How to Choose the Best Backpack | Backpacking Tips

[@TylerDickey1]

You lead me to the Mystery Ranch Terra frame 50, man is it a beast! Even though it’s a bit heavier than my old bags it’s so much more comfortable! I totally agree on the comfort bit, I don’t think anything is fun about eating mush and sleeping on a 1/8” piece of foam for 3 days. The first night in I’ll totally pack in a steak sometimes.

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad you like the pack! Comfort matters.

[@Living_Despite]

I use the Terraframe 3 zip 50. Currently thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with it.

[@BackpackingTV]

Great choice for the Cascades! Let me know how you like it.

[@1024Pete]

First, I tried the high quality Finish backpack by Savotta. This is an 1000D fabric pack rated between 40L- 60L. This pack received positive reviews for quality and comfort. While I liked the pack, during a 6 mile hike with 35 pounds, I experienced pain in my shoulders. I finished the hike in pain. I considered myself in good shape and I thought the adjustments were correct. However, maybe it was me. But, I decided to return the pack because it wasn’t comfortable. In addition, I tried Hyperlite’s Southwest 4400 and ULA’s Catalyst. Following online measurements, their packs did not feel comfortable on my 5’10” 160 pound frame. I never loaded these pack because they never felt comfortable. They were retuned. Next, I tried the EXO Gear K4 5000. This pack had an external frame and was designed for heavy weight. On my first 6 mile hike with about 30 pounds, this pack was super comfortable. I was happy. Next, I tried another 6 mile hike with 52 pounds. On that occasion, I felt excruciating pain at my hips. It was so bad, I needed to stop often. Consequently, I was only able to walk less than 2 miles. I had to quit the hike. The design and quality of the K4 5000 was outstanding. But, for me, the ability to carry heavyweight comfortably wasn’t working. I had to return that too. Presently, I am waiting for the Mystery Ranch BRIDGER 65. Based on reviews, I am hopeful this pack will be comfortable. Thanks for the info. It was helpful. Be well. Happy Trails!

[@r-pupz7032]

I don't know if Mystery Ranch is available in the UK but it looks good! Personally I've settled on a Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60. Good padding, good weight, good price, and the flexible capacity is legitimately awesome for a beginner hoping to slowly transition from cheap, bulky gear to lighter, more compact gear. It really cinched the weight close to your back and carries weight so well. And it really does flex as you move! At first I was super uncertain about the prominent lumbar pad but I love how far the hip fin padding extends (I have wide hips) and the straps just seemed to perfectly hug my torso, no rubbing or weird fit. When it's unloaded it really feels off, but as soon as I loaded it up with my gear, it was magic! I can't comment on durability, some people have had some issues but Sierra Designs has great customer service. Some people miss all the outer pockets but I forget which pocket things are in! The hip pockets are huge, I love the strap pouches and I've added an outer mesh pocket I got from Exped. The only thing I dislike so far is the small size of the lid pocket (it doesn't have a brain) but considering all the pros, I don't mind much. I love the tube style of bag personally, I can pack it more easily :) Backpacks are such a personal thing!

[@Legionnaire7777]

My go to packs are Mystery ranch 3DAP Mystery ranch 6500 Savotta jääkäri large Crib Gogh predator Warrior assault systems x300 Blackhawk Titan Blackhawk Barrage Blackhawk cyclone Blackhawk predator Blackhawk raptor x3 These packs i have and still serve me well to this day.

[@BackpackingTV]

Nice selection of packs!

[@Legionnaire7777]

@@BackpackingTV I probably do need to downsize some what.

[@christianb8228]

I got the Savotta pack…totally bomb proof and comfortable too even at 4.4 pounds…on hunting trips or short backpacking trips I’ll definitely choose that one

[@Legionnaire7777]

@@christianb8228 The Finnish make excellent quality packs built for the outdoors, I'm glad the Savotta is serving you well 👍🏻

[@VWcurtis]

I have a ILBE US Marines rucksack Gen 2 love it super comfortable packing anything in it tons of molly last a lifetime.

[@viewsandreviews180]

It’s hard to beat surplus gear.

[@BackpackingTV]

Bomb proof!

[@BackpackingTV]

Indeed!

[@recycled3654]

For survival use maybe or homeless or that's all you have is surplus gear, yeah it'll get you there. But you're missing out on technology if you can afford it. This stuff changes all the time.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I used an ALICE rucksack while in the Rangers, so yes I agree with your assessment Eric, especially now that I am hitting 65 years, comfort is king!! Front loading is preferred over top loading and durability over counting ounces. Eberlestock and Mystery Ranch are great pack manufacturers!!

[@BackpackingTV]

We're on the same page Stoney!

[@christianb8228]

So wait you’re telling me you believe that no pack out there that’s is sub 3 pounds is actually comfortable? Comfort is fairly subjective however, HMG, ULA and some other cottage companies make these kind of packs light and comfortable

[@jamesthornton3339]

My ULA Ohm 2.0 is the most comfortable pack. I've have an osprey 68 liter aether that is bomb proof for winter trips, where more gear is required. And a 3ful 46 liter pack that is frameless. The ohm is what I reach for almost every time!

[@BackpackingTV]

Nice! I gotta try the Ohm. Have used that before. Thanks for the rec!

[@ianpierce7366]

I like the compartment thought properly

[@alexwbanks70]

Good advice! I did start out with a much heavier backpack and over about 10 years now have turned light weight. To do this it does take a lot of money to figure out what you really need. There are a few backpacks out there that carry a lot more weight and are still lightweight. I have had a ZPacks Arc Haul for about 4 years now and its great. Its less than 2lbs, has a frame, and is at least half the weight of the brands like Osprey, Gregory, etc. Do cost about 1/3 more though. LiteAF also has some and I'm sure there are other cottage companies out there.

[@BackpackingTV]

Yeah, going super light does take some financial investment! That gear often ain't cheap. I haven't used ZPacks. I should give them a go! Thanks for the rec.

[@kerriwoodbyrne8166]

Great summary. I like your videos because I know how many Mike's you've hiked (Big fan of Epic Trails), and I feel that you give that 30% of newbies the real deal. 👍 Though that pack does look like a bit much for 3 season hiking, I think it might be perfect for a winter setup. I use a Deuter 20l for a daypack, carrying only the Ten Essentials, an Osprey 40L for 3 season trips, and an Osprey AG65 for winter. I know they are a bit heavier than my ULA, but I'm trading off the weight for the Cadillac comfort.

[@shadomane]

Great channel. I just recently started watching your channel and find the information in your videos to be very interesting and helpful. Excellent reviews, knowledge and advice on backpacks and backpacking in general. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas, advice and experience with us. Subbed.

[@batwithglasses]

Howdy Eric, I've tried just about every pack over 30+ years of wilderness bliss and most have performed admirably, fast forward to a month ago and in desperate need for some retail therapy I picked up my first Osprey pack (Kestrel 68) and I gotta say..couldn't be happier!..man they make nice bags! The attention to detail is amazing and they are stupid comfortable. Now if we can only get out into the backcountry... Stay safe bud!

[@BackpackingTV]

Right on. That's a solid pack! Where you heading??

[@batwithglasses]

@@BackpackingTV My own backyard and up and down the sidewalk and that's about it unfortunately..(gotta keep the neighbors thinking ;-) We're in lockdown here with no interprovincial non essential travel..so the staycation it be! Massive treed backyard so it works..sorta. Aching for the Rockies right now, tentatively had the Berg Lake trail on the docket..sigh... It'll get better, it has to. Cheers man, and stay safe👍

[@Winnie122459]

Any thoughts about using external frame packs?

[@BackpackingTV]

It's hard to even find external frame packs these days. But they are great actually! I used a cool one from Vargo a while back that I really liked. And yes, they're very stable!

[@rayngrace]

@überguy This...I prefer Mystery Ranch Guidelight MT Frame over Mystery Ranch Stein 62...mainly because of the Frame

[@GrottoGroveGroves]

no matter what pack one gets #1, MAKE SURE IT FITS PROPERLY! other than mystery ranch, two more packs that are never wrong, Gregory baltoro and osprey aether ag.

[@BackpackingTV]

Fit is a must! And yeah I've had great success with both the Baltoro and the Aether too!

[@sharonvalandingham7692]

My boyfriend has trouble getting a pack to fit right. He’s got like 25 inches from base of neck to hips. He’s a tall guy but also he is overweight so if he gets a pack that fits the length normally they don’t fit the hips very good at all. There isn’t much out there for him that I know of. But will definitely do my research on these packs.

[@BackpackingTV]

Hi Sharon, if I understand correctly most of the main pack companies will offer an option to add a different sized waste belt if you reach out directly. Also, have you gone into gear shops to speak with people working there? As they're at least supposed to help people fit their packs better than just pulling a pack off the wall.

[@sharonvalandingham7692]

@@BackpackingTV we bought the pack at rei and they said they do not carry belt extensions so they said that Gregory didn’t carry extensions that they knew of.

[@andyg4082]

Excellent tutorial I have a osprey aether 70 anti gravity It's well made and super comfortable. Which makes your experience half the battle. Great vid as always 👏

[@BackpackingTV]

Awesome! I've had solid experiences with that exact bag too!

[@jamiegenesis7342]

I know it is pretty off topic but does anybody know a good place to stream newly released series online?

[@wilsonlucca554]

@Jamie Genesis Flixportal :D

[@jamiegenesis7342]

@Wilson Lucca thank you, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it !

[@wilsonlucca554]

@Jamie Genesis You are welcome xD

[@billfrigo7602]

I’m stuck between a few Mystery Ranch bags.. the Terraframe 50 or the Bridger 45 or 55.

[@tropicalcyclone3196]

which one did you get?

[@ozrenkubat6632]

Mystery Ranch Ravine 50. Look it up. It is THE backpack for me.

[@BackpackingTV]

Awesome! I haven’t used that one

[@mikeb5664]

Never tried a Mystery Ranch Pack, but my Seek Outside Divide carries 80+L, weighs less than 2.7 lbs., and it can carry more weight than you can.

[@loganmyles7102]

Hey thanks for the videos my arms are all healed they used to be broken and now I am back on the trail🙏🏻

[@BackpackingTV]

That's a relief. Glad you're healed up!

[@donrossi277]

Have you tested any of the Six Moon Design packs? Their vest straps look comfortable.

[@baijokull]

I found a backpack that should hopefully last a lifetime but it's very big and heavy. Since I'm very big and heavy too, I decided that would be fine. It's a Bergans 2095 Alpinist 130l and I'll probably never fill it up completely but it's extremely comfortable and sturdy and makes all the other stuff I put in it feel a lot lighter.

[@Seedavis397]

I’m so on the fence on whether I want the terraframe 50 or 65!!’ Ugh.

[@booadem8933]

Thx for the review

[@BackpackingTV]

You got it!

[@rimpakarmakar9496]

what would be the recommended size of a 15days trek?

[@cazzac7958]

Why not the 80L?

[@xBobby]

Has your opinions changed at all? i really like the highspeedness of say a Hyperlite but maybe im not ready for that kind of kit and should stick to these style packs. I'm looking at say no more then a 3-4day camp

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

I’m looking for a 30-40 liter pack that I can begin with some overnight trips as I get into backpacking, something that is spacious enough for a 2-3 day trip. What would all of you recommend to look at and consider for purchase??

[@BackpackingTV]

I like the Coulee 40 from mystery ranch and the outdoor vitals 45L bag for that size

[@infinitegaming6130]

Have you tried KUIU?

[@UnseenSmith]

What would you recommend as a small (sub 30L) day hiking pack??

[@BackpackingTV]

Take a look at the Coulee 25

[@35_Locs]

What about the fjallraven kajka 65l?

[@BackpackingTV]

I haven't tried they one personally but I know people who enjoy fjallraven packs. They make quality gear!

[@securemindsetofficial]

I'm still looking for the best sar pack. Any suggestions?

[@BackpackingTV]

As in search and rescue? I bet there’s a forum about that, but I can’t say as that’s not my area of expertise.

[@securemindsetofficial]

@@BackpackingTV thank you very much for your response! Unfortunately I haven't found good sources regarding this matter. Thats the reason I want to make a video about. Thank you very much!

[@Kenkichi24]

Do you get some commission if I buy it thru the link you posted? I wanna support you and very interested getting Mystery Ranch Backpack

[@BackpackingTV]

A few links I do and many I don’t. I don’t think I earn anything on mystery ranch clicks.

[@Kedrezac]

Army makes this choice for me.

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha!

[@907-q7u]

Yeah, well, I still have my 2 compartment Eastpak from high school 1997.

[@Squirrel200]

Terra 65 vs terra 80 for Expedition ? I know the over load can add up to about 30lL #2 Can the T 80 be compressed to the size of the T65 nicely and still be stable. I need the over load for many Kg bags of rice and beans for 6 month expedition With no resupply or rescue. input please from people who have them only thanks. My life Depends on it so no Secondhand hearsay. 60 + with 55 years experience packing mostly solo travel yes I am a cave Woman.

[@BackpackingTV]

For as much as it sounds like you’ll be hauling I’d go for the 80L terraframe. It’s what I used when I did a big pack rafting trip and had to haul a lot of gear. The pack has great support and the ability to cinch it down when you’re carrying less so I think it’ll work well for you when you’re not in cave woman expedition mode!

[@nicolapasquale8115]

Once you go down the mystery ranch road, there is no way back.

[@BackpackingTV]

too true!

[@josephfabbro2079]

Crossfire DG3 - it’s THE backpack! Anything else is a waste of time, money and energy

[@Wanderlust073]

Honestly you should consider ignoring whoever’s telling you to make the goofy faces for every single thumbnail. Good vids though.

[@BackpackingTV]

Whoa whoa whoa. Shots fired. What if that person is my inner child?

[@zdzislawaprzyborska5653]

Why? I'm enjoying it! It feels less like a preach, and more like a normal conversation.

[@zdzislawaprzyborska5653]

​@@BackpackingTV my inner child likes to play with your inner child and watch it's videos!

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

I've got an MFP-90, 110 liter pack. It's really solid and durable, but it also weighs 8 lbs EMPTY. It's comfortable, but it's not ultra light by any stretch of the imagination. Need to get me something that will get my weight down for sure.

[@BackpackingTV]

110 liters is MASSIVE! Hooo boy!

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

@@BackpackingTV Definately in the "expidition" class of backpack. It's so big the US Army said, "yea, we need something smaller" and canceled the line. But it's a good pack that has held up to a lot of abuse. My back has had it's fair share of abuse too.