Assuming you want it for function rather than fashion the biggest question you need to answer yourself is what do want it for? I.e. what do you want to carry in it.
I’ve had a variety of them over the years, with grand ideas of what I’d use the various storage options for. Ultimately landing on, the only thing I ever use them to carry is hydration (and even then I’ve been moving away from hydration bladders). So with that in mind my preference if I’m running something on the back is a HSP flat pack or some variant of a mini MAP, or repro of either if you’re looking to keep the cost down (various companies do them, Viper and TMC spring to mind). Though my general go to, now I don’t run an air tank, is a slick back and a water bottle of some description in a pouch on my cummerbund.
Back panels are great if they’re something you’ll actually get use out of, if not, they’re just extra expense and weight. If it’s more for fashion, then I’m drawing a blank on any useful advice ??.
I’ve had a variety of them over the years, with grand ideas of what I’d use the various storage options for. Ultimately landing on, the only thing I ever use them to carry is hydration (and even then I’ve been moving away from hydration bladders). So with that in mind my preference if I’m running something on the back is a HSP flat pack or some variant of a mini MAP, or repro of either if you’re looking to keep the cost down (various companies do them, Viper and TMC spring to mind). Though my general go to, now I don’t run an air tank, is a slick back and a water bottle of some description in a pouch on my cummerbund.
Back panels are great if they’re something you’ll actually get use out of, if not, they’re just extra expense and weight. If it’s more for fashion, then I’m drawing a blank on any useful advice ??