SGRHewitt

And by big guy packs, I don't mean you tall guys or anyone in the 200 pound range.

I'm a big guy, and with that comes heavy clothes, bigger clothes, and obviously a bigger body. I guess I could go to the local backpack store and just try some on for myself, but I was hoping to get some opinions.

Anyone else big and found a back that fits your needs? I'm looking at a High Sierra Sentinel because the price is right and its gigantic... Anyone have an opinion on Sierra.

Mind you I'm not looking to spend over $150, theres no reason to start dipping into the travel fund itself .

Thanks for the help,
Andrew

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simply_angelic

I found the people at the travel store very helpful in making my backpack decision. I got mine at MEC which is only a canadian company but I'm sure you could find a great place near you. The beauty with travel packs is that they're so adjustable for each person so you really cater the pack to YOUR needs.

I'm more on the small side, so I don't really have any experience with larger packs but I think your best resource would actually be the travel store's employees themselves. They help tons of people with the same issues you're having and would best know the equipment they're recommending, and not only that~ how to properly WEAR the attire. I think if you walk in there and give them your budget they'll be really helpful (or at least the employees at MEC were...) Good luck!!

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joe7f

I agree with Laura that you should consult with a retail store, preferably one that specializes outdoors sporting goods. A woman there recommended my pack (The Transcontinental Journey--now discontinued) and it was a saving grace. I was going for a top down bag which is not as practical for "urban backpacking" as she called it. Man was she ever right. I wish I could find her and let her know how well it worked out.

You may want to check out this one. It is a little more than you wanted to spend but a backpack is probably the most important purchase you can make as you will be spending a lot of time with it and with it on. It needs to be convenient and comfortable...another reason to try it on in the store! You may want to print out Anthon's comprehensive "what to look for in a backpack" list here.

FWIW, when I left for Europe I was 6' 260lbs wore 42x30 pants XL and XXL shirts. The pack worked great for me. If you are going for an extended trip you may want to size everything a little bit on the tighter side because you'll probably drop quite a bit of weight from walking around. Before I left for Japan, I loaded up my backpack with bottled water and walked 3 miles a day or so for the two weeks leading up to the trip, and it helped me get into backpacking form before roaming around (plus I dropped about 10 lbs).

Good luck with your trip!

--Joey

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benna2

I have a great backpack but I do echo what these guys say about trying some on in a store that specializes in it. I ordered a pack off the internet because I got a really good deal, had it delievered and played around with it for a couple days and realized that it just wasn't the pack for me. I ended up having to ship it back, it got lost in transit and it was months before I finally was able to exchange it! Luckily the pack that I exchanged the original one for was perfect, so I didn't have any problems after this! But the whole thing would have been completely avoided had I just gone to a store and tried a few on. I ended up getting the Dana Design Swift Traveller. It came in two sizes, S/M or L/XL. I'm only 5'2 so I went with the S/M but I know a couple of bigger guys that ordered that same pack in the larger size and liked it a lot. I don't know if they make it any more though...But perhaps you could find one on sale and in your budget...Good luck!

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mermaidnz

i have nothing to contribute, except i totally read your thread title as "big guys packs" i was expecting pics of guys massive packages :P

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MeTurk

:D Or pictures of a big guy packing his bag. I thought there was some sort of new travel fetish.

Try before you buy is your only way to be sure. I don't think you'll have a problem though I'm big and there's allot of strap to spare on my pack.

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