What’s the best backpack for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt - Outside Online

[WhiteBlaze]

San Diego Union Tribune

What’s the best backpack for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt Outside Online, CA - 30 minutes ago To make the best of my stay, I’m looking for new goals to tackle and have decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. What is the best backpack to take on ... Journey across the West begins at Lake Morena San Diego Union Tribune 2008 Windmill-Wildflower Hike Planned for Tehachapi Tehachapi News all 3 news articles

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[fiddlehead]

The one that feels the most comfortable and is big enough to get all your stuff in it (plus a six-pack) and no more. KISS

[spittinpigeon]

Why is their first suggestion a 7+lb pack?

[hopefulhiker]

I think I only saw a couple of people with packs this big on the AT.... You could get by with a lot smaller pack.. The Granite Gear Vapor Trail and the ULA were the most popular packs in 05.. I don't think the guy who wrote that article has been on the AT

[SGT Rock]

Has the "Gear Guy" hiked the AT?

a classic big pack (5,500 cubic inches capacity) with an excellent suspension that successfully manages big loads (when food and fuel are the real issue).

Food and fuel are real issues?

Hiking the AT ain't like crossing the frozen tundra of Denali.

[amigo]

Why is their first suggestion a 7+lb pack? 

Simple. The products recommended are made by the companies who pay the the big advertising bills that generate the revenue that pay the salary of the Gear Guy.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

I read several of the articles and deduced the gear guy is pretty clueless about equipment choices in general - he thinks 4.5 lbs is a light weight for a solo tent.... 7 lbs is an acceptable weight for a pack.... and what he thinks about acceptable weights for cooking gear is too obscene to detail

[mrc237]

Conclusion: Gear Guy is a Packsniffer!

[bigcranky]

Agreed with most of the above, but in his defense -- in his answer the gear dude recommended hiking the PCT over the AT (heathen!), which does change the food/fuel issue. A 7+ pound pack is still a stupid suggestion, even then, but hey, he has to pay his bills.

[PJ 2005]

Even on the PCT, you should be able to get by with a vapor trail. 5 pound difference from what he recommends... unbelievable.

Here's a question for you, gear guy: why are you a tool?

[Flush2wice]

I'm going to send the Gear Guy a link to this thread.

[Mags]

I suspect the gear guy is more of traditionalist backpacker. Nothing wrong with that per se, but long distance hiking is a different beast from hiking in 5-10 miles top and hanging out at camp.

Trying to apply this traditional mode of backpacking to something like a long distance hike can make for odd advice.

I wouldn't say he is a tool per se...just like many people is resistant to change and applies a "one size fits all" approach to gear. (And yeah, speaking well of gear that advertises on his site probably comes into play, too).

[MR. BEAN]

I go about the pack like I would a sleeping bag. During the warmer months I use a vapor trail and in colder weather the nimbus meridian. I am a oz counting kinda guy. You will carry less in warmer climate 20-30 lbs for cooler weather at the most will be 40lbs. Take in fact that I live on the east coast and never been on a hiking trip other than sections of the AT. Know your area. I also hear good reviews on Ospery packs from other hikers.

[SGT Rock]

I suspect the gear guy is more of traditionalist backpacker. Nothing wrong with that per se, but long distance hiking is a different beast from hiking in 5-10 miles top and hanging out at camp.

Trying to apply this traditional mode of backpacking to something like a long distance hike can make for odd advice.

I wouldn't say he is a tool per se...just like many people is resistant to change and applies a "one size fits all" approach to gear. (And yeah, speaking well of gear that advertises on his site probably comes into play, too).

I was looking at the article and I think something else too: he gives easy quick answers. You see it here all the time where someone wants to know what is "the best pack for the AT". But come here and you get a two way exchange asking what else you plan to carry, how big are you, how do you feel about re-supply, etc. The answers from experienced backpackers tend to be more along the lines of "what works for you" - instead of a three packs are the answer.

Now an article like that only gets a small bit of space, he answers the question in a direct, authoritative manner, and he generally won't have 50 other people coming in after him with much better answers. So he has the perfect niche.

[Mags]

I Now an article like that only gets a small bit of space, he answers the question in a direct, authoritative manner, and he generally won't have 50 other people coming in after him with much better answers. So he has the perfect niche.

And gets paid for it too!

Only goes to show that the old nugget is true "There is no such thing as the best piece of gear".

[SGT Rock]

Exactly!

[taildragger]

I love how almost everyone here jumps on people for suggesting a big pack. I own a large heavy pack, but at the end of the day I still feel better than I did when I carried a lighter pack. Suspension is still an important factor for many of us.

That being said, HYOH

[Mags]

Suspension is still an important factor for many of us.

http://www.ula-equipment.com/catalyst.htm

No need for an over designed pack. The Catalyst is an aswesome pack with great suspension..and still light (consdering it is more of a traditional pack).

If you want a smaller pack, with good suspension, check out their Circuit pack.

ULA makes what I call "happy medium" packs: Lighter packs for people looking for a more traditional pack (e.g. good support and suspension).


Besides, it was not so much about the weight of the pack but the suggested size. I again challenge the assertion you need 5500 CI for a THRU-HIKE of the AT.

A larger pack may be needed for other endeavors..but for a thru-hike of the AT?

[SGT Rock]

Well food and fuel ARE and issue.

[Mags]

Well food and fuel ARE and issue.

Indeed. Hardly any resupply points on the AT from what I understand.

I think I'll do caches next time I thru-hike the AT.