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Packing
It
Packing Your Back for the Weekend
By
David M. Glines
Comfort, comfort, comfort. Three words that make a world of
difference when you’re carrying your load. It can be bad enough when your sleeping bag, stove, pots, pans and food are
heavy, but when you are weighted down by that ancient pack from Boy Scouts it’s time for a change.
Keep in mind when shopping for a day pack/weekend pack that sizing is one of the most important factors.
Don’t attempt to fit into a pack that doesn’t feel right, thinking that you’ll get used to it. If it’s
not comfortable in the store, it will not get any better on the trail. And when you do try a pack on, make sure that the weight
is evenly distributed, mostly on your hips. They can take a beating much greater than your back or shoulders.
The packs described below are perfect for that weekend get away when you don’t need 6000
cubic inches but you need something to haul those bare necessities. In reviewing the packs, I crammed a down sleeping bag,
a two-man tent, a small stove and gas, food for one, two pots, and a change of clothes into each backpack to compare its comfort
capability with its competitors’. The comfort was rated on the success of the pack’s weight transfer to your hips,
as well as any bruises that I received the next day.
The Packs
Jack Wolfskin
Tantrum
$100
The Tantrum is one of the largest packs reviewed. It forms easily
against your back with the contoured framesheet instead of the two internal bars commonly used by backpack manufacturers.
The outside loops are extremely functional for attaching coffee mugs, sandals and any other odds and ends. The Tantrum is
simple in design and traditional in comfort. The outer flap allows the addition of a sleeping mat or any other accessory without
disturbing the inner contents.
Osprey
Simplex
$95
Like the Tantrum, Osprey’s Simplex
has the plastic framesheet which contours to your back. It rides higher on your hips than Wolfskin’s model, yet for
its size can pack a surprisingly large amount. An outside, zippered pocket section allows easy access for those small items
of regular use such as a compass or towel. The Simplex, as the name implies, is simple. No bells or whistles drape its sleek
design. It also has outside loops for attaching small items.
The Northface
Miwok
$55
The
Miwok is quite a bit smaller than the Tantrum, but I think was designed with a different purpose in mind. Within the front
outside pocket, The Northface sewed compartments for pens and pencils. The Miwok is basically a book bag. However, The Northface’s
Miwok is excellent for day hikes when you don’t need a sleeping bag or tent. It’s comfortable enough to keep the
weight evenly distributed.
The Northface
Mojove
$47
Like the Miwok, the Mojove is perfect for
hauling books to class. Yet both the Miwok and the Mojove are extremely durable. Whether you are a four year student or on
the 15 year plan, The Northface packs will last. The Mojove is a little bit smaller than the Miwok, but is just as comfortable
and has the same prominent features. The Mojove seems to be better for a woman’s frame.
Lowe Alpine
Contour All Sport 30
$79
Lowe’s pack is tall and narrow. It fit all of my gear, barely. Which is actually
good enough because some of my items could be left behind. A prominent feature of the Contour All Sport 30 is the bungee-like
cinch cord on the outside of the pack. Lowe claims it’s a “reflective shock cord ‘Power Net’ for a
helmet” while I found it much more versatile. It is excellent to dry out clothes, or keep quickly needed items. The
pack also has two water bottle holders on each side.
Lowe Alpine
Contour Mountain 40
$99
At 2400 cubic inches the Contour Mountain 40 is the largest pack reviewed. It easily fit all of my gear, and was
fairly comfortable. It has a contoured back, but lacks an internal frame and a plastic framesheet like Osprey’s model.
Yet even without these support features the pack was strong and held my gear without difficulties.
Kelty
Red Wing
$120
As an avid skier I can appreciate the Red Wing. The backpack has straps on each side
that will allow you to attach skis and or poles when you want to hike to that untouched powder. The thick hip straps make
the Red Wing extremely comfortable, as does the extra padding on the back of the pack. It’s another fairly large day
pack that successfully held all of my gear.
MOUNTAINSMITHtm
Bugaboo
$160
When
I think of MOUNTAINSMITH tm I can’t help but think of bells and whistles. The packs always seem draped with ornaments
that aren’t needed. However, the Bugaboo’s ornaments are some of the best placed and most needed reviewed. In
terms of comfort the pack is top notch. It has the bungee-like strap on the outside, an ax loop, ski-capability and numerous
pockets. The Bugaboo is an excellent buy.
Fanny Packs
These fanny packs are great for going to a concert, a few hour hike or any trip where you need just
a little gear. Both have two water bottle holders on each side and one main, fairly large compartment. They are great for
carrying rain gear.
Osprey
Shadow
$79
The Shadow has an extra flap on the outside
where you can place extra clothing or gear. It is comfortable and sits nicely on your lower back. The Shadow is small enough
to not be meddlesome, yet large enough to carry what you need.
MOUNTAINSMITHtm
Tour Pack
$72
MOUNTAINSMITH’s tm fanny pack is different in that it has an inner zipper-pocket for valuables as well as a
cinch cord on the outside. Two straps are attached to the outside for those easily accessible items. It fits similarly to
Osprey’s Shadow on the lower back.
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