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  1. #1
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    Default What other UL "framed" packs are out there besides the ARC's?

    Am currenty using a catalyst which has become a little big, and i would like to be lighter
    Base weight is 12-13, total pack currently for 6-8 days is 27.5.
    I guess i am looking for a framed pack around 1.5-2 lbs
    thanks guys
    -s

  2. #2
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    Default

    ULA Circuit, Ohm, CDT
    Gregory Optic
    Osprey Exos



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3

    Default

    You might also look at Gossamer Gear; probably a Gorilla would be a good choice.
    Find the LIGHT STUFF at QiWiz.net

    The lightest cathole trowels, wood burning stoves, windscreens, spatulas,
    cooking options, titanium and aluminum pots, and buck saws on the planet



  4. #4

    Default

    Not sure if it would be worth dropping 1 lb or less off the pack when your base weight could be as high as 27.5 lbs. Might not carry any better over 6-8 days.
    circuit/exos are only half a pound lighter, cdt is frameless. Ohm would save you some weight. would be pushing the max weight if you often carry that many days food.
    Is there other weight could just cut first before the pack?

    hmg has other options, but they're not any cheaper than zpacks

  5. #5
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Default

    I had a Catalyst. It compressed down to almost nothing when needed. Handled more food, water and bear can when needed. From 20 to 40 pounds the Catalyst was fine.
    The Internet is full of comments like “My UL pack is great with 18 pounds but becomes a real pig at 22 pounds.” That kind of narrow function would not be acceptable for me.
    Spend the money on other things to cut weight. Or use the money to go on trips.
    Wayne

  6. #6
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    Default

    I have an Elemental Horizons Kalais that I really like. Also I've heard lots of good things about the Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs.

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cr115 View Post
    Am currenty using a catalyst which has become a little big, and i would like to be lighter
    Base weight is 12-13, total pack currently for 6-8 days is 27.5.
    I guess i am looking for a framed pack around 1.5-2 lbs
    thanks guys
    -s
    If you believe the advertising many things are currently deemed UL...that maybe, just maybe, aren't all that UL. Let that UL label be a loose guide in your search.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Osprey Exos series. Pick your size.

  9. #9
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by daddytwosticks View Post
    Osprey Exos series. Pick your size.
    Exos 58 weighs 2 lbs. 11 ounces according to the Section Hiker.
    The Catalyst on my calibrated scale weighed 3 lbs. 0 ounces as delivered. ULA says that the removable items weigh 4 ounces. 2 lbs. 12 ounces.
    That’s a very expensive ounce.
    Wayne

  10. #10
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    Ive stripped all i can. Did add shoulder pack pockets tho.
    I reckon 26-28 lbs with food/water for 8 days really is t all that bad...

  11. #11
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cr115 View Post
    Ive stripped all i can. Did add shoulder pack pockets tho.
    I reckon 26-28 lbs with food/water for 8 days really is t all that bad...
    No it’s not.
    The Catalyst easily carried more weight for me.
    What if: You need a bear can. You need 3-4-5 liters of water in a dry section. You need winter clothes and sleep system like you would need now in Tennessee and North Carolina?
    The other fly in the ointment: Like shoes, sleeping bags, etc. not every pack will fit you comfortably. If the Catalyst works for you use it. Find other ways to lighten your load.
    Good luck!
    Wayne

  12. #12
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    I like the packs volume/carrying capacity. I just dont care my sweaty back when i carry it, and it's
    3 lb weight. You are right tho, Wayne. I need to decrease my base weight first

  13. #13
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Not sure if it’s my clothing or my metabolism or both, but I’ve used 4 packs all similar to the Catalyst and my back doesn’t get soaked.
    Lucky I suppose.
    Wayne

  14. #14
    Some days, it's not worth chewing through the restraints.
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    Granite Gear Crown series. I use the VC60 with the air frame in place of the plastic framesheet. Carries nicely and can be cinched down pretty small.

  15. #15
    Hiker bigcranky's Avatar
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    Default

    deleted, misread the OP
    Ken B
    'Big Cranky'
    Our Long Trail journal

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