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Rave About Your Rack Please do not post retail SPAM.

Topic Date User

Looking for a decent hiking pack - suggestions? 15-Jun-2011 At 9:29:54 PM ClimbingNT

Message

The first pack I purchased locally had a 'good 2 year warranty' on it - or so I thought.
After 1 shoulder strap breaking, and quickly followed by the other on the same hike back to the car I took it back to where I got it from for a replacement (only 8month or so old).

After having the pack sent away, and 6 or 7 weeks wait and a heap of stuffing around by the local business, I did end up getting a new pack, which should straps broke in the same place 7 months later.

The local business made the whole process so difficult the first time around that I decided to cut my loss and buy a north face pack - as suggested by a couple of local hikers.

North Face pack was purchased off ebay - and from what appeared to be an Australian based company. Discovered after this pack broke that they were actually someone working in Australia, but importing rip-offs from china, and was told that I had to send my pack to china for the warranty (basically I would never see my pack again).

Now I am on to my 3rd pack in 2 years and have already spent quite a lot of money on my first 2 pack, both of which have turned out as being pretty crappy.

Yes, I probably shouldnt have purchased the second pack from ebay, but I wasnt too keen on purchasing a pack from the US, as I know all warranty options would be difficult/impossible to claim. As I mentioned before, the ebay site seemed legit, had a heap of positive ratings on their camping/hiking gear, etc.

I am now at the cross road of weather I fork out another $300 or so on a 'all might guarantee' pack, or spend less on something that is still a reasonable build quality, but doesnt have as many bells/whistles (waterproof, multi-compartments, bladder holder, etc) as the more expensive packs.

I am after a solid pack that is simple, comfortable, and will hold my climbing gear, some food and water and possibly a pair of boots and a helmet, but the last 2 are non-essential.
- I figured around $100 as a base price, but am willing to spend more on proven quality without buying the Rolls Royce of hiking packs. I am only planning on using it on weekends, and not for an epic around the continent expedition.

Cheers