I was about to post that. Yes anti MC. I have a list somewhere, I'll try to dig it up. - Get a Ogio, good quality stuff.
Oh yes, the best one I had. The zippers got fouled up after a couple years of abuse. I had an Ogio that they quit making, but it was a bit smaller than my Osprey (which thinking back, pretty sure they were on that Utah open letter as well =/ ). But it was a damn fine pack. Yep, it goes back before GW as well. I'm sure the "Clinton Legacy Closures" was around the time I first heard about it.
http://ogio.com/media/catalog/produ...25d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/a/dakar100_chrome.jpg I just got this one and like it. Wanted the larger capacity 100 oz water bag. Ogio also offers small and med versions 70 oz.
I will buy Ogio next time I need a hydration pack. They make good quality stuff (I have a big gear bag from them) and the support motorsports.
i needed to upgrade this season as well... check out USWE and Kriega. those were my top two choices... went with USWE. (on order now)
Check out the local Army-Navy surplus store, it will surprise you the surplus back packs. Mine is Finish army, spay paint you own trick logo on it too.
This is a good point. I go by the army navy every once in a while with my son due to his airsoft obsession. I've seen some bullet proof (not literally) looking back packs in there. They seem all set for hydration. And you can't beat the digital cammo when you are hiding from the ranger
Hmmm, this Camelback political crap is news to me too. They go all tree hugger but have no problem making beaucoup on the military. Check any PX/NEX and they will surely be easy to find at a premium price I might add. But alas I digress... I use a seperate hydration pack (a generic brand I bought in Zion years ago) and a fanny pack. I wear a full front and back chest protector so the backpack is no go for me. My OLD O'neal enduro pack started to fall apart after just 25 years so I got this one. http://ogio.com/moto-140f6969d5213fd0ece03148e62e461e/specialty/450-tool-pack
Crap...just spent 2 hours at my local REI looking at packs and ended up with $150 camelback. Might have to give it back now
$150? Wow, I know REI considers themselves a outdoor snob outlet, but like did it come with Lube? A dinner date at least?
none of the above... I chose based on comfort, volume, utility, light weight, packets and all... it really was best pack. REI give you back 20% at the end of the year.. and If I dont like the back, i can bring in back in 1 year. my wife bought ski boots at REI and after full season of skiing, she still could not get comfortable in the boots and REI took it back no questions asked. it's awesome store..
Been an REI member since 74. They give you a dividend of 10% and 5% more w/their credit card. Buy a fair amount of stuff there and if stuff is just not right they take it back. I have seen a friend take back a moldy 15 year old camelback bladder he could not clean effectively. He decided to upgrade the bladder but it's changed so nothing would fit. They took the entire old/new pack and moldy bladder back and he bought a new 70oz Camelback. I have returned sneakers twice that just didn't fit my foot right for the trails. The last time they suggested a way to lace them that kept my foot from sliding. I kept those and appreciated the informed advice. Customer Service at a better price is fine with me. If retail is too high for you on a brand new model recently stocked, wait two weeks. In fact my dividend just arrived and has a coupon for members for 20% off any full price item. So basically 30% off with your end of year dividend or 35% if you use their visa and the card also gives you a rebate of 1% on all purchases.
