A Setting Star: REI New Star.
Written: Jul 21 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cost, durable, well made, good for hiking off trail.
Cons: You need to be careful how you pack, older design.
The Bottom Line: This is an good entry level pack with enough room for extended trips.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Rei New Star |
This backpack is designed for a tall individual that needs a backpack for extended backpacking trips. This is an entry level, internal frame backpack.
What is it?
This backpack is designed for a tall individual that needs a backpack for extended backpacking trips. This is an entry level, internal frame backpack. Internal frame means the frame is not visible because it is part of the pack. This design puts the pack closer to your center of gravity.
How the straps work.
There are several straps on these types of backpacks to help the user distribute the weight between their shoulders and their hips. The main load should be on the users hips, the body handles weight there better then on ones shoulders. On the top of the pack are two straps behind the head. You tighten these to increase the load on your shoulders. You loosen these to increase the load on your hips. This also brings the pack closer to your main body, if you have them too loose it will feel unbalanced. They work just like every other backpacking pack.
The next strap is located in the front of each shoulder strap. Increasing the tension on these and you increase the load on your shoulders. Because the belt on my pack is not the best I sometimes carry more on my shoulders than what would be recommended.
There is another strap that connects both shoulder straps together. It is not designed to be tight or to support a load. In fact if you tighten it up too much then it will unsnap from the pressure.
The belt also clips together with a cheap clip. More on this below.
How to you adjust for your height?
The shoulder strap unit can come off the backpack. This is so you can change the distance between the shoulder straps and the belt for users of differing heights. It is fairly easy but will take 2-3 minutes to adjust, more if it is your first time adjusting it. It basically has a couple Velcro straps that loop into the main pack. The shoulder straps do not feel loose and if you did not know about this feature you could not tell just by wearing the pack.
As stated, you need to have the main weight on your hips. If it is too low then you will be carrying the weight on your butt. If it is too high then you will have a very sore back.
About the belt
The belt is one of the most important parts of a pack. A bad belt will make you a miserable hiker and a good belt provides a more enjoyable hike.
This belt is average. It is an acceptable design that works but it will not win any awards. It seems flimsy and not as rigid as I would like.
The clip on the belt is also pretty cheap. When it is really tight the clip can unclip itself.
When I have hiked with 90 pounds the belt had a very difficult time working properly. This pack was never designed to carry this much weight. I do not recommend carrying more than 60 pounds in this pack.
How well does it breath?
One of the things you want to look at on any backpack is its breathability on your back. You want some space for air, kind of like the treads on a tire. My backpack does not have much breathability and therefore I do sweat on my backside a bit. It really is not that bad and I do not complain about it but I sure wish it was improved.
Compartments
There is a main compartment that holds most of my gear. You can access this through the top or through a side panel that opens up by way of zipper. It is fairly easy to get at your gear but you do need to plan your packing carefully.
There is also a zipper pocket on the top. This is the hip pack when it is detached from the pack. I put my map, compass, and some snacks in this pocket because it is so easy to access.
There are also two side pouches that hold a water bottle or in my case a fuel bottle. They do not hold objects very well so it is a good idea to strap them in with another strap or clip.
This backpack does not have a hydration pouch. I just put my platypus pouch in the main compartment on top of my other gear.
There is also plenty of straps externally to strap hammers, ice picks, etc in case you do not want to store these internally.
Does the hip pack work?
The very top pouch can be disconnected and used as a day pack. It is a good idea in theory, but I have not examined a pack that implemented it correctly. This pack is no exception. The hip pack is just a bag with a flimsy strap attached to it. As long as you do not have more than 3 pounds you will be fine. But if you add more then it will be a little awkward and it sags, usually hitting your hind end. Not a good design.
How I pack this backpack
Internal frames are great for off road hiking. But you need to pack them correctly. The heavy objects need to be packed on the top and close to your back. Otherwise an internal frame is unbearable to carry. I usually pack my fleece, sleeping bag, and clothes in the bottom. Then I will put water, food, and heavier objects on the top. Because I keep everything balanced I usually put the tent and mat horizontal on the top of the pack held in by the straps that hold the top compartment. This works for me but not the best design if I was doing some major hiking for several weeks. The only solution I would have would be to buy a new mat and fold the tent in a different manner so it is stored evenly (weight wise) throughout the inner part of my pack.
How much weight can you carry
As much as you want. I have carried 90 pounds but averaged 70 in my younger days. Those hikes were a bit of a pain but thankfully I was in shape (pre-knee surgery days.) Today I would not carry more than 50 pounds and I will not carry anyone else's gear. Before I would carry up to 20 pounds of others peoples gear because I was a nice guy.
Differences between internal frame and external frame backpacks.
In the late 80's and early 90's the internal frame was thought of as superior and the way of the future. All packs would be like this and external frames would no longer be made. This type of limited thinking thankfully died down. Both packs have their strengths and weaknesses. If I was to give an edge to one of these designs then I would have to give the edge to an internal frame.
External frame pros: Easy to pack, lots of exterior space for gear, easier to carry, cheaper.
External frame cons: Can bounce around in rocky terrain, harder to use when off trail,
Internal frame pros: Great for off trail hiking and rock climbing,
Internal frame cons: more expensive, little room to strap items externally, harder to properly pack.
Which should you get? Internal frame or external frame?
If you travel off trail and jump rocks/boulders a lot then get an internal frame.
If you only travel on trails and do not need a pack that handles rock climbing, then get an external frame. Most people will only need an external frame. If you rock climb then you would only get an internal frame.
My friend got a cheap Kelty external frame when I bought my pack. He was not thinking about price when he purchased it he was thinking about comfort. He felt the external frame was much more comfortable than the internal frames he tried, and he was right. So if all you are concerned with is comfort then look into an external frame (or an expensive internal frame.)
What is essential if you want to backpack
The most important thing you will have is hiking boots. Good hiking boots will not only make you more comfortable, but it will allow you to carry a heavier load longer. Do not forget your thorlo socks either.
Loose fitting clothes are also essential. Dress in layers.
Small pot, small camping stove. (and food)
Small/light tent, light mattress, sleeping bag.
Small shovel.
Small first aid kit.
Map and compass.
Rope or a bear proof container.
(water purifier if you do not pack your own water.)
Look at REI.com for more suggestions but these are the essentials to get started. Just like any hobby you can go a little crazy with all of the gadgets and stuff. After your first few trips you will realize that lighter is better.
My real life experience
I have only used this in Joshua Tree and in several trails in the San Bernardino mountains. I went at least once a year before kids came into the picture.
I have loaded it with 90 pounds and it was not fun. I was young, stupid, and in good health so I could carry the weight. The pack did not perform as well as I would like but it did work. Try not to exceed 60 pounds in this pack.
When I hopped on and off rocks I did so very easily. The pack never forced me off balance and I felt comfortable doing it. My friend with the Kelty did not have an easy time and I usually had to wait for him because he took his time getting his footing.
My hips have gotten sore before from the belt. This is a combination of the excessive weight and a cheap design. I have also found that the belt has to be on just right for it to work properly. Kind of a pain.
The pack holds everything I need and then some. There is a lot of room. The only problem is that I pack longer items horizontally on the top of the pack to keep the balance in check. But I have never had anything fall out before.
I feel it was a great purchase and hopefully I will take it out at the end of summer if my wife does not mind watching the kids for a weekend. But I look forward to the day when I can replace it with a better pack.
Would I buy this pack again?
This is an inexpensive, entry level backpack. It is good for beginners and my pack will be used by my son when he is old enough, so I will not get rid of it. But being the snob that I have become I will buy the best pack that I can next time. My next one will probably be an external frame because I do not need to go off road. The few times I do need to go off road I will just need to go slower.
Dimensions, weight, and stats.
Weight: 5 pounds
Length: 8 inches
Width: 13 inches
Height: 33 inches
Capacity: 5122 cubic inches
(measurements will be approximations, they were taken with the pack in a non-stuffed state.)
Summary
This is an entry level backpack for extended camping trips. It is comfortable and well made, it just is not the best design I have seen. It is a good pack for the price but do yourself a favor and spend an extra hundred for a better pack you will be glad you did.
About REI gear
REI gear changes from year to year in quality and accessories. Their overall design does stay the same. So my pack will be a little different from what you can get today.
Other review you might be interested in.
MSR Whisperlite
Maglite solitaire
REI clipper 2 man tent
Recommended:
Yes
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