June 20, 2008

Aura 50 Women’s Backpack (courtesy, Osprey)

Do you have a question of your own?

Actually, you’re on the right track, Andrew. I’m assuming a few things, such as you’re hiking in Washington state, you read weather forecasts so have a rough idea of what to expect, and you’re staying below 5,000 feet (generally). So your friend will be carrying a basic clothing setup, some of the food, some water, a light sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. Terrific guy that you are, you’ll be lugging the tent, stove, cookwear, most of food, and so on.

A 3,000-cubic-inch pack can easily handle what she needs to haul. And the Osprey Aura 50 ($199) is just that size. It’s fitted for a woman and has lots of pockets and compartments to keep gear organized. And Osprey suspensions are first-rate, comfortable, and easily adjustable. Gregory’s Jade ($199) is exactly the same size and also designed for a woman, so if you have a chance to look at the two side by side, do so, and have her try them on for fit.

For something just a little larger, Marmot’s Diva ($199) has 3,400 cubic inches and lots of external tie-down points for extra gear. Or if the budget is an issue, REI’s Quick UL ($99) has adequate cargo capacity for your needs (2,800 cubic inches) and a surprisingly good suspension for the money.

Hope the snow on the trails around here melts eventually. June-uary in the Pacific Northwest, indeed.

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