selias

Greetings all! I am using an upcoming trip to Rocky Mountain Park as an excuse to buy a new pack. I have a Blackburn hydration pack that I use while mountain biking and a "school" backpack. The Blackburn doesn't have enough room for gear for an 8 to 10 mile day hike. The other pack does (and then some), but it isn't the best pack for a hike - no water bottle pockets on the outside, organized more for filing papers, etc. I looked at the Camelbak HAWG and some of the other daypack/hydration pack combos, but they are VERY expensive IMHO for what you get. I'm sure the HAWG is a great pack, but $100? Really? Then I stumbled on the REI Whitney Daypack. The price is reasonable (less than a Camelback MULE, Cloudwalker, or TrailBlazer!) and it appears to be compatible with a hydration bladder. Since I have no shortage of those on hand already, I figured this might be the way to go. I haven't even found any non-hydration daypacks that I like for that price. I also like the idea that the hydration pack is optional so I can still use it as an airline carry-on, etc. Plus it has the mesh pockets for water bottles if I go sans bladder. I don't have an REI in Florida, so does anyone have this pack or have any experience with it? I think I'm going to make the purchase. Thanks in advance! -- Scott

Hmm - now I think I'm over analyzing this as I sit here pushing buttons... I can't say that either button feels different from the other... Strange...

Hey Usmaak - Sorry to hear there was not a deal at your neighborhood Target... But at least you got your hands on one... I'm still not quite sure what I'm doing with mine, but since I bought it this morning I took it everywhere with me today and, man, do I follow a crazy path around town!! Thinking of going tomorrow to get the MapSource CDs since without them, I spend a lot of time in a giant highway-less void... Good luck and have fun! I know I will! -- Scott

FYI - If you don't want to wait for shipping and are willing to part with $17 extra, I just saw the Legend at Target (or is it Tar-jay?) for $217 before the rebate. It may be worth it just in case you decide to return it if it doesn't fit your needs. I'm going today to pick one up and finally get started with this whole caching thing... Good luck! -- Scott