[at-l] FW: Backpacks

[PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com (PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com)]

Turtle missed including the list on this one, but he said he wanted it there
also, so here it is everyone.


-----Original Message-----
From: William Neal [mailto:nealb@midlandstech.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2002 2:14 PM
To: 'PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com'
Subject: RE: [at-l] RE: Backpacks


Also see if your local college has a backpacking club or course.  Try the PE
center.  They might be willing to rent their equipment.  USC use to rent
their equipment to students, faculty, and staff & you might find some
student, faculty, or staff member willing to rent it for you.  Or you might
be able (in the slack season) to sweet talk the PE Center staff into letting
you borrow it.

Also see if your area has a "used" sporting goods place.  They might be
talked into renting out some of their backpacks.  Especially in off season. 

And if you're in an area with other backpackers, ask camping, outfitters,
backpacking, etc. stores if you can post a notice.  Then ask if someone will
be willing to let you rent or even just see their packs.  Explain you're
comparing packs.  If you're lucky, someone might let you see it after
they've loaded it for weekend.

Or take a weekend on out and survey the hikers you meet.

William, The Turtle

-----Original Message-----
From: PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com [mailto:PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2002 11:46 AM
To: bresa@zimmercos.com; at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] RE: Backpacks


some outfitters rent packs.  They may not make a big deal out of it or put
up signage, but if you ask you may be surprised.  Try to find one in your
area or perhaps in an area you are heading to for a hike.  This will let you
try out something in an actual hiking situation.  Even if they don't have
the exact model you want, you can see something in the line or something w/
just similar features like external pockets, divided sleeping bag
compartment, top load, front load, side pouches, platypus etc.  Help you to
see what features you like & use yourself.

Last pack I bought, I think I tried on 8+, and took outside to walk around
loaded w/ my gear minimally 4 of those.  Hit more than one store so you can
check out a mixed selection - unless all the stores near you carry the same
stuff.

cheerio

-----Original Message-----
From: BRANDI N. RESA [mailto:bresa@zimmercos.com]

<major snippage>

Any suggestions on how many I should look at
before buying one?  My only experience is with Adventure Racing packs so I
am not sure how it is supposed to feel.   Suggestions or thoughts on
purchasing a
pack?

Thanks,
Brandi