Hey fellows, I'm about to get pretty serious about backpacking and hiking with some camping thrown in. I need some advice on gear-primarily backpacks. I've been researching for a couple of days now and so far like the Kelty Redwing 3100 the most. My questions are:
1)Who are the top/best backpack companies to consider. I don't mind spending decent $ as long as I get something worth it. I am primarily looking for durabilty and ruggedness. Weight does not concern me that much, but correct me if I should be more concerned about it.
2)What size? I've done several 6-8 mile dayhikes this past winter, but want to exceed that by a good bit into the backcountry with maybe 1-2 nights camping needed. Is this 3100 mentioned above adequate for that, or should I be looking @ the 5000ish size bags. These longer trips will also hopefully involve hunting with a rifle or bow.
3)Internal frame or external? It seems everything is headed towards internal frames, but this backpacking guru on youtube (Nutnfancy) still seems to favor the externals. I do like the way you can tie your tent, bag and mat onto the externals w'out taking up inside space.
Also any quick advice on the portable (extremely small) stove systems would be appreciated. I went into REI the other day and was amazed by these. They are the ones, that folded, will fit in the palm of your hand and they screw onto the top of the canister of fuel. Thanks
1)Who are the top/best backpack companies to consider. I don't mind spending decent $ as long as I get something worth it. I am primarily looking for durabilty and ruggedness. Weight does not concern me that much, but correct me if I should be more concerned about it.
2)What size? I've done several 6-8 mile dayhikes this past winter, but want to exceed that by a good bit into the backcountry with maybe 1-2 nights camping needed. Is this 3100 mentioned above adequate for that, or should I be looking @ the 5000ish size bags. These longer trips will also hopefully involve hunting with a rifle or bow.
3)Internal frame or external? It seems everything is headed towards internal frames, but this backpacking guru on youtube (Nutnfancy) still seems to favor the externals. I do like the way you can tie your tent, bag and mat onto the externals w'out taking up inside space.
Also any quick advice on the portable (extremely small) stove systems would be appreciated. I went into REI the other day and was amazed by these. They are the ones, that folded, will fit in the palm of your hand and they screw onto the top of the canister of fuel. Thanks