Equiptment: questions/reviews

[azrobrob]

Since Josh hasn't supplied an appropriate space for this, which I think should have it's own section, I thought I'd add this thread for sharing your thoughts on equiptment you have bought and like or just thought was pain crud. Or for members to ask questions about equiptment they'd like to buy.

[Amp Frog]

Sheesh, keep making me look bad

Ok, here's the new gear review board. You can create a new thread for each piece/brand, or ask for recommendations if you're in the market for something new.

[azrobrob]

ok for making you look bad, you just cost me twenty miniutes of my life by promptly moving the thread while I was activly replying to it, typing out a great review for my head lamp.

But thanks for trying.

[hmercer]

I'm in need of a backpack for extended trips and I was considering the Osprey Luna 85 pack, since I'm a petite little thing. Any thoughts? It has gotten great reviews off of Moosejaw and Backpacker Magazine, so I figured why not. However, I'd love some reviews or suggestions if anyone has any.

[azrobrob]

Hmercer, I checked out the Backpacker review and went to Osprey’s website, and it looks like a good bag, that may fit quite comfortably. I’m not failure with the pack its self, but I can offer you some suggestions.
Where are you backpacking. I pack all over AZ, and it’s hot, so I value a great breathable and moisture wicking strap and back padding. Also it needs to fit right of course. I like my alpine one, because it’s freakishly huge, and has an internal water bladder housing. As well as the hip straps, I can wrap them backwards around the pack and buckle it, as well as tuck all the straps and everything so there is nothing to get caught on the conveyer belt at the airport. The Osprey said it has a hard plastic outside housing for the hip straps. (that would be a minus for me). Most importantly, I’d say, Don’t buy a pack off the internet Until you’ve tried it on in a store somewhere first.

If you don’t need a pack right away, REI is having a free Intro to Backpacking session at11/29/2006 6:30 PM. I would recommend going there and trying on several bags to see what style you like best, for your body frame.

Good luck finding a pack, next to the right tent, it’s the hardest thing to know what you want out of a pack.

I lucked out and mine was on super sale when I bought it, and later realized, that I really liked it. But the one I had before that had a broken metal rod that would poke me every step I took, so I guess anything would be heaven sent after miles of that. (maybe that’s why I made sure mine didn’t have any aluminum rods in it before I bought it.) ps the Luna 85 does.

Take care.

[xevious]

But the one I had before that had a broken metal rod that would poke me every step I took, so I guess anything would be heaven sent after miles of that. (maybe that’s why I made sure mine didn’t have any aluminum rods in it before I bought it.) ps the Luna 85 does.

I picked up a pack like that at the REI garage sale recently. The hip strap was defective so I got it really cheap, but it wasn't too hard to fix. It also has an aluminum bar, but I think if that broke I would be able to MacGuiver up a replacement very quickly and cheaply. Anyway, my point is that if you have problems with the aluminum bar there's probably a way to modify it without too much work. It wouldn't be hard to swap it out to something stronger like steel, or if you want to get really fancy (stong and light) you could go carbon fiber or titanium. I know that sounds a bit over the top, but in an urban area like Phoenix sometimes it's really easy to find things like this (and cheap!) so you can customize your gear to be exactly what you want it to be.

Plus it's always cool to say you have custom gear.

(Of course, you have to like modding your gear, and it does take time away from actually using it. I like to do it when I'm nursing an injury or can't go out anyway. It keeps me connected somehow...)