What kind of pack/back pack do you use? Do you have more than one and would you suggest it to anyone???

I have an Osprey Atmos 65



Pros: The section that rests against your back is made of mesh and is breathable. Great lightweight and hot weather pack. I have used it about 7 times now. Lots of pockets! I picked it up for around $150 much cheaper than some packs.

Cons: Its nothing big, it wont hold enough for a 5 day trek, but for Florida its great.

What do you guys and gals own???

I am actually looking for a new pack. The only pack I have now is a junky Jansport pack that I've had for years. Where did you get yours for such a great price?

Well I got mine up north in NY. The best thing to do when looking for a new pack is first go to an outdoors store and try some on. Make sure you have them put weights in the pack while you are wearing it. This will give you a better idea of what your looking for. The length of your trip will also help you decide of what size to get, but most get just a 2-3 day pack. After you have decided the pack you like and know the make model size and all the details shop around online, you can find a great price.

Check out Adventure Outfitters in South Tampa. Leon Watts is the owner and is very knowledgeable. I Just got back from an Adventure trip to Costa Rica and have done other travels with him as my guide. He'll size the pack on you and has great prices and selections.He has women's packs too, which really makes a difference, they're much more comfortable in how they sit on our bodies as opposed to getting a "unisex" pack.


Adventure Outfitters
4330 1/2 South Manhattan Ave.
Tampa Florida 33611
813-832-6669

I use a Nimbus Latitude by Granite Gear, an ultralight pack. The pros are weight, comfort, and the full frontal zip feature. A lot of packs come with only a top entry pack. The larger packs will come with a "sleeping bag" access zipper at the bottom of the pack, but I liked this because I can access anything in my pack at anytime, without having to take everything out to get to something in the bottom.

There are two cons for this bag. It is not fully rainproof. The center is neoprene, which is water-resistant, but rain has a chance of entering the pack if you don't have the cover accessory that granite gear also sells for around 10 bucks. The other con is the lack of outer pockets. It only has two, and if you fill out your pack, it is difficult to use the zippers for anything other than a camera, or snacks. Granite gear tends not to use outer pockets, instead using additionals, such as camera cases, and waterbottle cases that fit on the waist belt and the shoulder straps. But if you're going lightweight, you don't need the extra pockets.