Any other packs I should look at

[weeds]

I know they are a personal thing......

We have book Green Gully.......and need to kit a family of five out so need value for money and need to chase the sales.

We checked out the following.....although frustrating as the stores didn't have right sizes and were reluctant to through weight in them......Wendy and I are hoping the packs we choose will still be in good order in six years time when we travel abroad to do some hiking for a joint 50th birthdays.

Osprey - Wendy and the kids preference

Macpac -

One planet - my preference, most expensive. Strezlecki or stiletto

Mountain design - thought would be idea for the kids as we won't be over capitalizing just incase they don't enjoy it .

Kathmandu - sale on now, makes them affordable.

Is it just me or does the one plant seem more durable.....I know they weight in a little heavier

At this stage its a no brained for Wendy and I.......the kids are giving me a headache 15 14 an 12

What else is out there....?? That we can see first hand in Brisbane.

[Strider]

Aarn...but Osprey would be my pick for your usage.

[McGinnis]

I can never seem to go past Osprey packs. My day pack, if I'm not using my Frost River, is an Osprey Stratos that I've had for close to 8 years.

They're so comfortable it's like they're personally tailored, and the durability speaks for itself after having it so long (it was used 5 days a week for two years hiking off-track for work).

One Planet seem to make some great gear also, but I've used one of their packs.

Try before you buy, for each person; one size (or brand) does not fit all.

[Scottyk]

If its for you then get One Planet if you plan on walking a lot in the future. They are great packs, I own a Stiletto and couldn't be happier with it. Also supports local manufacturing.
For the kids just get something cheap, they won't wear them out and may not do a lot on walking.

[Gadgetgeek]

For the kids, get something that has lots of adjustment, and that you can figure out. Since they will probably need to re-set their packs every walk as they grow. In my opinion, cheap packs are one of the major factors for kids not wanting to go walking a second time. If they don't use them much, then little packs will make a good day-pack for you later on, or they can be handed down. But if the packs fit well, they are much more likely to get used. a decent 60L would cover most people's uses for a good long time, especially as they add equipment over time, and newer gear is consistently getting lighter and less bulky.

Another thing to be wary of, the packs that come with a little pack that hangs off the back. They are really hard on kids, as even a small amount of weight back there adds leverage and feels heavier than it really is, and any kind of "travel" pack is going to cause them trouble.

Depending on where your kids go to school, you might be able to get a discount from MacPac. its worth an ask.

And if you need to talk to a manager about loading up a backpack, then do it. That is part of fitting a pack, and anyone who doesn't want to do it, isn't doing their job.

[stry]

Go somewhere where the sales staff are happy to put weight in the packs. That's simply a joke, and a good indication of their lack of knowledge.

Family democracy is wonderful, but you may find it necessary to overide some of your childrens' preferences, particularly if those preferences are driven by fashion, not workability.

[DanShell]

Im another fan of Osprey but I haven't used one planet or some of the others you mention.

If it was me Id use Osprey Exos packs for the kids. They are light, durable enough and can be easily sold if the kids don't take to hiking. They are not overly expensive at around $200.

As others have said, you simply can not beat going to the shop and trying few different packs on with weight in them.

[weeds]

Thanks guys.......

I think we need to go to the shops mid week when it's empty. There is still the proem that only one store had packs in he right size to fit to Wendy, my oldest and myself.

I rally need to get packs sorted and than move I tot he rest as the Green Gully walk in September will be on top of us....than overland in January. Would really like to stretch the legs a few times prior.

[Alittleruff]

I brought a Black Wolf Buggaboo 70+10 a while back. Cost $149.95. Not sure how it will perform because I haven't tried it out yet. But, I thought it was quite a good price.

[Pika]

Our Gregory packs have been great. Baltoro for multi day walks and Z30 for overnight walks.

They never seemed to get mentioned in these posts for some reason.

As an aside we are doing the Green Valley in July.

[weeds]

As an aside we are doing the Green Valley in July.

Will be interested in your report after the walk.

[JohnStrider]

I've got a One Planet Ned. It's a tough and durable backpack. Retails at about $350 from memory. Lots of smaller compartments inside, provides easy access to your gear, two bottle pockets on the outside and is generally a good backpack. If you are looking at doing multiple treks by yourself or with others, you can't go wrong with a One Planet.

[tazrich]

+1 for one planet packs

[Chezza]

Buy all the kids Exped Lightnings.

Very comfy pack, with infinite adjustability from very short to very long torsos, so one will do them till they're fully grown. Nice and light and still carry 20kg in comfort.

There are men's and women's versions in 45L and 60L. Bogong in Melbourne stock them all.

http://www.bogong.com.au/exped-lightning-60-pack.html

Only issue is that kids might not like the look of them (not as fully -featured as other packs) and might trash them quickly. They have some fragile looking compression straps.

[Chezza]

If you must see them first hand, give K2 Basecamp in Fortitude Valley a visit. They had a rack of Aarn bags the last time I was there, can't remember what else. They also stock a good range of clothing and often have good prices.

[Suz]

For kathmandu stuff, you want to find out where their outlet / clearance store is in your city. I've picked up lots of reduced price stuff at the Birkenhead Point Outlet in Sydders (used to use the chatswood one too but appears to have closed now).

My pack is a Kathmandu Gluon Interloper - not really a hiking pack, more a backpacking across the world pack but I used it for hikes sometimes too. Anyhow, one thing I can say for this pack is that it has NOT AGED AT ALL in the 10 years I've had. So that is a +1 for Kathmandu's quality. If cost is an issue maybe also check out gumtree for stuff in your city - that way you can go and look at / touch the product before buying.

[GPSGuided]

Unfortunately like many brands, quality invariably goes down with the implementation of a mass market strategy. For Kathmandu prices, even with their fake sales, there are typically significantly better choices out there by mail order.

[Suz]

weeds, if you are still looking, someone is selling a 58ltr Osprey in the MARKET section.

[keithy]

weeds, if you are still looking, someone is selling a 58ltr Osprey in the MARKET section.

Suz - if you meant my post, I'm just about to update it. It's sold now.

weeds - I am still a big fan of Osprey packs, but I do recommend trying packs on for size if you get the chance though. For the Osprey Exos 58, I couldn't find the M in stock at a few places I tried in metro Melb, so I ordered two online. The one for me fit great, but the other one didn't fit the person I bought it for - the probably needed the S or even smaller frame, so I ended up having to get a smaller framed female specific one instead.

Anyhow, one thing I can say for this pack is that it has NOT AGED AT ALL in the 10 years I've had. So that is a +1 for Kathmandu's quality.

Kathmandu stuff used to be good. I have owned a few of their packs bought in the late 90s and early 2000s. I'm not sure I can say the quality and bang for buck is the same for their new stuff though. You can probably get better packs out there for the same or cheaper.

[Suz]

Yeah keithy, I did mean yours.

Bummer about Kathmandu going down hill I love my interloper, just doesn't fit right (way too tall)…gonna have to figure a way to cut down the metal frame without destroying the pack. Hip belt is too large also, but sure is comfy.