Recently gifted with a budget for a backpack, I’m new to hiking and looking to delve into it as a hobby with my son. Having lost a significant amount of weight, I’m ready to start new adventures. Is a budget backpack sufficient for someone just starting out, or should I invest in something more substantial from the get-go?
It depends on how much you like the style and function of the pack. Since you’re new to hiking and mainly do car camping, it might be a good starter pack as long as it’s comfortable and suits your needs.
@Tatum
I’m excited to find a new hobby that I can share with my son, especially after losing 150lbs. We’re starting with simple hikes and car camping.
Vann said:
@Tatum
I’m excited to find a new hobby that I can share with my son, especially after losing 150lbs. We’re starting with simple hikes and car camping.
Congratulations on your weight loss! That’s fantastic. If this backpack catches your eye and you’re just starting out, I say go for it. It’s a great way to learn what features you may want or need in future gear without a huge upfront investment.
Vann said:
@Tatum
I’m excited to find a new hobby that I can share with my son, especially after losing 150lbs. We’re starting with simple hikes and car camping.
That’s an incredible achievement! External frame packs can handle heavy loads well, which might be useful for car camping. They are also quite affordable, so it’s a low-risk purchase while you’re exploring your new hobby.
I’ve had a pack just like this one for over 15 years! It’s durable and spacious, perfect for beginners. For $10, it’s a steal, even if just to try out the fit and feel of hiking with a backpack.
While an external frame can be great, newer internal frame packs might offer more comfort and weight distribution. It might be worth visiting a local store to try some on to see what fits you best before deciding.
@Harley
I still use an external frame for certain trips due to its adjustability and capacity. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely worth trying out to see if it suits your needs.
Sullivan said:
@Harley
I still use an external frame for certain trips due to its adjustability and capacity. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely worth trying out to see if it suits your needs.
Agreed, but make sure it fits properly. It’s not worth the bargain if it ends up being uncomfortable.
I had this same pack years ago for Boy Scout trips. It’s heavy but sturdy, and for $10, it’s a great way to see if the hobby is for you without breaking the bank.
Morgan said:
I had this same pack years ago for Boy Scout trips. It’s heavy but sturdy, and for $10, it’s a great way to see if the hobby is for you without breaking the bank.
It is quite heavy, keep that in mind if you decide to take longer hikes.
Definitely worth it for $10! It can also serve as an extra or backup pack for guests in the future.
Linden said:
Definitely worth it for $10! It can also serve as an extra or backup pack for guests in the future.
Great point. It’s always good to have an extra pack around for spontaneous trips or when someone needs to borrow one.
External frame packs are great for fitting and adjustments. If you’re just doing short day hikes or overnight trips, this could work well as a test to see what you like.
At that price, it’s a no-brainer. You can always upgrade later once you’re more immersed in the hobby and know more about what you want in a pack.
It could make a fun decorative piece if nothing else!
It might not be perfect, but it’s a good, inexpensive way to get started and learn what features are important to you in a backpack.
For such a low cost, it’s worth trying out. You might find that it works perfectly fine for your needs.
These types of frames are great for hauling loads but can be cumbersome. It’s a good starter to see if you prefer something lighter or more fitted later on.
I’ve had this model for years and still take it out. It’s solid and dependable for casual hiking.