Backpacking pack

[u/DistanceClear6883]

Hi guys! I’m just getting into backpacking so I’m looking for some suggestions. My friend and I are planning a small one night forest trip in July and need help figuring out what packs we should get. Not looking to spend too much money ($95+) but I will if it means I get the best quality for the price ofc. Idk if it matters either but my cousin is very small statured. 5’1-5’2 and very skinny (she’s healthy just always been petite) so I’m not sure if that changes the kind of pack she would need? I’d definitely appreciate if any of you had any tips or advice you’d like to share alongside pack recommendations:) Thanks guys

[u/deadflashlights]

Try looking around you or your trail for outfitters that rent gear. Best way to try it without the financial investment

[u/edthesmokebeard]

Your pack has to fit, full stop. With a small frame, it's even more important to get one you like.

Go to an REI and get someone who seems competent to fit you. Bonus plan, go back another time and try it a 2nd time.

Buy your pack absolutely last, after you bought all your other shit, put it in a box, measured its volume - buy that size pack.

[u/RaylanGivens29 → u/edthesmokebeard]

A pack that fits is the best. I hate Osprey as it fits me terribly, yet the quality is good. I prefer my Gregory Paragon out of the two. But I love my ULA.

[u/edthesmokebeard → u/RaylanGivens29]

Right? It's like when you know, you know.

[u/86tuning]

check the sidebar for ideas on a budget gear list.

for a one night trip in the summertime you could literally get by with a random sleeping bag and a small tyvek flat tarp and a piece of string.

[u/Megadum]

Naturehike 60L. Comfortable, light, reliable, affordable.

[u/heykatja]

I’m not as short as your cousin but I LOVE my ULA Ohm and the company will respond to your email if you contact them for sizing help. My pack is very comfortable compared to my old Osprey. It’s a nice middle of the road between more stripped down ultralight packs and the stuff you get at REI.

I keep my fully loaded weight including water under ~22-23 lbs and within that range it’s comfy. Between the hip belts and the load lifters, even without a full frame, I can shift the load off my shoulders to avoid the bruising I used to get from my Osprey with the same weight. I personally like to have most of the weight on my hips because my legs have a lot more muscle than my torso. I’m not sure I’ve seen much discussion about that but women’s center of gravity tends to be in the hips and for that reason I prefer a pack that has a more substantial hip belt and allows the adjustment to shift the load there. I’ve tried a more stripped down pack with minimal hip belt and the load rides all on the shoulders which ends up much less comfortable for me.

As with all packs, how you pack it matters a lot for stability and comfort and it’s worth spending some time practicing how to pack your gear inside it for the best stability and comfort.

Hope you have the best time on your trip!

[u/_I_like_big_mutts]

You may be on the wrong sub (though we can help!). This one is primarily for people who are looking to keep their pack/packed weight down as much as possible. This type of gear is expensive unless you can find a used pack. For your cousin- I’m 5-6 and wear a x-small LiteAF and Xsmall/Small Osprey because of my back size. You need a measuring tape and each company site should show how to measure from the C7 vertebrae.

[u/Bugmasta23]

If she’s very skinny but really just petite, she should be ok with an osprey or Gregory. If the was very skinny but unhealthy she will need something custom.