Newb here!

[bob]

I'm looking to take up hiking/backpacking and while checking out some gear I thought some members might be using it. First I'm looking at an Osprey Stratos 40, I'll be using this probably for overnighters, maybe two nights, any thoughts on this pack? Also, kind of looking at a hennesey hammock, I've read steller reviews about them but wanted to know what others might think. Thanks ahead for any insight given

[natchez]

Hi Bob, welcome to the forum. I hope you will like it here. I also will leave response to this to our american hikers since I am not experienced with those brands. I hope someone from the States will answer soon

[swoosh]

i'd look into a pack not made in the states. deuter makes great packs and the prices are very reasonable.

i've heard some negativity towards osprey in the past week or 2. a few hikers complaining that their equiptment has started to shift from good, solid, technical stuff to pricy, yuppie, this will look good on me walking down the boulevard stuff.

i personally use a gregory pack, love it.

another option to look into is the UL packs (what a lot of thru ATers carry and the ultralight hiking bunch). if you're going to go w/ a hammock as opposed to tenting, you'll be able to carry a smaller bag than those of us who sleep on the ground

[natchez]

Why not made in the States, HikingPA?

[swoosh]

i just meant that as my lead into deuter. just like lafuma. both great brands (they're like the north face of europe) but still relatively quiet here in the US

[natchez]

Ah, I see. Thanks for explaining that