Demoing packs

[LFaler]

How do you go about selecting a pack when there aren’t any local retailers ? Just buy a coupoe and make sure there are good return policies?

 

[CMF]

Pretty much. You can gather a lot of information by watching different videos, but they only go so far. The first one I tried was a MR metcalf and it worked good for a seasonbut I wasn't thrilled with the lid. Then sold it to a friend and went with exo k3 4800 that I still have, then I picked up a used Kuiu Pro LT 4000 last year. I like them both, and my older son can run whichever one I don't since he's outgrown his youth pack.
I felt like all 3 haul weight well, it's more a matter of preference on the organization. I like the integrated lid better on the Kuiu, the stretch pockets better on the exo.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Understand some work better for individuals but, all will work for most.

Find a company and buy one. The only frame in question in my experience is Kifaru lite stats. Even the flat stays have a decent offset. So, if your back isn’t as curved as the prevent stays, the frame will pull away from your shoulders when you cinch the belt.



I’ve carried several dozen animals like this and all I’ll say is it put a lot of pressure on lumbar like that. It works and works well. But, it doesn’t work as well as a stay that fits like a glove. And, that’s only possible if you find aluminum stays upto the task. Which is hard to do since Kifaru stopped selling the aluminum stay. Bravo move by the way.

 

[wh0cansay]

Understand some work better for individuals but, all will work for most.

Find a company and buy one. The only frame in question in my experience is Kifaru lite stats. Even the flat stays have a decent offset. So, if your back isn’t as curved as the prevent stays, the frame will pull away from your shoulders when you cinch the belt.



I’ve carried several dozen animals like this and all I’ll say is it put a lot of pressure on lumbar like that. It works and works well. But, it doesn’t work as well as a stay that fits like a glove. And, that’s only possible if you find aluminum stays upto the task. Which is hard to do since Kifaru stopped selling the aluminum stay. Bravo move by the way.

I found a local metalworker who made me custom 7075 stays for 30 bucks or so and I swapped them out on my Duplex Lite. Massive difference.

 

[WSMHNTR]

Without being able to put hands on them I watched a lot of review videos and articles. At a certain point it becomes a Chevy vs Ford argument and its all personal preference. I would try and key in on the size requirements first and that will narrow things down then onto what organization system fits your needs.