may not go to your size pack, so make sure you get a good torso measurement (ruclips.net/video/vNBZyh8a-2Q/видео.html) and know how it relates to each brand. (I went with 65L for each one for easier comparison but most have multiple volumes available.) One of the best internal frame packs for heavy loads is the Gregory Baltoro - 65L crazy full function 4.8 lbs - $300 ($240 at Moosejaw - bit.ly/3gNLvxv). I'd compare it to the Osprey Aether AG 65L crazy cool suspension and padding 4.5 lbs. - ($270 on Amazon - amzn.to/3lu5Zgp). As to external frames, I don't know a ton about new ones but brand wise I trust Kelty and their classic looking 5.5 lb. Trekker 65 looks sweet ($160 on Amazon - amzn.to/3EqVF1d). I'd also look at the ALPS Mountaineering Zion. It's just under 5 lbs. and very inexpensive! ($147 on Amazon - amzn.to/3CibHbU). The gold standard for heavy carrier packs, though, is Mystery Ranch. Definitely a "Buy Once, Cry Once" situation - but if you want the best, this is it: the 5.5 lb. Terraframe 65 ($400 on Amazon - amzn.to/3nDqxWf). I hope this helps! (And using the links helps my channel at no cost to you!)
Believe it or not I've only been able to take it on one trip since I first did the video. With covid and everything I only got in one backpacking trip with it ibefore everything started shutting down. It performed well! I am in the middle of some new pack reviews so that one will be included!
@@BackcountryPilgrim Thanks. I've seen plenty of unboxing type reviews of this pack, and it catches my interest, but long-term use reviews are hard to come by. At least anything published within the last 3 years using the latest version. I was in the Boy Scouts in the 70's and those 40-50 pound packs traumatized my young teen body, so I'm all about comfort these days. :)
I hate back pack shopping as much as I do shoe shopping and for the same reason. They don't think that big guys do Outdoors or anything else for that matter....
What was your first backpack? How did it work out?
Wow! Super clear and concise. Every beginner backpacker should watch this. Nice job!!!
Thank you! I try! :)
Doug, I think you’re channel is starting to be the best overall backpacking channel for the everyday guy. You provide the best info on gear...not the specs you can read on your own, but knowledge about the gear. Well done!
Wow thanks Mark! That means a lot!
Excellent! Perfect advice Doug. Your videos in this series are spot on. Well done my friend. Crow✌️
Thanks Crow! I am really enjoying making this series!
Excellent advice, Doctor. I purchased an REI New Star years ago. It weighed a ton, could carry beer and gear for great outings in the days when I only cared about carrying as much as I could. I've gotten a lot smarter in my old age, and now the New Star belongs to my son!
Your hard work is paying off with some great videos.
Thanks Chico! one of these days we'll have to meet up in upper park (if it isn't overrun like lower yet...)!
Proud of this channel.
Thanks brother!
I wish someone had gone through pack info like that when I was starting (pre RUclips). Nice job.
Thank you!!!
Great advice, much the same advice we give in our shop when helping fit new backpackers. My first pack was a North Face Badlands internal frame pack I got around 1995. At the time it worked great dealing with our average loads of around 40 pounds. It was obvious very different then my current Osprey exos 58 and my current load of around 20 pounds. Keep up the great work!
Well that was about when I bought my first one so maybe that was common back then! :) Thanks!!!
Great video Doug! Now I have a series to refer people to when they want to know how to get started!
Thank you!!! Got a few more to put out over the next few months. :)
Good information. I have the Osprey Atmos AG50 as well. It’s bulletproof. I love it. The suspension is great too. Load it up and hike all day no problem.
Yeah it's a bomber pack for sure!
Really well done video Doug! I think going through a ton of packs is a right of passage...at least that is what I've kept telling myself. I'm finally down to three and really happy with them!
For sure! I think I am finally at my favorite 3....or 4....right now too haha!
Well said! I shared this with a friend who wants to get into backpacking!
Great! Thank you!
This is fantastic information!!! Thank you so much!!!
You bet, thanks for watching!
Nice comprehensive review Doug. 👍
Thank you! I appreciate your comments!
I have been using a Deuter backpack and since 3 years a lightweight Zpack. But somewhere I still have an old one with the frame outside... 😁 Have a great day!
I live my Deuter day pack!
Wow. This was amazing content. This would have been helpful back in 2005 when I started backpacking. I finally came up with the atmos 50 AG and it carried well on my 5 day trip in the Himalayas.
That is awesome! Thanks!
@@BackcountryPilgrim you’re welcome.
Hello my friend, backpacks are so hard to figure out and they are so expensive. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.
Yeah I am hoping to save people time and money with this important decision. :) Thanks for your comment and you keep going too!
My first pack was 85L bought on a whim on sale from REI. I still use it for slack packing but it is utterly useless for long distance at my range of fitness!! This video was well thought out and put together. I've been tagged to do a 5 tips for beginners and I am currently over thinking that since I feel I am still just a novice myself! 😀
Mmy second pack was a 90+ lol. I dont know what the outfitters thought I'd be doing hahaha.
Excellent video as always, Doug.
I never met a backpack I didn't like, which probably why I own a dozen plus. I don't even need much of an excuse anymore. My last purchase was a month ago, the Osprey Daylite Plus. I started hiking the list of 100 NH Fire Towers Past & Present and decided I needed something smaller than my current smallest pack(26L) and the Daylite Plus was only 20L. Besides, Osprey has discontinued it and REI has it on sale currently for $47. How could I not buy it. Oh, and yes, it is a great little pack.
All sound great!
Awesome info
Thanks!
Can you recommend which type of back would be best for a big guy? As a big guy everything I carry will be heavier than smaller folks. I am considering an external frame pack. What do you think?
First, I would make sure you can try on the packs (fitted correctly and with weight - preferably your actual loadout). You'll need to do this for longer than you have in the store, so if you buy online make sure you can return!
Second, I am not a heavy pack guy - but I will make some suggestions based on what I've researched in the past. Note that links may not go to your size pack, so make sure you get a good torso measurement (ruclips.net/video/vNBZyh8a-2Q/видео.html) and know how it relates to each brand. (I went with 65L for each one for easier comparison but most have multiple volumes available.)
One of the best internal frame packs for heavy loads is the Gregory Baltoro - 65L crazy full function 4.8 lbs - $300 ($240 at Moosejaw - bit.ly/3gNLvxv). I'd compare it to the Osprey Aether AG 65L crazy cool suspension and padding 4.5 lbs. - ($270 on Amazon - amzn.to/3lu5Zgp).
As to external frames, I don't know a ton about new ones but brand wise I trust Kelty and their classic looking 5.5 lb. Trekker 65 looks sweet ($160 on Amazon - amzn.to/3EqVF1d). I'd also look at the ALPS Mountaineering Zion. It's just under 5 lbs. and very inexpensive! ($147 on Amazon - amzn.to/3CibHbU).
The gold standard for heavy carrier packs, though, is Mystery Ranch. Definitely a "Buy Once, Cry Once" situation - but if you want the best, this is it: the 5.5 lb. Terraframe 65 ($400 on Amazon - amzn.to/3nDqxWf).
I hope this helps! (And using the links helps my channel at no cost to you!)
Have you done a post-hike review of the Atmos AG 50? Maybe I missed it? How is it working out for you? Thanks.
Believe it or not I've only been able to take it on one trip since I first did the video. With covid and everything I only got in one backpacking trip with it ibefore everything started shutting down. It performed well! I am in the middle of some new pack reviews so that one will be included!
@@BackcountryPilgrim Thanks. I've seen plenty of unboxing type reviews of this pack, and it catches my interest, but long-term use reviews are hard to come by. At least anything published within the last 3 years using the latest version. I was in the Boy Scouts in the 70's and those 40-50 pound packs traumatized my young teen body, so I'm all about comfort these days. :)
It's hands down the most comfortable pack I've ever worn. I think it's well worth the extra couple pounds unless you're really trying to go light!
I hate back pack shopping as much as I do shoe shopping and for the same reason. They don't think that big guys do Outdoors or anything else for that matter....
Ugh that sucks! What packs / companies have you found that cater to the big dudes?