Re: [at-l] Gear Question;BackPack

[rdudley@po.father.com]

> Gear Question in the midst of all the New Year and Weather Reports;
> 
> I am looking for a backpack, reasonably priced, for my son, 14 years old
> and 110 pounds, to do a 12 day expedition (Philmont) this July. Problems
> are he will grow between now and then and Philmont gives us 4 days of
> food at a time so our pack weights are normally 45-55 pounds each.
> 
> I am looking at the Sierra Trading Post latest sale flier and looking at
> the Mountainsmith Revolution 5500 @ 249.95. Does anyone have any
> experience with this pack ? If so, good or bad, etc........
> We are already a 3 pack, all over $300.00, family, so I hate to spend a
> lot of money, but I also want him to have a great time on this hike.
> Suggestions or information on this pack or another pack summarily priced
> greatly appreciated.

Chuck,

I have sent several crews to Philmont with all types of packs.  I 
personally like external frame packs.  The reason is these boys hve 
not stop growing and we have not had a lot of luck adjusting internal 
frame packs to a growing boy.  We have had a lot of luck with Kelty 
external frame packs (No I don't own the company or any stock.).

The other thing is you don't want to have a large capacity pack.  Our 
scouts rarely carry packs over 45 lbs.  We try very hard to keep the 
pack weight down and we spend a lot of time adjusting pack weights.  
I rarely carry a pack over 30 lbs with water!  Twenty years ago I use 
to carry a lot heavier pack and was rewarded with bad knees.

Cheers,

Grey Owl 
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