What are some good packs? (4500- 5000 cu. in.)

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

I went to the local sporting goods store, and was looking for a pack, and was saddened to find all the 4,000-5,000 cu. in. packs were extremely heavy, like between 5, and 7 lbs. This was confusing for me, because I want to keep my pack under 30 lbs, and with the weight of the pack I was almost 1/4th the way there. I thought I would ask for other opinions on this matter before I perches a pack, thanks in advanced..Jeremy

[whiterockjock]

Man, stay outta them local outfitters INCLUDING REI (Return Everything Immediatley) Here are some links for real light gear trail tested by thru hikers
http://mldgear.com/
http://www.gossamergear.com/
http://www.zpacks.com/
http://www.ula-equipment.com/
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/

[JTCruiser]

You might take a look at the ULA Catalyst. I have this pack and love it. 4600 cu in at 47 oz. The 4600 includes the mesh pockets. This pack is intended for a 30-lb load. The heavier packs you reference might be intended for heavier loads than 30 lbs.

[JTCruiser]

You might take a look at the ULA Catalyst. I have this pack and love it. 4600 cu in at 47 oz. The 4600 includes the mesh pockets. This pack is intended for a 30-lb load. The heavier packs you reference might be intended for heavier loads than 30 lbs.

BTW, you can certainly find a lighter pack than the Catalyst, but with a 30-lb. load you will be hard pressed to find a more comfortable one. I bought mine from Winton at Mountain Crossings, and he went to great pains to get me the right fit. My wife purchased one from him by telephone, with the same great results.

[whiterockjock]

also there is no way in hell you need a pack that large for the AT...try 3000 ci. at the MOST.....my 3 season base weight is less than 6 pounds!

[traildust]

Why would you want a pack that large? Search packs on this forum for some insights on pack size. Not many packs over 4500 that are less than five pounds. I hiked with a Bora 80 from Arcteryx and it was excellent. But I was also carrying some of my wife's gear and extra food for her so she could hike light.

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

I guess I don't need one that large, but thought the extra room would be good. I knew 30 lbs. would not fill a pack like this. I also will be hiking with someone not as physically fit as I am, and would probably have to carry a few extra things for them so they can hike light.

Also people with smaller packs often have to spend much more time in town, and I want to be on the trail as much as possible the larger pack would allow me in some cases to skip towns, and sustain.

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

also there is no way in hell you need a pack that large for the AT...try 3000 ci. at the MOST.....my 3 season base weight is less than 6 pounds!

While I appreciate your advice I can't help but notice your level of condescension. I there for will point out that your 54. You probably have to go this lite for your healths sake. I know what I am getting my self into, and would not ask a question like this if I had not made up my mind already on what size of pack I want to be able to do the hike, the way I intend to do it...... not you. thanks

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

thanks for the info.

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

Man, stay outta them local outfitters INCLUDING REI (Return Everything Immediately) Here are some links for real light gear trail tested by thru hikers
http://mldgear.com/
http://www.gossamergear.com/
http://www.zpacks.com/
http://www.ula-equipment.com/
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/

I like the G4 from gossamergear, but it looks like they only have size small in stock.

[mister krabs]

heck, if you're in anderson, take a day trip to mountain crossings.

[Elder]

A daytrip to Mtn. Crossings is a Great idea...
you can also try Appalachian Outfitters in Greenville...experienced hikers also.

[Blissful]

And get your gear assembled first too so you can try out packs with your gear.

[Mongoose2]

Jeremy; you asked for advice.....I agree that the pack is very large and you might find a lighter, smaller bag suitable for your hike. By the way, I recently met an 18 year old who blew his knee out, being 54 has little to do with it. In the end I agree you should HYOH, but I also listen to the advice of others, especially when I ask for it. Just sayin!

[YoungMoose]

i am planning on getting the low alpine appalachian 65+15 pack. Its 4900 cubic inches. the fitting of it is adjustable. it comes with a rain cover. i tried it in it was extremely comfortable. i put in 30 pound of water jugs they had at the store were i tried it.

[RichardD]

Take a look at Luxury Lite.
It is a very different pack, I have found mine to be in a different league from any other pack I have tried for comfort.
It is expensive. Customer service is outstanding.
Other folks I have seen on the trail who are familiar with this pack either love it (as I do) or hate it.. It takes a little getting used to.

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

Jeremy; you asked for advice.....I agree that the pack is very large and you might find a lighter, smaller bag suitable for your hike. By the way, I recently met an 18 year old who blew his knee out, being 54 has little to do with it. In the end I agree you should HYOH, but I also listen to the advice of others, especially when I ask for it. Just sayin!

Advice, and why the hell would you do that? are too different things. Although from the info I have recieved I think I will go with the G4 from gossamergear. I like the pack, and hear it is great for the trail. It is also a 1000 cu. in. less then the one I dessiered at first.
Thanks for the advice sorry for being so critical.

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

heck, if you're in anderson, take a day trip to mountain crossings.

I have with the pack I have, and did well, but still want a larger pack. I have also done 2-5 day trips in the foot hills with a pack wieghing 20 lbs. While doing so I felt as if I could have carried more.

Thanks for the tip Mountain Crossings is a great area to do day hikes.

[Jeremy from FL AKA?]

Ok thanks I will. I have never heard of this brand, but am sure it is great. I will check it out.

[Mongoose2]

Advice, and why the hell would you do that? are too different things. Although from the info I have recieved I think I will go with the G4 from gossamergear. I like the pack, and hear it is great for the trail. It is also a 1000 cu. in. less then the one I dessiered at first.
Thanks for the advice sorry for being so critical.

No worries. I have read very good reviews on the G4, I hope your hike goes well Jeremy!