A Lightweight Pack That Can Carry 50 LBS!? Big Agnes Parkview 63L

[@nael2770]

Aaaaannnndddd a year after this post and I got this pack from Big Agnes for around $125... so far, used for 1 backpacking trip (with total carry weight of around 35 lbs) and it was good and quite comfy.

[@Steve-WanderingMiles]

Great review I am a 21’ back After watching I changed my order to the ‘medium’ size This fits me perfectly. Many thanks for the ‘heads up’ Cheers 🍺

[@jamesparker6383]

I know that my ILBE is heavier but I'll be willing to bet that it will last longer.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Safe bet

[@67L48]

Excellent review. Trying to decide between this and the Mountain Hardwear PCT pack. Reviews are pretty scarce, so I appreciate you taking the time to walk through the features and flaws.

[@tryharder3214]

Which one did you get? I'm between PCT , Parkview and Paragon 58. Thanks!

[@67L48]

​@@tryharder3214 I got the Parkview because it went on some ridiculous closeout sales. I ended up grabbing one for $105. I figured that it should be plenty good for that price -- and, at that price, there weren't really any other competitors. It's been sitting in my closet for about 3 months now, so I can't talk about how it's performed. I will say that GT's advice to size down was good. I am a long-torso 5' 11" and went with the Medium. Fits me like a glove. Most of the bad press on this pack was due to the launch price of $300. That quickly came down to $250, but it was still a hard sell. I just looked an as of 23-Sep, 2024, the Parkview can be had for $125 on BA's website. I just don't know if you can get much better at that price. Is it the best ~60L pack? No, probably not. Is it the best ~60L pack at $125 or less? Probably.

[@67L48]

@@tryharder3214 I swear I've tried to reply to this about 3 different times and the reply just never shows. I'll try again. I went with the Parkview 63 because it went on deep sales. I ended up buying it for $115 (I think) several months ago. As of this writing (Oct 2024), it's on sale at Big Agnes for $100. Even though my experience with backpacks is EXTREMELY limited, I can say with confidence that you probably won't ever find a better backpack for $100 than this one. As advertised, it runs big. I took the advice and ordered a M for my 5' 11", long-torso frame and it fits well. I think this pack fits a good compromise between weight and convenience. It has some organizational capabilities, but not a ton. I'd prefer more pockets/compartments, but those add weight. It's cavernous and fits all my gear easily. A 55L pack would probably be better for me. The padding is stiff, which has been a noted con of these packs. Ideally, this just means it will wear much better over time, but, out of the box, it's pretty stiff. The belts on these are always maddening to me. This is my third pack and they're all the same. I have a 33" waist and range between 32", 33" (if available), and 34" pant sizes, depending on brand/style. I'm 50 and not some flat-bellied guy. I'm 5' 11" and 180 lbs, so I'm carrying 5-10 lbs too much weight. With that said, the hip belt on this pack is pulled as tight as I can get it. Apparently, most pack manufacturers design around a target user who has a 44" waist. So, if you have a 30-32" waist, it'll be impossible to get the belt tight enough. I just don't get it. You can get belt extenders to go beyond the upper limit of a belt size; you cannot get belt reducers to go below the lower limit of a belt size. So, you should design smaller, not larger. You can fix "too small," but you cannot fix "too big." That's my biggest gripe: they let someone design the belt who was apparently 5' 9", 335 lbs and they designed it around their frame.

[@tryharder3214]

@@67L48 thanks for belt info. I’m 30-32 inch hips, so would be too small for belt. I got S/M Zulu 55, but it is too small for my torso. I’ll send it back and try to buy M/L sized one for cheap on sale. I found Osprey Levity used for 50$ and it is great UL bag, but for longer days I’ll get Zulu. I’m very thankful for your extended review and hope that you’ll enjoy your new pack for a bargain price! Cheers!

[@stephanmedlin7323]

I’m glad you liked your pack. I would suggest trying the ULA circuit

[@gideonstactical]

I'll check it out!

[@recycled3654]

Mine has a sizing issue too. I bought the Big Agnes Prospector 50L in the large size, which should be correct for my torso length. I think the pack is too long, I measured myself at least 3 times before ordering. Probably the biggest clincher is the belt is just too big as well, it also was "sagging azz". I made the pack work for me, by replacing the belt with another brand in a medium size. I used it this weekend, I got it dialed in pretty close right now, everything is functioning correctly. The new belt made it happen for me, though I need to fiddle with the side adjustments some more. I could now cinch the belt down tight where it needs to ride (with extra room to cinch down), then snug the shoulder straps so surface contact is even along my whole shoulder area. This pack is definitely factory spec oversized.

[@markinaus]

After your adjustments, do you like the Prospector 50L?

[@Nightknight159]

So weird, I had the exact same issue with my Gregory Baltoro pack. Messured at 21in torso got the large cause it was 20-22 inches. Had a MISERABLE 26 miles over 4 days on the trail cause the 20in setting was still way too long for me. Had to go to a medium which fits perfect. Pays to get your pack from a place that will exchange it apparently.

[@jacksteelo7989]

Im liking the vibe of this channel. I am considering those Rocky Talkies. Do they have a 4 pack at a discounted rate? Family man here.

[@gideonstactical]

Thank you so much really appreciate it. Hope the content is entertaining but also informative. I’ve use those rocky talkies so many times in crazy environments, and I’m always shocked that we’re able to communicate. The best was when we were about 2 miles away from each other in a bowl at a lake, and there was a ridge line with forest between us! believe you can get as many as you want for the 10% off or do two orders 👍

[@OrdinaryTrevor]

Great review. I am a tall guy (measured a 22" torso), so I went with the large. Hopefully it was the right choice!

[@THX5000]

Awesome review, sizing advice is helpful.

[@neemancallender9092]

Granite Gear Blaze 60 weighs 1 kg and will carry 50 lbs Excellent pack easy to pack with great side pockets

[@gregpeldo1313]

My Kuiu pro 5500 weighs 4.3 pounds and can handle 150lbs with a carbon fiber frame and the price, it better! Love the pack and put it through hell and back!!

[@gideonstactical]

Good stuff!

[@tengolengo]

Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 (3lbs 15oz) >150lbs weight limit.

[@AlexanderKaye-u3y]

and $650

[@tengolengo]

@@AlexanderKaye-u3y and made in the USA

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

McHale Custom Backpacks are by the best packs available. The only downside with McHale packs is the lack of molded foam, like the big corporate companies use. However if one is carrying large heavyweight loads then McHale has no competition.

[@johnnyquest5942]

Tell me more

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

@@johnnyquest5942 Well, I've had mine now for 22 year's, it's McHale's Super SARC packs, it's a internal frame pack, yet has a external like framework inside. Mountaineering is a difficult sport and there are 2 main principles that most mountaineers use, either extremely light and fast, or a siege like approach. I fall into the latter category, I've been climbing for over 30 years now and I have used many packs over the years, for myself the biggest challenge in finding a pack is one that actually fits a minus 40 degree sleeping bag. Take the Western Mountaineering sleeping bag or similar, when it's fully compressed it's size is quite large. Just the sleeping bag will typically take 1/2 the volume of a 60 litre pack, then there's food,clothing, stove, gas,water filter, ropes, gear, harness, etc. I've had this pack on Ranier, Denali, Hood, Trango Tower's, most of the 14 ers in conus, and elsewhere. It has the big #10 YKK zippers, and has 1000 Cordura, the volume can go from 4500 cubic inches to over 9000 cubic inches. The biggest advantage to this pack is it's unique swamy harness and shoulder harness, I can actually lower and raise the pack up and down my back about 4", without taking it off, just merely adjusting some webbing. Traveling up hill I can adjust the center of gravity higher to help in hiking, and lower it when descending the mountain. When I placed the order I had the option to have it made in Cordura or with Spectra, if I had chosen the Spectra it's weight would have been about 4lbs, however I chose the Cordura, which as it sits weights in about 7lbs. At the time of my order the Spectra was about a $500.00 upgrade. And it was a fairly experimental fabric. Today if I were to buy it again, I'd choose the Spectra fabric. My McHale pack is in a league of it's own, it's fantastic for week/ multiple weeks slogs through the back country while carrying large, heavy loads. However once I'm at the high camp, I switch out to a Lowe Alpine soft summit pack, which I use to summit with. It's tiny and lightweight, it weighs a few ounces and is about 1000 litres maybe. I don't think Lowe Alpine makes it any longer, yet I'm sure someone else has similar offerings. Overall none of the bag's I have in my gear closet comes close to it, whether it's a Kelty, Gregory, Lowe Alpine, etc The McHale pack is my choice to use 70% of the time, the other packs I have see the local crags, or simple over nighters, where I'm not carrying much gear. If you're looking for a pack for a expedition then the McHale is the obvious choice, if on the other hand you intend to just do a 2-3 day trip then a simple pack off the rack will do. One thing I forgot to mention is it's made in the USA 🇺🇸 by Americans. So it's a higher cost than a pack made in foreign land. Hope that answers your questions. God Speed

[@konnorwerth4906]

Do a case knife trapper review

[@JeremyMcCreary-ib7wo]

Do you happen to know what the waist size goes up to on this pack thanks

[@gideonstactical]

Not sure I am sure the specs are online

[@charlesmcdonald3816]

Great review!

[@gideonstactical]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FryFam2021]

I just picked this pack up for 179.99!

[@gideonstactical]

Good deal!

[@onisgagan2481]

Nice job on the reviews, I’ve see them on Big Agnes for $150.

[@phatforrest]

They're $125 right now.

[@zackgreazel1806]

just picked this up for $150

[@gideonstactical]

That’s a good price!

[@67L48]

Yeah, Big Agnes is having a sale right now and its packs are really discounted heavily. I may pull the trigger, too.

[@rwp722]

The trash can is dumb, wasted weight. Nowhere during this video did you explain how to adjust the torso length to you? This is a less than $150.00 pack that retails at twice that. I own this bag, but I do NOT recommend it. Be more honest in your reviews.

[@gideonstactical]

Glad you don’t recommend but it I like it.

[@67L48]

Good news ... it's now widely available for less than $150. So, I guess it's a good buy now!! 😁

[@TheSuperdoit]

dude you're on every video that covers this bag saying the same exact copied text. lol

[@trentcostello4358]

225??? Lmao really

[@trentcostello4358]

Man listen I know you gotta make content rite so real talk for every one else 👍 ❤❤❤ get a carhartt back-pack an never look back affordable an the best

[@gideonstactical]

Haha nice suggestion, but isn’t that more of a day pack? Not sure you can carry a few days of gear in that.

[@trentcostello4358]

That thing looks dumb 😂😮 I'm sure it's making a lot noise as well lmao 😊