What Pack to Take?

[Venchka]

You might want to check out the Mystery Ranch Terraplane, if your looking for a lighter pack......

I have a Bozeman built Terraplane. With the carbon fiber ArcFlex frame. I'm good.
For lighter loads I use a frameless Rivendell Mountain Works Jensen Pack. http://www.rivendellmountainworks.co.../jensen-packs/
Classics.
Wayne

[Siestita]

I've been doing short backpacking trips (3 days to 2 1/2 weeks) for 44 years, until very recently using vintage 5 to 6 pound external frame packs. I recently switched to a three pound ULA Catalyst, which I like. I appreciate having the weight savings while retaining the possibility of potentially carrying up to about 32 pounds, if necessary, in reasonable comfort. My base weights varies between 15 and 20 pounds depending upon factors such as the season and whether or not I'm going somewhere (California's Sierras for example) that has a bear canister requirement.

[Deadeye]

IMHO, comfort first, weight second. I like both of my Granite Gear packs (Latitude Vapor - out of production, and Crown VC 60), and my ULA Catalyst. The Granite Gear packs win the comfort prize.

[Venchka]

IMHO, comfort first, weight second. I like both of my Granite Gear packs (Latitude Vapor - out of production, and Crown VC 60), and my ULA Catalyst. The Granite Gear packs win the comfort prize.

Amen. If they fit don't change them.
I bought a Catalyst last summer. Nice pack. I liked it. Then I let my granddaughter talk me out of it. I'm too easy.
Wayne


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[johnspenn]

My wife and I recently spent 3 days hiking on the AT (day hikes) mostly southbound, so we saw several NOBO (attempting) thru hikers.

I'd guesstimate that 80% of the hikers we saw were carrying Ospreys of one flavor or another, and of those probably 75% were carrying the Exos.

I'm wanting a ULA Circuit, personally, and if I'm lucky I'll get one for my birthday this month =)

[rocketsocks]

I was hoping that someone with experience would tell me that it's okay for me to use my Dana Design ArcFlex Terraplane at a svelte 6 pounds 12 ounces.
Thank goodness I have a 3 pound alternative.
Wayne


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I can't help but think back when 6lbs. 12oz. was common for pack weight.

[MuddyWaters]

If I carried a 5 lb pack I could still be UL.

So, is it really the pack thats the problem.......or what people put in it.?

[Venchka]

I can't help but think back when 6lbs. 12oz. was common for pack weight.

Ironically, I purchased the 3 pound Jensen in 1974 or 1975. I didn't purchase the Terraplane until 1994.
Go figure.
Wayne

[Oventoasted]

Zpacks Arc series of packs

[eggymane]

IMHO, comfort first, weight second. I like both of my Granite Gear packs (Latitude Vapor - out of production, and Crown VC 60), and my ULA Catalyst. The Granite Gear packs win the comfort prize.

Definitely this. My pack is not considered light by today's standards, but I don't care. It's more comfortable than any pack I've ever had or tried.

That said, the new Arcteryx Bora AR looks enticing..

[the dude abides]

Okay, so I ordered the new GG Crown2 and scored a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 (2015 model) that has never been used. These two are .7 oz lighter than my old pack combined!

[Maineiac64]

Zpacks Arc series of packs

^_------------this

[ldsailor]

I hiked a LASH last year with an Osprey Atmos 65. Ugh! Heavy! Sold it along with my Big Agnes sleeping bag "system" and bought a Zpack Arc Haul and Montbelle 30 degree sleeping bag. Those two items cut almost 4 pounds of weight. The Arc Haul is only 3 ounces more than the Zpack Arc Blast, but is supposedly tougher and has more capacity. I'm thinking cold weather gear, which can add volume to a pack, will necessitate the extra volume, and if I don't need the cold weather gear, I'll just send it home.

I'm still making adjustments to my other gear to bring the weight down before I leave in May to continue my NOBO AT hike. Go as light as you can.

[CHILL_TX]

Thought about getting an ultralight pack... BUT, I got to thinking about it. Most don't have much of a frame and therefore won't transfer weight to the hips. Gregory has a new one around 3lbs for 58L. They say their weight is split 80% to the hips. Even with an extra 1.5lbs of pack over an ultralight pack, I'd still rather carry 80% of my total weight on my hips, than 100% on my shoulders.

Just something to think about.

[MuddyWaters]

Thought about getting an ultralight pack... BUT, I got to thinking about it. Most don't have much of a frame and therefore won't transfer weight to the hips. Gregory has a new one around 3lbs for 58L. They say their weight is split 80% to the hips. Even with an extra 1.5lbs of pack over an ultralight pack, I'd still rather carry 80% of my total weight on my hips, than 100% on my shoulders.

Just something to think about.

My pack weighs 16.7 oz, and carries 100% wt on hips.

It wont do that with 30 lbs, but easily does at 20-25

[CHILL_TX]

I call BS. No way is there absolutely zero weight on your shoulders. For that to happen, your shoulder straps would not be touching your shoulders or chest in any way.

My pack weighs 16.7 oz, and carries 100% wt on hips.

It wont do that with 30 lbs, but easily does at 20-25

[LongBlaze2019]

I call BS. No way is there absolutely zero weight on your shoulders. For that to happen, your shoulder straps would not be touching your shoulders or chest in any way.

With my 4 pound high seirra tech 2 titan 55 I don't feel any weight at all on my shoulders. My hips carry 95% of the load most of the time.
Very very comfortable pack with 30 pounds or less.

[nsherry61]

I call BS. No way is there absolutely zero weight on your shoulders. For that to happen, your shoulder straps would not be touching your shoulders or chest in any way.

Why call BS?

Most any pack I've ever carried that fits well and has any kind of decent frame can be set up to place 100% of the load, or nearly that, on my hips without difficulty. The point being, most packs carry best for most people with some weight on the shoulders, typically 20-30%. So, who cares if it transfers 100% or 90% to your hips, you probably only want 70 to 80% weight transfer anyway.

[MuddyWaters]

I call BS. No way is there absolutely zero weight on your shoulders. For that to happen, your shoulder straps would not be touching your shoulders or chest in any way.

I 100% assure you I can pass a pencil under my shoulder straps most of the time If I want. That is what a hipbelt and frame do carrying UL loads.

touching chest doesnt put weight on shoulders.

If you cant adjust your pack to do this at least statically (things often drop and work way down when walking), your torso length is quite a bit too short or you wear your belt too low.

Above 25lbs, my pack does too, sags and starts to drop wt onto shoulders

[glassman]

4lbs 10oz is how much my 70l longtrail from ems is....I like it!

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