Top loader or panel?

I own both a top and a panel loading pack, and am pretty happy with both. A panel loader provides a bit more convenience for retrieving things — but to me, the best "ease of use" is a combination of a top loader with a front pocket and/or side pockets — plus two hip belt pockets.

Panel loaders generally add weight and design/production complications. A top loader is simple and extremely easy to keep waterproof by a simple insertion of a liner (i.e. a large 2-mil contractor bag). As for the inconvenience of retrieving stuff during the day — that can be solved by putting the stuff needed during the day in the various outside pockets as mentioned. By not disturbing the main pack, you maximize protection of your clothing and sleeping bag from rain or stream-crossing mishap.

When at camp — by the time you pull out your tent, bag, pad, sleep clothes, a warm layer for camp wear, kitchen, etc. — your pack will be pretty much emptied out anyway — so no difference in the convenience factor there between top vs. panel loading.

All the above plus the simple fact that you are already happy with a top loader — my suggestion is that you keep it the way it is — light and simple.

And now for something completely different.

I also own both kinds of packs and have used them extensively over the years. And I appreciate Ben's reasoned arguments for the Top Loader. In fact I agree that the panel loader is slightly heavier and has more possibility for leaking.

However, I have had several occasions with a Top Loader where, in spite of my best effort to pack what I thought I would need on top, I needed to get something out of the bottom of the bag. This invariably happens during a rain storm. Of course I open the pack and the liner and plunge my hand down in the darkness fishing for the item. When I can't locate it by touch or I can, but can't get it past something else on top, then I end up emptying everything out of the bag in the rain and then repacking.

Since I switched to a PaneL Loader I have never had to unpack in the rain. Just a matter of zipping open the panel and grabbing the item needed and zip closed. I know there are problems, but for me the convenience is worth the extra wt.

But probably the best advice, and here Ben and I do agree, is Pockets–lots of pockets on the outside can keep you organized Top Loader or Panel.

-Mark

Ben and Mark, thanks for your comments.

I agree with the idea of having external pockets. I'd like having a kangaroo pocket with a zippered portion. I'd also like having a top pocket and pouches on the hip belt. I think my new pack will also have side pockets.

Right now my big pack is an Osprey Aether 70. I like the combination of features and the fit is pretty good – not precise, but acceptable for my use. But, there's room for improvement.

Mark – Very interesting that we started at opposite ends, crossed and ended up still "opposites". :)

I was a traveler for years before I started hiking. I always used a panel loader when traveling — and still do. My preference for panel loading naturally carried over to hiking… but after about a year, I became pretty indifferent between the two… and now, I actually have a slight preference for top loader when hiking.

But one thing hasn't changed for me: I hate hate hate packs with a floating top and myriad of straps. What a pain to use!

Peter – Curious, have you used a panel loader before? Reading our posts above, I'm sure you know that much depends on your own packing style / preference. If panel-loading is new to you, the only way to really know is to buy or rent one and try it out yourself — before you finalize on your own customized pack.

Ben,

Ditto on the straps and extra doodads.

-Mark

Peter – Ben's right, you should really try out the panel loader before you make your decision. McHale packs are too expensive to make a mistake in your design preferences. Since you are already familiar with top loaders you may want to ask Dan McHale if he can send you a panel loader for your demo pack.
Ron

That's good advice guys about trying out a panel loader. I have a few months before I make a move on the new pack, so I'll investigate a rental. No one I hike with uses one.