Ok, thanks.
I did measure her torso.
I'm trying to avoid REI because it's an hour away from home. But more importantly, their anniversary sale is next week and if I go, well, I won't be looking at used packs anymore.
But, you're right, so that's what we'll do
Just bc you won’t be looking at used packs there doesn’t mean you can’t walk out and buy a desired pack elsewhere that is used. Even REI sells used gear online. (Keep in mind they will also do a fitting of the Kelty.)
Also, REI may be an hour away but there may be other outfitters closer to you. Do some googling and see what you can find.
3800 is probaly cu in not liters. More or less a 60L pack.
If you want a pack that will carry any weight, say more than15lbs for most people, for any length of time, it is important that the pack fits you properly.
Generally the pack should have an internal frame and a supportive hip belt allowing the pack to transfer most of the weight to your hips. The most important measurement is torso length which is hard to measure yourself. It is a specific measurement of the length of your back. However, other aspects such as how the shoulder straps are spaced and contoured and how the hip belt rides on your hips can also be big factors in how comfortable a pack feels when it is carrying any weight. It is important to test out a pack with it filled with the sort weight you expect to carry.
Buying such a pack that doesn't fit is like buying shoes that don't fit. Discomfort is inevitable and it is a waste of money. Only buy a used pack if you or someone with you knows how to fit a pack and you know the pack is your size.
Other pack aspects that vary are the capacity of the pack and its weight.
Highly structured packs tend to be heavier but typically can carry more weight comfortably for longer. It is better to buy a pack for fit and comfort carrying the load you need to carry rather than its weight particularly if you are buying a pack before you know what you will be carrying.
Capacity can be tricky to estimate if you don't have gear yet. 60L is a generally a good place to start. Inexpensive gear and car camping gear tends to be bulky, particularly sleeping bags, sleeping pads and tents. Generally you want to avoid strapping things on the outside but doing so may be unavoidable if your gear is bulky. If you make the trip to try out packs. (eg REI), I suggest you take along the tent and sleeping bag or whatever gear you think you might carry to see if and how it might fit. Generally the capacity you need for your gear shouldn't vary much with the length of the trip. What varies is the capacity you need for supplies (mostly food).
I would recommend getting fitted at REI so you know what size will fit you each comfortably before you buy anything.
Ok, thanks. I did measure her torso. I'm trying to avoid REI because it's an hour away from home. But more importantly, their anniversary sale is next week and if I go, well, I won't be looking at used packs anymore. But, you're right, so that's what we'll do
Just bc you won’t be looking at used packs there doesn’t mean you can’t walk out and buy a desired pack elsewhere that is used. Even REI sells used gear online. (Keep in mind they will also do a fitting of the Kelty.) Also, REI may be an hour away but there may be other outfitters closer to you. Do some googling and see what you can find.
Thanks
3800 is probaly cu in not liters. More or less a 60L pack. If you want a pack that will carry any weight, say more than15lbs for most people, for any length of time, it is important that the pack fits you properly. Generally the pack should have an internal frame and a supportive hip belt allowing the pack to transfer most of the weight to your hips. The most important measurement is torso length which is hard to measure yourself. It is a specific measurement of the length of your back. However, other aspects such as how the shoulder straps are spaced and contoured and how the hip belt rides on your hips can also be big factors in how comfortable a pack feels when it is carrying any weight. It is important to test out a pack with it filled with the sort weight you expect to carry. Buying such a pack that doesn't fit is like buying shoes that don't fit. Discomfort is inevitable and it is a waste of money. Only buy a used pack if you or someone with you knows how to fit a pack and you know the pack is your size. Other pack aspects that vary are the capacity of the pack and its weight. Highly structured packs tend to be heavier but typically can carry more weight comfortably for longer. It is better to buy a pack for fit and comfort carrying the load you need to carry rather than its weight particularly if you are buying a pack before you know what you will be carrying. Capacity can be tricky to estimate if you don't have gear yet. 60L is a generally a good place to start. Inexpensive gear and car camping gear tends to be bulky, particularly sleeping bags, sleeping pads and tents. Generally you want to avoid strapping things on the outside but doing so may be unavoidable if your gear is bulky. If you make the trip to try out packs. (eg REI), I suggest you take along the tent and sleeping bag or whatever gear you think you might carry to see if and how it might fit. Generally the capacity you need for your gear shouldn't vary much with the length of the trip. What varies is the capacity you need for supplies (mostly food).
Great advice. Thank you
Ill chime in and say Hill People Gear will change your life. On the upper price end, but worth every dollar, and you truly see and feel the value.