75+ Liter Pack recommendations.

[Lost Canadian]

Just as the title says, I'm looking for big pack recommendations. We're going to France in May to backpack through the Bordeau and Dordogne regions for a couple weeks and need something a little bigger then what we have now. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, I need to buy two packs, but I don't want junk either. I was looking at a couple arcteryx packs but they were almost $400 bucks each, that's too much. Anyone have a recommendation?

 

[Jacket]

I've always been partial to Mountainsmith products, partly because they are a local Colorado company, and there stuff historically is moderately priced and well-made. But I've had my 4500 CI back pack since the mid-90's, and it's served me well for travel (including 7 weeks in Europe), backpacking, and backcountry skiing.

In the end though, I think a lot of people pick packs based partly on product preference, but mostly on how it fits and feels on your back. Kinda like test driving a truck - you gotta try a few one, and see which one feels right on the way it contours to your back, sits on your hips, and doesn't strain your neck or shoulders.

Sounds like a fun trip. I was in Bourdeax last summer for just under 2 weeks, and hands down it was the best place in France I've ever visited. Beautiful coast line, rolling hills, and old limestone wine chateaus are a sight to be seen!

 

[Ron B]

I have the Arcteryx bora 80 (I have the med which is just under 5000 ci) and love it. It is a bit more $$ and slightly heavier than some of the others but it is bomb-proof. Work/family had kept me from using it as much as I would like, but it's been to Whitney/other smaller peaks a few times and was very comfy.

I'm sure you are doing your research, but here's a few links for comparison:
http://www.rei.com/camping/shoplette/Backpacks/Extended+Trip+Packs?cm_re=toc*2*extended_trip_packs

http://store.everestgear.com/backpacks--tents----bags--backpacks.html

rb

 

[Lost Canadian]

Thanks guys.

Ron, the bora 80 is actually the Arcteryx I had looked at but spending almost $800 for two bags is a little rich for my blood. I could justify spending the money if I used them more then a couple times a year, but for most of our trips, our large duffel or day/weekend packs fill the bill.

Matt, some of the Mountainsmith bags look really nice, and reasonable. The problem will be trying to find a dealer in my area.

I have my eyes on a couple bags from MEC, but the search continues...