Originally Posted by
AndrewAZ
I used a GG Vapor Trail to do the Arizona Trail this year, and using it was an experience I don't care to repeat on another trail. Between a 16-pound base weight, food carries of up to 5 days, and 4L water carries, most of the trip was spent pushing the comfort limit on the pack. Considering I ended up putting a small piece of a zlite in the gap between the back pad and the storage space, I think I would be better off with getting a pack with an actual frame, rather than something I jury-rigged myself. I'm cutting down my gear weight/volume, and I don't mind increasing the weight of my pack if it means I can carry comfortably.
I know the most frequent recommendation around here is the ULA Circuit/Catalyst, and they certainly have many features that are an improvement over the Vapor Trail (suspension, stays, mesh backing, usable side pockets, hip belt pockets...). There are two things I like about the Vapor Trail, though, and they are the heavy-duty hipbelt and extension collar/drawstring closure. That's about it.
I'm not familiar with all the smaller manufacturers, so is there a pack out there that has the best features of both? I can certainly live with a ULA pack, but I don't want to overlook a good alternative.