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tarpon6 
Group: Members
Posts: 131
Joined: Feb. 2011
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2013, 8:29 pm |
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I've been looking for a larger pack than my current Deuter Aircontact 55 + 10. I love the features and comfort, but need a larger pack. It was stuffed to the gills on last years 7 days Winds trip, and that was using the + 10. I'm going for 9 - 10 days this year. Naturally I thought about moving to the 65 or 75, but the weight really jumps up.
I want a pack with better access to the main compartment, 2 water bottle pockets, 2 hip belt pockets to hold my large screen cell phone and a camera, at least one large exterior pocket, lash points for my fishing rod, separate sleeping bag compartment, handle 50# (including food and water) and stay around 5#. I've considered the Altra 65, the Baltoro 65, and of course the Deuter packs. All seem to fall short in one area or another.
I was comparing packs on the REI site when I stumbled on the Crestrail 70. I never considered an REI branded pack. I checked out several video reviews and it looks promising. It seems to meet all the criteria I'm looking for. The one negative is that it has an internal hydration sleeve (worries me in case of a bladder puncture or malfunction). They updated the suspension this year which looks like a real improvement over last year.
Has anyone used this pack? I'd love to just go and try one on but SW Florida is severely lacking in stores that carry backpacking gear- the nearest REI is in Jacksonville, a good 7+ hours away.
I found I could get a 15% off an REI branded item coupon by signing up for their email list. Does anyone know who makes these packs for REI?
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| Post Number: 2
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treelinebackpacker
Group: Members
Posts: 414
Joined: Aug. 2011
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2013, 10:13 pm |
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I've not used this particular pack, but all I carry is REI brand packs.
I've never had an issue, and I own 4 of them now. I've been extremely please with the performance, especially for the cost.
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| Post Number: 3
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BTall
Group: Members
Posts: 63
Joined: Mar. 2011
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Posted on: Mar. 09 2013, 5:21 pm |
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I have this pack (the green 2012 version anyway), and I like it quite a bit for my carrying my biggest loads (which for me top out around 35 lbs with water & food).
I've found it to be a comfortable pack. The only thing I don't like about it is the weight--4 lbs 13 oz is hefty when trying to keep loads as light as possible. I simply don't use the hydration sleeve because I don't like using bladders. I use platypus soft bottles and keep them in the side pockets.
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| Post Number: 4
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Dennis Waite
Group: Members
Posts: 443
Joined: Feb. 2002
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Posted on: Mar. 09 2013, 5:59 pm |
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I have this pack also . . . it is perfect for me on 7-10 day trips. Your milage may vary.
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Dennis Waite
Interested in dog sledding? Huskies? Check-out my Husky Refuge website!
http://www.phoenixconsultation.com/rescue
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| Post Number: 5
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tarpon6
Group: Members
Posts: 131
Joined: Feb. 2011
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Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 7:37 pm |
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I got the pack and it's a well designed quality pack. I really want to love it, but the hip belt just doesn't fit me right. The bottom kind of digs into me. I haven't heard this complaint from anyone else. I've tried every adjustment possible, started over a couple times, had my wife measure me etc.. Really bummed because it's so nice. I put 40# in it and know I could not make it 10 days. 40# In my Deuter feels like a dream.
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| Post Number: 6
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waterdog
Group: Members
Posts: 466
Joined: Sep. 2002
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Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 10:21 pm |
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After looking and looking at packs on-line and in stores, and even considering going back to an ex-frame, this REI pack seems to always rise to the top of the heap.
As for any perceived deficiencies, I think external side pockets would be a nice plus, although they'd interfere with the side access to the main compartment.
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I'm more comfortable with unanswered questions than I am with unquestioned answers.
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