Looking for a good backpack

[Hookemdown.]

I'm going to Africa this summer, and needless to say I'm looking for a good pack to take with me.  Can anyone recommend one?  I'll be staying in Lesotho (it's cold there) so a larger pack will be necessary.

Thanks guys.

[Tin]

Not going to make a suggestion but that is awesome dude. Have fun, my best friends sister works over in Nigeria 4 months on, 4 months off, loves it there. Really makes you appreciate what we have here. Good luck.

[fourbizz]

I'm not real sure on what kind of pack you are looking for. Full blown trekking style pack or more of a backpacking style? Or more of a luggage piece you can throw on your back?

Either way, I am a huge fan of osprey products.

I run one of these:

http://www.rei.com/product/795622

I also have one of their smaller daypacks, which is awesome as well.

One of these might suit your specific trip better:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/WaypointSeries/Waypoint85MensNEW/

[Root beer]

Osprey might be my next backpack, they get raving reviews in Backpackers and other sites. I have a Kelty backpack in which the model is no longer for sell. (I'm assuming this because I cannot find it on any sites.) Can't go wrong with either brand. The bigger the space you want, the pricier it will be.

You should check into getting some dry sack, you can usually fit more clothes in your pack if you have them organized by dry sack, it more organized than having them pile up in the pack. Least that how it has worked for me on short trips.

Have fun and be safe. I tried go to New Zealand for volunteer work, but couldn't afford get myself there and back. LOL.

[Fishes in trees]

Jansport makes good packs in a variety of sizes and should you tear it up they will replace it for free.

[Hookemdown.]

Thanks for the info and encouragement.  I might look into getting a used pack off ebay.  Basically, I'll only be hiking for a short period (maybe 20 or so miles at a time) to get to camp.  All I'll have to take with me is clothes, sleeping bag/pad, first aid, etc.

Root beer:  I had the opportunity to go to NZ this summer too with one of my bio professors.  It's for a month too.  Maybe another year.  Plane tickets are expensive.   ;D

[Bassn Blvd]

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I might look into getting a used pack off ebay. Basically, I'll only be hiking for a short period (maybe 20 or so miles at a time) to get to camp. All I'll have to take with me is clothes, sleeping bag/pad, first aid, etc.

Root beer: I had the opportunity to go to NZ this summer too with one of my bio professors. It's for a month too. Maybe another year. Plane tickets are expensive. ;D

Was she hot? ;D

[Hookemdown.]

HE is a pretty cool dude.  ;D

[fourbizz]

Then you will want one of the packs that i posted first in that list. There are cheaper options, but the ospreys are sooo worth it.

[Root beer]

I forgot to mention, some packs fits different. Try some on at a local outfitter if it possible. Mine was given to me from my brother, but I've tried on a Black Diamond and a Osprey at a local outfitter and I thought they fit better than my Kelty. I can deal with the Kelty for another year or so. I spent all of my money on my new mountain bike and I'm just going upgrade my tent, stove, and sleeping bag for now. 

[bigfruits]

staying under 45lbs? read reviews and then go check out the Osprey Exos at REI (i like the 58 size). go ahead, be a dork and bring your gear with you and stuff the bag. put it on and do a lap around the store. then order it online. great bag. especially on sale.