How to Choose Backpacking Packs || REI

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

I bought the R.E.I. Flash 55 pack for my first ever hike. We hiked Shenandoah Nat'l Park about 40 miles over 5 days and tented out. The people I hiked with helped me a lot with the adjusting straps thankfully. I liked this pack. It is 55 liters and I carried 30 pounds including food and water. I loved the mesh pocket on the back that is like the one on the light grey pack in the video. That pocket was super convenient because it is tough and durable and holds a lot of small stuff. I'm 70 years young but I would recommend the pack to anyone for an overnight pack.

[@rei]

That is awesome Thomas! Glad you enjoyed the pack.

[@MegaTroubleII]

This is HER show, gosh darn!

[@rei]

😂😂😂

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I went with the Osprey Volt 75 It'll def solve my winter overnighters, and my multi day outings for the other 3 seasons

[@Rig_JW]

About capacity: "for how many days are you going" is a misleading marker. It depends only on activities. Backpack for a week, when you sleep in cities (or huts) and are able to get food at bars or shelters will be a lot smaller then a backpack for a two days, one night hike with a tent. I've done the former with a 35L pack, the latter requires a 50L pack (at least). You should think in activities: - cooking - 2 - 5L - sleeping outdoors - 10 - 25L - hiking in bad weather... and so on.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Yup, this. A 2-night trip requires the same things as a 5-night trip, with a few more consumables that don't take up much more pack space.

[@pyronymph-868]

I went to REI 30 years ago to get my first internal frame backpack. The associate helped me find exactly what I needed. I still have it to this day, although the fabric waterproofing is deteriorating, and the foam in the upper back needs replacing. Completely serviceable once I replace the foam, add a waterproof cover.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Miranda, thank you for sharing this great information on the different types of backpacks. All the best of good things to you. 🤗

[@laszlolatkoczy8430]

Excellent video Miranda, keep up the good work!

[@kainhamilton5830]

Thank you so much simple and helpful video

[@mathias7777777777777]

hi so happy I watched your video. i almost purchased a 50 ltr pack but quickly realised I needed at least 80,, thanks so much,

[@arizonacodepink]

very helpful information shared!

[@JCraftvfx]

very helpful, thanks!

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

Seeing what you can fit in there would be helpful. Tent+sleeping bag + sleeping matt+ and basic gear. What would one normally lash with a daisy chain?

[@professorsogol5824]

A rope? Skis? Snow shoes? Snow shovel? Crampons? Ice axe/ice tools? Hard hat? Tent? Tent poles? Poncho?

[@whynotbanana]

a nice guide for beginners like me!

[@Ray-td4tq]

If you are minimalist or ultralight you can easily backpack around the world for months or years with a 30-50 liter pack depending on your lifestyle.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

Do you mean camping with tent ⛺, cookware, sleeping bag etc type of backpacking?

[@ucrazi1]

What size pack would you recommend for a thru hike?

[@flynryan3053]

was sooooo useful to show the different sizes, hard to visualize just looking at item pictures online

[@nghnino]

very informative and useful thank you very much

[@MissNikkor]

Good infos for beginner like me :)

[@jerrylance9351]

I like the packs with the hip pockets👍👍

[@J.5.M.]

Agreed! Taking your pack on / off during a day of hiking just to reach things like snacks, sunscreen, phone for pictures etc. sucks. I only really want to take my pack off if we're taking a longer break/lunch

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Your mother likes packs with hip pockets.

[@SimplicityEDC]

40L, unsupported back. tarp, 1/8th inch pad, down quilt, cold soak and go

[@J.5.M.]

Sounds like a great time. I'll pick a day with the worst weather to head out!

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

I love external frame backpacks, what backpack would Colin Fletcher carry?

[@dawsen7161]

How are the packs warranty, and are they like the osprey all mighty guarantee?

[@judeutash5233]

What is the orange bag called

[@Musickfreakbrown]

Each feature short sweat and to the point Give this lady a raise

[@prestonrobertson4415]

Sweat? did you mean Sweet?

[@whydnot]

External frames are superior in MANY situations. It’s too bad that the market is forcing internal frames on folks. They are more versatile, more comfortable under load, and generally cheaper than a lot of the internal frames. They are slightly heavier, but they transfer the weight so well that they actually feel lighter once on your back. They’re wonderful.

[@jonathandudo2181]

Yeah I have two old ones my dad gave me good stuff lol I actually was looking at these to see about a internal pack

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

If you know how to pack properly, external frames lose in most categories. Yeah, if you’re carrying cast iron skillets and guns, you could get away with an external frame (internal frames are still superior). From a physics standpoint, there’s zero benefit of an external frame backpack.

[@whydnot]

@@SophisticatedDogCat From a practical use standpoint, my experience differs from your claims. After using both types on miles and miles of hikes throughout Alaska, I’ve found external frames to generally be the better choice…at least for me. They are what I usually grab for when it’s time to hit the trail, and I have amassed a decent array of packs to choose from. Beyond the load carrying capabilities, the practicality of having a built in stand on the pack is helpful in wet environments when it isn’t on your back. It is generally easier to lash items to the exterior as well. If you are going to be in tight quarters (dense brush perhaps?) or have a very light load, then I’d probably reach for an internal frame. All this said, I haven’t tried everything out there, so maybe there is some “wonder-pack” that I haven’t used…but those fancy internal frames aren’t cheap, so I can’t afford to try them all. They both have their merits…but what has brought you to your conclusion other than the physics claim?

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

@@whydnot The only benefit of using an external frame over an internal frame that I could see would be ease of access if you're carrying things like guns, chainsaws, or game that you need to constantly be switching in and out of (but at that point you may as well have stock or a vehicle to assist you). There's a reason that external frames have gone out of style. These things don't just happen for no reason.

[@whydnot]

@@SophisticatedDogCat I agree. Things generally don’t happen for no reason, but they can sometimes happen for reasons outside the best interest of the consumer. Other than what I mentioned in my earlier response, where specifically is an internal frame superior to an external frame? When you consider expense, capability, and comfort; I think the that many people (in most situations) would be better served by an external frame pack in a lot of situations.

[@josephhughes969]

Very informative video on backpack sizing. Thank you!

[@rei]

Hey Joseph, thanks for watching!🙂

[@changingaltitude5012]

Wow such a huge backpack right most one. I created a video on same topic but differently presented with other necessary information.

[@1971ChevelleSS]

I take the 5.11 tactical rush 72

[@islempro5867]

just wondering why the black one is bigger

[@davidtate166]

65liter is enough for the jmt yes .I do like bigger packs .out there and back day tripper 30 40 liter will do🤔

[@neemancallender9092]

The external frame pack has a much higher center of gravity Therefore you walk much straighter and upright Very different feel from the internal frame

[@anordinarygunguy5955]

I am about to use a 45L for 4 days, 3 nights.

[@StevenTorrey]

Don't underestimate what it is you need to take, even on a short 4 day hiking trip. And some of that stuff is just plain bulky. Packaged rehydrated Food does not compress easily. And some things simply cannot compress: tents or sleeping pads or even cold weather sleeping bags, Those extras, small items (battery rechargers for cell phone, lights for night time reading, medical/health supplies, food, water bladders, head lamps, cooking kit, etc.) take up a lot of space. While that fancy backpack may have lots of side pockets, they become practically useless when the pack is full. There is just so much that can be put into a backpack--and when it is full, it is full. In the end, a 90L backpack with a 10L pouch barely fit supplies for a 4 day camping trip to the Grand Canyon. Even as it was, the sleeping bag had to be hitched to the bottom.

[@CheeseOnEverything]

100L? what are you carrying?? I have a 70L and I usually only use 50L's of it for a 4 day trip.

[@StevenTorrey]

@@CheeseOnEverything What are you NOT carrying?

[@StevenTorrey]

@@CheeseOnEverything As I look at my backpack--it turns out to be a 70L backpack--NOT 90L.

[@TN_HondaDad]

They measure backpack capacity by a measurement of liquids, liters?

[@evelineeckert3989]

Yes, I think it’s because it’s easy to measure volume with liters. One liter of water is the equivalent in volume of a cube of 10cmx10cmx10cm.

[@anonyymikana206]

Liquid? You heard of volume? Go to school mate.

[@TN_HondaDad]

@@evelineeckert3989 in the US its typically cubic inches/cubic ft. to measure volume so I was a bit thrown especially when we don't even hardly use liters anyway even for liquid measurements

[@StevenTorrey]

It seems to be a standard convention to measure backpacks in Litres.

[@k1dicarus]

@@TN_HondaDad Welcome to the feeling the rest of the world has whenever an american starts talking in inches and ounces.

[@acemacgruber6593]

So if I use my dad's external frame backpack from the 80's I'll be out of fashion and uncool?

[@hailalexander93]

Retro!

[@johnvojnic2919]

You dont need to look cool in the wilderness

[@k1dicarus]

Just pair it with other ridiculous looking but functional gear and show walk with confidence, people will think you are a hipster and ask where to get stuff like that to look as unique as you do!

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

You’d be foolish.

[@MakeCriminalsIllegalAgain]

Heyyy Miranda

[@PaigeWeso]

I wonder why REI doesn’t support ultralight more? They list a lot of lightweight gear on their site as ultralight, I don’t quite understand why.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Because most people aren’t ultralight. Is this really a shock to you?

[@tonykairouz4451]

Should i buy a teton grand 5500 backpack??

[@Jimithy98]

Tony Kairouz it’ll be cheaper quality if you want a better pack for the same price I’d go with the rei traverse 65 or 45. The rei trail 40 is also a good cheap option

[@TVinmyEye]

Teton makes solid products at an affordable price. I always think of them as the Hyundai Of outdoor gear since they give you a lot of bang for your buck. Anyway, i have the Teton 4000 Mountain Adventurer 65L and Teton Talus 2700 44L and i’ve taken both up dozens of trips. I also own an Osprey 24L backpack and comparing both with quality, you can tell Osprey has better build quality. I’ve scraped and thrashed the Teton packs and they have really held up nicely. I would get the Teton 5500 off amazon it’s only about 150.00 which is pretty remarkable since most 90L packs are priced well into the 200-350 range.

[@postal3212]

I would like an overnight pack for me and my son, but there are times I would like to do a longer multi night trip. Would it be wise to go with a larger pack that would work for both types of trips? Or would it be unwise to be out hiking with an under packed backpack on the shorter trips?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I would suggest considering what you will need to carry for each of these trips. For a trip with your son, will you also be carrying some of his gear, or is he able to help split the load? The biggest differences between an overnight trip and a multi-night trip are your consumables, which don't necessarily take up much more space, so it's really going to be more about what your gear is like, the season (winter gear is larger and bulkier than warm weather gear), and how many luxuries you like to carry.

[@postal3212]

@@WanderingSwitchback I bought 60l pack. He's 12 so I'm carrying 3/4 of the load.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@postal3212 sounds perfect! I hope you have some amazing trips!

[@edwardmedina1594]

Another Miranda video without a single burp in it! No way! Miranda Pre-Burps seems odd.

[@davidgean13]

if you think youre taking that 100L pack on a week trip youre going to have bad time

[@IanCaine4728]

But what if I need to carry a bunch of spare SINCGARS batteries? Just kidding, I agree, less is sooo much more.

[@willardwooten9582]

I have an 88 liter backpack and it might not be big enough . Besides the regular camping gear I need to have room for my Float Tube , my waders (waters are cold in Wash) my 2 poles and fishing gear . They are inside the pack so not to poke holes in to the waders or tube so were looking at about 65 pounds.

[@neemancallender9092]

Go snowshoeing in the mountains for 10 days Yes my pack was 85 liters

[@robertperez7951]

Maybe it's a custom pack for a pair of congenitally attached people. I know, that was horrible.

[@Mr_Chode]

@@robertperez7951 Genitalia attached people.

[@eaglemansvlog1685]

all of those backpack brands are expensive here in the Philippines.

[@camoman132]

There expensive all over😂lol they kinda gouge u on price look for used stuff or military stuff on Amazon

[@thomaslewis448]

Try zpacks.com

[@connorduncan196]

Is that in Spokane Washington riverside state park???

[@dylansue3519]

Ahatis the pack that your showing in the vid

[@nixadventures3938]

With packs being as expensive as they are don’t forget to bring something to keep you safe. Predators either want you or your gear. Stay safe out there!

[@hailalexander93]

It's too bad most things you can carry to defend yourself are either illegal or need a permit.

[@nixadventures3938]

2A👏🏼

[@StevenTorrey]

Are you suggesting an uzi automatic?

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

I’ve hiked hundreds of miles across America and have never seen this happen or heard of this happening. People who want to cause harm won’t go through the strenuous effort of hiking miles and miles in the wilderness to hurt somebody or steal some used camping gear. You’re much, much more likely to be harmed in the city walking your dog in the morning than being in the backwood.

[@shamsmadina]

1K like reached by me 😉

[@leolamorie-fitzgerald9216]

This girl is sick!

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Talk about trail weight...that is everything you actually carry. . .we can say 10 lbs or less...is Ultralight... but what is the actual Trail weight that you're carrying...? I remember a day when you would buy a tent and they would tell you how much does the tent weighed... But they the manufacturers weren't including stakes or guidelines or the stuff sack that carried everything...now you see that same tent advertising it's weight, you get a tent weight and a pack weight... or trail weight. . .so most 10 lb base weights, if a thru hiker will be. . . Honest about their Trail weight.. there pack is alot heavier then they want you to know...? What is your trail weight?

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Base weight is significant because it provides a standard unit of measurement. Consumables vary from person to person, region to region.

[@tstcikhthys]

Great overview video; it was quite helpful in getting a sense of what backpack to buy. BTW, all unit symbol should be spaced from the amount, so it should read "70 L", for example, not "70L". Also, the word is properly spelled _litre,_ not "liter".

[@kyledaniel1996]

Frameless no hipbelt

[@ideamaker]

BTW, another way of telling if it's a woman's pack is if it's colored Pink!!! ;)

[@--Tanjumul]

Sweet girl 👧

[@misomicro]

I don’t think it would be a good idea to try to carry “A ton” in that 100L pack. If your back doesn’t break, the straps definitely will

[@john21031]

1:23 no, they are not designed to hold a TON of gear... she says word "TON" too much

[@truemordecai2996]

One could say she says it a TON!

[@jimmac1953]

Way out of date.

[@danoesq2]

It depends how far your going. I've backpacked with the gear available since the 70's. Research your own information and don't take all this information for granted from so-called REI "experts" before making a decision. There's some good stuff at REI and there is also a lot of crap. I've totaled over 1,000 miles backpacking in the Sierras when most of these "experts" were peeing in their diapers.