Backpacking Equipment
Ben Pharr (benpharr@NETWORK-ONE.COM)
Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:13:16 -0600
Back before Christmas, I did a survey about backpacking equipment on
Scouts-L and PSA-List. A few weeks ago, I was in the process of
compiling it all and my computer crashed. So here I am, trying to put it
together again. Sorry it's taken me so long to get this out.
I appreciate everybody replying to my survey. Everyone helped a lot. I
don't have time to thank everyone individually, so I'm thanking you now.
I had asked people about packs, hydration sytstems, and GPSs. Most
people had something to say about packs. A few people had something to
say about hydration systems. And nearly nobody helped me with GPSs. I
had 27 total replies. Here is what they had to say.
The most mentioned backpacks were the Kelty Super Tioga and Tioga, both
of which are external packs. The favorite brands of packs were Kelty,
Gregory, and Moutain Smith in that order. Other brands mentioned were
Dana Design, North Face, Camp Trails, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer
(discontinued), Cabela's, and Coleman.
The average size for external frame packs was 4100 cubic inches. The
average size for an internal frame pack was around 5650 cubic inches.
Internal frame packs tend to be bigger, due to the fact that that your
sleeping bag goes inside. People said that the most important thing
about a pack was the hip belt. Most people said it should be padded.
Adjustable straps were also on most everybody's wish lists.
I expected more people to have internal packs instead of external packs.
Twenty people responded to that part of the survey. It was tied 10:10.
Most people also said that whether an internal or external frame pack
was best for you, was a personal descision. Internals are best for
bushwacking, or other activities that require going through small places
or keeping your balance. External packs are fine for open trails and
hauling heavy loads.
My personal pack is a Gregory Wind River Internal Frame pack. It has
6750 cubic inches (I'm a big guy) and opens from both the back and the
top. It has only two big pockets, but has places all over it to put
small pockets and to lash things on.
The only hydration system mentioned was the platypus hoser. Some loved
it, and some couldn't stand it because they had had one burst in their
pack. I'm planning on buying a PakTeen myself. I'm not sure which model
yet. Hydration systems are good for keeping you going. It would keep you
from having to take your pack off to get water.
GPSs weren't a very popular topic for the people who replied. Several
people said that they were not needed at Philmont. Some people said they
would still be at Philmont if they hadn't had their GPS. Their favorite
brands were Garmin and Magellan. No others were mentioned. Everyone did
say that if buying a GPS, you should get a multichannel unit and not one
with multiplex. I would like to stress that even though you might have a
GPS, it is, in no way, a replacement for a map and compass and the
skills to use them.
I hope this helps somebody out there looking for thinking about getting
new equipment. If you have questions about some of the equipment
mentioned, send me an e-mail and I'll give you the e-mail address of the
person or persons that uses it. After everyone returns from their treks
this summer, then maybe I'll do this again in preparation for next year.
Ben Pharr
Yocona Area Council
Chicksa #202
Lodge Chief-Elect
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
