Looking to buy my girlfriend a new pack for Christmas. She’s been using an old one she got off marketplace years ago that’s way too big for her. I want something around 40-50 liters. We usually only hike into sites no more than 6 miles and typically don’t stay longer than 2 nights 3 days. I would like to stay under $350. I’m going between Osprey, Gregory, and Kelty. (I’m partial to Gregory since I have one and it’s also the name of her favorite singer)
TIA!!
I suggest you surprise her with a hand-made gift certificate for a day trip that includes taking her to the camping gear store to pick out a pack and a nice lunch.
It’s nearly impossible to pick out a pack for someone else. The dimensions of the pack have to fit the person in so many ways. And an uncomfortable pack is nigh on to useless, and if the pack you buy here doesn’t feel comfortable, she may feel obligated to keep it just to be nice to you.
As others have said, definitely take her to a store (is there an REI near you?) and have her try on some packs to see what fits and what doesn’t. That should be the deciding factor.
I hike as well with my girlfriend, and am looking at getting her a Hyperlite pack to go with some of the lighter gear she’s gotten - being smaller than myself, she naturally needs to carry less weight in order to keep up. So that could be something to look at as well.
@Uma
Thank you! And I wish I could get her fitted but I live 3 hours away and want to surprise her
Taron said:
@Uma
Thank you! And I wish I could get her fitted but I live 3 hours away and want to surprise her
Definitely get an adjustable pack then - and be prepared to return it if it doesn’t fit. If you can’t do that, at the very least find a way to get her torso size.
Are you near any store or groups that could assist in trying packs and checking their fit? Taking her to get one fitted may be the best way to go.
Gale said:
Are you near any store or groups that could assist in trying packs and checking their fit? Taking her to get one fitted may be the best way to go.
No, I currently live about 3 hours away and I want to surprise her.
@Taron
You CAN do this without getting her fitted but you need to get her rough measurements and go forward researching that way. (Asking women hikers) Osprey packs are great but a Kelty may fit her body type better - I have a 50L Mountain Hardwear that I absolutely love. 5’6ish average weight (150ish) with fairly broad shoulders.
Osprey, I think they upped their guarantee game and the bags are quality.
There are certain pack manufacturers that aren’t available at REI and produce some of the best packs for women. Specifically, ULA is one of the more celebrated pack makers for women on various thru-hiking surveys.
I’m partial to Osprey, but have had success with the other brands in the past as well. Might be worth keeping an eye out for Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals in the coming weeks.
Female here… LOVE my Gregory. The ladies version puts the belt straps at the right place on the hips so it’s less chafing etc.
Edit: wanted to add I think it’s kind of neat to use the same product together. It’s romantic in a way - like wearing matching hats.