TETON Sports Fox 5200 Internal Frame Backpack

Price : $139.99

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The Teton Fox 75+10L internal frame backpack is a great fit for the serious hiker. Comfort-wise, the Fox is outfitted with dual aluminum stays that adjust to the shape of your back, along with contoured shoulder, lumbar, and hip pads. In addition, the height of the shoulder straps is adjustable, helping the pack accommodate a wide range of torso lengths. The upshot is a comfortable, ergonomic pack that won't put undue stress on your back and shoulders even after a full day of hiking.
On the interior, the 5,187-cubic-inch pack holds all your gear in its top-loading main compartment, expandable front section, and unique sleeping bag compartment. Meanwhile, hikers looking for an easy place to access their first-aid kits and mini flashlights will delight in the pair of hideaway side pockets. The design concludes with an attached rain fly that keeps your gear dry and is compatible with separately sold hydration systems.

An attached rain fly will keep your gear dry in unexpected wet weather.
Amazon.com Backpack GuideFinding the Right BackpackFor extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. ExternalUp until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter TripsIn addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and CapacitiesPacks in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.

The Fox 75+10 is packed with features normally found only on more expensive backpacks. Equipped with a top-loading main compartment and a generous sleeping bag compartment, the Fox features two hide-away side pockets and an expandable front section. The shoulder strap height is adjustable, allowing this pack to accommodate a wider range of torso lengths. Its contoured shoulder, lumbar, and hip pads help ensure a comfortable trip. Includes attached rain fly and is hydration system ready.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 6.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B002C3ZNS2
• Item model number: FOX75+10L
  

Product Features

• Rugged internal frame backpack with a capacity of 5,187 cubic inches or 85 liters
• Dual aluminum stays with contoured shoulder, lumbar, and hip pads
• Height-adjustable shoulder straps accommodate a wide range of torso lengths
• Top-loading main compartment, sleeping bag compartment, and two hideaway side pockets
• Attached rainfly; compatible with most hydration systems; weighs 5.5 pounds empty

 

TETON Sports Fox 5200 Internal Frame Backpack

 

Customer Reviews

This is a nice pack with lots of features. Great for beginners and how can you beat the price? Wow. I should have noted from the other reviewer, that this pack is small (he could not get it to fit and he was 6'2"). While capicity is very large, and lots of attachment options exist, the frame is set up for very small people. I am 5'10" and set the pack to the very largest frame setting and still had serious pain carrying the pack when full (45lbs). This pack is truly a woman's or more likely a youth sized pack. On the smallest settings it fits my [...]son perfectly - so I am keeping it for him.

I take about one 3 week packpack trip a year. I recently used this for a 3 week stint in SE Asia. It was actually a little bigger than I'd like but it was rather inexpensive for the type of backpack so I gave it a try. Unless you are going to a cold place, you shouldn't need more than 55L. My friend bought the Teton 55L off Amazon and I rather liked it, so I'm buying that one next. I was going to originally get that but Amazon's prices seem to change quite a bit on these backpacks. One week it was $49, next $79, next $69.
PROS:
-It's big. I went there using only about 60% of the capacity. I ended up buying a lot more stuff than I usually do just because I knew I had the space.
-The materials are very good quality. For the price, I was very surprised. I'd guess it would be around $100-$150 if I saw it in the store for the first time.
-Sleeping bag compartment, pretty easy access.
CONS:
-It's HEAVY. I would put it at 6 pounds empty. I was rather irritated when I picked it up. It's the heaviest backpack I've ever picked up.
-The design is really poor. The number of straps and plastic snaps is beyond insane. Not only that, most of the straps are over twice the length you need it to be, even for a large person. There are several I had no clue what they did, like the bottom ones. There are both loops and straps on the bottom of it for an unknown reason. This all adds a ton of weight. In fact, I spent about 3 hours clipping off all the straps and buckles I didn't need or figure out what the purpose was. I also removed the huge, oversized hip pads/straps. I then used industrial glue to redo the straps. I removed nearly 3 pounds from it.
-The 10+ refers to the top being used as a hip bag, there's a rather large, heavy buckle in the top part that you use to strap around your waist. Not only is it awkward to wear, it's the dorkiest looking thing. I'd put it on par with duct-tape and a large zip-lock freezer baggie.
-Water bottle holders are too short, my water kept falling out. I ended up just carrying it in my hand.
-The rain cover in the top is pointless to me. more weight I got rid of. It'd help if you are in a downpour but who treks when it's raining that heavy. Maybe if you're in the woods and can't get decent shelter...or you want to use it to make a temp shelter... For light rain, the material is semi-water resistant. I just sprayed some water-proofer on it before I left and voila, zero weight water resistant.
-The side pockets are useless. I like the ones that actually are compartments. These are just folds that expand out. I could only stick a couple folded shirts in them.
-Material is high quality, however it's also very heavy again adding to the weight
-The top is only held on by plastic buckles, the kind that easily come un-done when check-in'd at the airport. I used metals clasps to secure them for flight. If they come undone, I could easily imagine your contents being dumped all over the tarmac.
-The main compartment's height/width ratio is not good. It's basically a long slender tube. It'd be better to have the widget and depth increased and have it a few inches shorter like most others.
-The main straps that go over the shoulder, which supports the entire bag are nearly ripped apart and I didn't have much weight in it. It can easily be fixed with 'gorilla glue' which I used on other parts as well. There's only a line of stitching on each strap supporting the entire weight. For the most critical, stressed stitch...spend the extra penny to make it more secure.
SUMMARY:
Good for the price. I might suggest it if you are mountain backpacking and are more interested in getting something decent for a cheap price but for backpack traveling, there are a lot better options, even in the $50-$100 range.