I have a Kelty Coyote right now. It was a great first backpacking bag. It has seen me through a lot but the reality it that is doesn't fit very well anymore. I bought a mens pack because I don't have a very feminine figure and at the time I thought it would fit better after time. Now I am second guessing that decision. I will continue to use it for shorter backpacking trips, but it's not reliable enough to use for 5 months of brutal use. I try to be nice to my things, but I have always put everything I own through the ringer.
Really this is all a bit early. I want to decide on all my gear, weigh it, and see what I need then. A turtle doesn't choose it's home lightly.
-The trend is to use the Gossamer Gear Mariposa backpack. It runs around $235 with hip belt. It has build in pockets, removable frame, netting on the outside, and gets good reviews. In my size it is said to be 27oz (765g) and the carrying capacity is said to be as follows:
Capacity (Size Medium)
- 4,244 c.i. (69.5 l.) total
- 2860 c.i. (47 l.) in main pack body/extension collar
- 1384 c.i. (22 l.) in all 7 pockets combined
- 35 lb maximum carry capacity
The max carry weight is the thing that bothers me. I eat a lot of food and I don't have any weight to spare so I carry a lot of food. Meaning I will be carrying a pack that is over 35lbs at least a couple times on long stretches of trail.
-Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus runs about $195, 17oz (482g). Removable frame, built in pockets, hip belt with no pockets, netting on the outside, gets good reviews minus the no pockets on hip belt comments.
• Total Maximum Volume: 3100ci /50L main pack / 3500ci / 58L with filled extension collar
• Load Rating: 20-30 lbs is the recommended average max for all day comfort in any frameless pack
It is nice, but yet again the carry weight. At least the Exodus doesn't say max carry weight it's more along the lines of max comfort weight.
-Osprey Ariel 65. It's 72oz (S, 2041g) around $190-280, comfortable, and has a lifetime warranty. It can take a large load. But it is a bit heavier, has more zippers, and I hear it's weird to put your sleeping pad on the outside.
in small 3,783 cubic inches
-GoLite Women's Quest 65. It's $135, 58oz (1644g). Adjustable back, hip pockets, not sure how it works strapping the sleeping pad to the outside.
- Volume: 3965 in3, 65 L
- Maximum Recommended Load: 60 lbs, 28kg
-Granite Gear Crown VC 60 Ki. It's $199-230, 34oz (964g). 35lbs load capacity, no hip pockets. I hear they are durable and fairly comfortable.
-ULA Circuit. $225, 39oz (1106g). Max load weight 35lbs. Hip pockets, this padding everywhere, easily straps sleeping pad to the outside of the pack. Some hikers swear by this backpack.
