Backpacks courtesy of Mark at REI

On a rainy Sunday afternoon we went to REI in Fremont, CA to look at backpacks. I had been searching on line and reading other travelers' suggestions but it was impossible to know what would be right for each of us. As we stood gazing at the wall of packs, and I am embarrassed to say, selecting mostly based on color, we were approached by Mark. We now refer to Mark as our REI guy and he helps us each time we return to buy more stuff. Mark was extremely patient as we bantered about what we wanted and what we thought we needed. He fitted us with several packs and explained all of the things to look for and consider when selecting a pack.



P-I don't think my pack can be as long as Gina's because my back is shorter.
G-And I don't think mine can be as big as Phyl's because once I fill that bitch up, I don't have the counter balance that she has and I might fall over backwards.
Mark- (before he totally gets us) If they fit properly you won't have any problems with the weight.
P- I'm old and fat, carrying 40 pounds on my back is going to be a problem no matter what. Would you like to come along and be our backpack bitch?
G- That sounds like a great idea. (now he's laughing)
Mark- I'm so jealous. I had planned a backpacking trip.
P- What happened?
Mark- I got married instead.
G- Yeah, well we're not allowed to have that problem.

As Mark fitted each of us, he explained the pack's Load Transfer Suspension, and how the pack' s low back cushion prevents low back pain and allows for air to flow to cut down on sweating. Then he adjusted the supercushioned waist belt.

Mark-These are designed to sit on your hip bones to take the weight off of your back.
P- Well Gi won't have trouble with that. You could sit a 6 pack on her hip bones.
G- Cool! Phyl did you see this? The waist belt has 2 zipped compartment to hold stuff!!
P- I know you love that, my organizing queen. More pockets for you to organize stuff in.


Mark finished his demonstration by showing us the Womem Specific Auto-Fit Harness System and how to adjust the shoulder straps so that the weight wasn't pulling backwards on your shoulders and fit snuggly to your clavicles. I'm not found of the clip that holds the shoulder straps together, but he explained that it was important to hold them in place and distribute the weight properly. My shoulder straps clicked without a hitch, Phyl's on the other hand...........
P- What in the hell? I cannot walk around like this!
When Mark and I looked up, her clasp was too high on the the straps and her giant tits were shoved so far up into her face, she had clevage to her eyebrows. Mark and I laughed our asses off! Then he showed her how to slide the clasp down on the straps.
G- OMG! Whenever we're on the road suffering some misery, I'm gonna pull your shoulder clasp up and laugh my ass off.
P- Shut up, bitch!

And so, we purchased our backpacks. Unfortunately, we each had to get the same color because the color is assigned by size and ironically, aside from the shoulder clasp and waist belt, we wear the same size. We are now the proud owners of $200.00 (with 20% off for becoming new REI members) Gregory Jade 50 blue bird backpacks, weight 3 lbs 10 oz, maximum carrying capacity 40 pounds.

G- Holy crap! Do you realize that EVERYTHING we take with us to travel for who knows how long must fit into this tiny pack?
P- If anyone can fit all our stuff into it, you can. I have no doubt.
G- We can only bring 2 shirts and 2 pairs of shorts and we'll have to start going commando. And I'm not gonna wear a bra!
P- Me either! Thousands of Asians may be killed!!
G- You can tighten up your strap clasp.