>>487033There was a thread earlier that nailed the coffin closed for me on buying a Gregory baltoro 65.
I'm upgrading (though downsizing) from a High Sierra Appalachian 75. Which was a fine, cheap pack that fit all of my needs.
Then I tried on the Baltoro at REI... I was just in there killing time, and got asked to be the guinea pig for an employee being trained on how to fit a pack. It was great, because I learned a lot about pack fitting too, but I tried on virtually every men's pack in the store.
I didn't even go in looking at backpacks, and found myself thinking about that baltoro every day for a week. Pulled the trigger on it today with the 20% off code from REI online.
Im a 6'3" 250lb strongfat hiker, and have to use XL sleeping pad/bag/clothing. Those things are bigger than the normal sized items by usually 50% for weight and compactness. A 65 is pretty much perfect for what I need it for.
I guess the moral of my novel is to try on as many packs as you can, and find the one that is for you that the baltoro is for me. But take your time on it. Hit up REI, Cabelas, Sports Authority, and try on any other friends' packs that you can.
