|
Home / Recreation and Leisure / Outdoors
Cheap Backpacks
By:Steve Gillman
Cheap backpacks can be made, but I don't recommend it. Unless you are extremely skilled at sewing, it isn't likely to come out like you want. Also, even if you are an expert, it will probably take less of your time to pick up an extra day at work and buy a pack with the earnings.
On the other hand, if you have an old backpack frame, you can make a cheap backpack with it. Remove the old pack, and tie a plain nylon duffel bag to it firmly, with the zipper facing out. Small bungee cords will work for attaching it too. I did this using an old aluminum frame that still had straps and a waist belt, and for the cost of a $15 duffel bag, I had an external-frame backpack that not only held a lot, but weighed just two pounds.
Buying Cheap Backpacks
There are several ways to buy cheap backpacks. The most obvious is to just wait for a good sale. A quicker way is to shop for a used pack online. Try Ebay.com, or go to a backpacking or other outdoor forum that allows people to sell their gear, like whiteblaze.net. The forums are nice, because you can easily ask questions about the pack.
You can also buy used backpacks cheap at rummage sales. Watch the ads for any mention of outdoor gear, and call to see if they have a backpack you might want. You may be able to buy it before the sale starts. Otherwise, start shopping early, and negotiate a bit. I recently sold a beautiful Kelty frame-pack for $15 at a garage sale.
Thrift stores sometimes have cheap backpacks. More often they have day packs, but you never know. I have seen big old frame packs that were rough at thrift shops, and it occurred to me that for a few dollars I could just toss the pack, and use the frame with a duffel bag, as described above.
Another way to keep the cost down is to go light. The lightweight backpacks, unlike other lightweight gear, are always cheaper than the big packs. If you have been thinking about lightening the load, you can save money too. Ultralight backpacks are usually under two pounds and frame-less. You'll probably use a sleeping pad as a "frame" of sorts. The good news is that they are often on sale for under $100.
Go-Lite has several packs that are near $100, and sometimes on sale for less than that. The list price on the Granite Gear Virga Ultra Light Packer may still be under $100, and I have seen it on sale for under $80. It also weighs only 21 ounces, a bonus for me, as I like the idea of light AND cheap backpacks.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: cheap backpacks, backpacks, backpacking
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free book can be found at www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com
|
|
| Top Outdoors Articles |
|
|
- 2). Some Tips On Backpacking By : Stanley Emerson
Travelers around the world enjoy seeing the sights and wonders of different places with only a backpack for all the things they need. Because they only have a pack on their backs, the possibilities of new sightseeing and activity adventures are limitless.
But of course, before you head for a faraway hiking adventure with your backpack, you must make sure that you bring all the things you need to put in your backpack.
|
- 3). Fall Foliage Scenic Drive in Connecticut By : Cliff Calderwood
Fall foliage scenic drives in Connecticut include the Long Island Sound coastal routes, and the Litchfield Hills in Northwestern Connecticut. These areas offer dramatic scenic drives any season, but for me, the trip that comes alive in the fall is nestled in eastern Connecticut’s "Quiet Corner" and is Route 169. This is a gem of a fall foliage scenic drive in Connecticut.
|
|
|
- 5). What Is a Dunk Tank? By :
Dunk tanks are fun at festivals and can rise a lot of money. Most dunk tanks are so easy to set up it only takes one person and it is easy to maintain and operate one as well
|
- 6). Barbecue Tips For Better Taste By : Daniel Roshard
We all know that for some reason there are a lot of people that volunteer to be responsible for the grilling and barbecue at every event that has this option, and many times the barbecue is destroyed for a wide variety of reasons
|
- 7). Fun Things to do Outdoors with Your Family By : Barney Garcia
Spending time with you family is vital for building healthy relationships with each other. Starting spending time with your kids when they are young will strengthen your relationship, get them physically active, and teach them how to have fun without video games or T.V.
|
- 8). African Safari Preparation By : Michael Russell
If you are planning on going on an African safari, the last thing you would want to do is spoil the trip right out of the chute by forgetting some essential things. Make yourself a list of things to do and check everything off as you go along. There are some important things to consider before you head to Africa.
You will want to wear comfortable, but protective clothing on your safari.
|
|
|
- 10). Hammock Care- Cleaning and storing hammocks with spreader bars. By : Neisha Bjorklund
Don’t plan on machine washing these types of hammocks for they usually have non-removable spreader bars, which makes machine washing not possible.
If you plan on hand washing these particular hammocks simply lay the hammock on your driveway or deck, any hard surface that is free of debris. Using a bucket of water with mild detergent, and a soft bristle brush, clean the hammock bed on one side, then flip the hammock and clean the other side the same way.
|
| New Outdoors Articles |
|
|
- 2). Enjoy Great Summer Activities in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains By : Shane
Winter Park has so many outdoor activities to choose from, you could spend the whole summer here and never see and do everything. Regardless of the activity you choose, you will enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Continental Divide that Colorado has to offer.
A 600-mile trail system spreads throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley.
|
- 3). Hiking the Continental Divide in Winter Park, Colorado By : Shane
600 miles of trails stretch throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. Whether you choose to follow a babbling brook, stroll through a wildflower meadow, or climb up the side of a mountain, Winter Park offers hiking for every skill level.
Winter Park Resort has 50 miles of trails that are accessible by chair lift. At the top of the lift you will find the Sunspot, which is a great place to get a bite to eat and enjoy the 360-degree views of surrounding mountains.
|
- 4). A Few Words In Praise of Birds By : Barbara Freedman-De Vito
Why do birds appeal to us ? Most people enjoy the sight of birds, even people who have never been active birdwatchers. Although birds are less like us in appearance and habits than our fellow mammals, birds undeniably hold a special place in our hearts.
One reason that birds capture our imaginations is that they can fly, while we remain trapped here on earth.
|
- 5). Tents By : Puja
Tents are used for any occasion and event. You can look tent as an open-air shaded pavilion, or a climate controlled banquet hall, practically overnight. It can be used to complete any of your goals regarding outdoor events. Tents are used for events, meetings, weddings, parties, and promotions. Tents are not only a shelter but provide elaborate and elegant environment.
|
- 6). Party tents By : Puja
Tents can play a big part in any event. Whether it is to keep the participants dry in the rain or provide cool shade in the sun.
Party tents are extremely versatile shelters for outdoors and backyard events. Weather there is wedding, birthday party, celebration, block party, an outdoors wedding/reception or simply get-together picnic for that party tents are best.
|
- 7). Easy Camping Food: Devour Delicious and Easy Camping Food in Minutes By : Karin Manning
Copyright 2006 Karin Manning
It’s true.
You too can now enjoy the same quality meals you enjoy in your home kitchen in your campfire kitchen with little fuss.
Meals around the campfire are just as much the centre of camping life as meals around the kitchen bench at home.
It’s possible to unleash the gourmet campfire chef within you when you know how to make your campfire work for you!
For an experienced outdoorsman, the key to good outdoor cooking is both simplicity and creativity.
|
- 8). Adventure Summer Camps - Tips For Finding The Best Ones By : Oliver Turner
The true reason behind any adventure summer camps is to send the children somewhere where they will not only have a great time but will learn and grow as a person. The adventure summer camp programs that you are searching, should offer a wide range of adventurous activities to choose from. If the summer camp is a special type camp, then their summer camp programs must focus on the specialty areas.
|
- 9). Moonlight Hiking By : Steve Gillman
I started moonlight hiking when I was a teenager prowling the streets and fields of Michigan. I later found that if I timed my backpacking trips to coincide with a full moon, I could hike every night. The two primary motivations for doing this are the adventure and mystery of night hiking, as well as the practical advantages that it has.
Moonlight Hiking - A Unique Experience
It's a great experience to hike away the hours of the night under a full moon.
|
- 10). Riding the trains in Italy By : Katy Hyslop
The first time I arrived in Italy by train it felt completely different to anywhere I’d travelled already. It was the summer of 2000 and I had been travelling for a nearly 2 weeks. I was more than relieved when the train pulled out of Nice on that bright August morning, what a misnomer, Nice was in my eyes not very nice at all. So when the train wound.
|
|
|
