Hey guys,
is there a difference between the new vtrail and say a couple year old one? Reason: theres one on REI.com at like $100. So im guessing its a year or so old. thanks a lot. steve

The obvious difference is there is a hydration sleeve inside the main compartment in the 2005 model with a port. The pervious year you just stuffed it between the "frame sheet" and the compartment. I kinda like it in the old model, since you don't have to go in to the main compartment to get it. But you still have this option even with the new model.

It also appears they made the torso length different. I personally like the older version, as it fit me better. I was dead on with a medium in the old pack, but the new I am between a medium and a large. I have an old pack...

Gravity

What gravity said...but, the one REI has for sale for $109 is the newer version with the hydration sleeve. I also have the older version, and like it alot http://tinyurl.com/5a6w8

thanks alot for the info.

the vapor trail has always been around $100, new or old.

The list on the Vapor Trail is $145. I bought mine along the AT in 2003 at that price. Last year at Trail Days we bought one for my wife on-sale from the Harper's Ferry Outfitters booth for $129. There was a change made in the 2005 model that involved an internal hydration sleeve and a wider hip belt. The newer hip belt is compatible with the older Vapor Trails. I know that because I got one for my older pack (mine shrunk ...or was it that I put on weight after my thru ????).

Anyway ...regardless of vintage, $100 is a good price for an unused retail Vapor Trail. I like the pack so much that if I found one tomorrow at that price I'd probably go ahead and get it. The one from my 2003 thru isn't going to last forever.

'Slogger

well, ive never seen it for over $120 or so. in fact most places where i have seen it have been selling it for $100. ive even seen it online for less than that. but i certainly havent been everywhere, and i have no idea what year model they were.

[quote=The Solemates]well, ive never seen it for over $120 or so.
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I probably took it in the shorts when I got mine but it was in Blacksburg, VA and I needed a pack. Guess you could say I was a "captive audience".

'Slogger

Why is this pack to popular?

Can it hold enough for a weeklong trip with a 2lb sleeping bag, 3lb tent, msr miniworks water filter, antigravitygears 3 cup cooking set,clothing for 40-70 degree weather, a few hikers odds and ends, enough water not to get into trouble on the trail and of course food for the week?

i've been on the prowl for a new pack I think my osprey crescent 90 might be too heavy.

Thanks.

New Vapor Trail Packs are hitting eBay for $99.99. I bought one and they are the new model with the hydro sleeve etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8724151628&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1

I see other prices down in the $125.00 range. I wonder if a new model is coming out soon.

Clark Fork..

P.S Anyone have experience with a bear cannister and a Vapor Trail? I am trying to work out a pack for the JMT next summer. I am also looking for a Bearikade weekender. eBay has not had one for a long time. I have until next July to wait. I intend to rent if I can't find a good used one for a fair price. I hesitate to pay full boat because surely someone is going to come out with a lighter solution? These darn things are 2 Lbs +..

[quote=Husko]Why is this pack to popular?

Can it hold enough for a weeklong trip with a 2lb sleeping bag, 3lb tent, msr miniworks water filter, antigravitygears 3 cup cooking set,clothing for 40-70 degree weather, a few hikers odds and ends, enough water not to get into trouble on the trail and of course food for the week?
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Maybe not. Depends on what the weight of the rest of your stuff. The pack is rated at 30 lbs and to be honest it doesn't carry all that well with that amount of weight. What makes it popular (I think) is that it is everything you need and nothing you don't, as long as you've got your total pack weight down around 24 - 26 lbs.

I carried a 2lb/2oz sleeping bag and a 27oz tent. All my clothes, gear, food for 4 - 5 days and my mornings supply of water brought the total up to 24 lbs or so. At that load it was a very comfortable. Since my thru I added the "Lid" option which is a thin cover which takes the place of a pack hood on most packs. It holds maps, snacks and fast access stuff.

'Slogger

P.S I am trying to work out a pack for the JMT next summer. I am also looking for a Bearikade weekender. eBay has not had one for a long time. I have until next July to wait. I intend to rent if I can't find a good used one for a fair price. I hesitate to pay full boat because surely someone is going to come out with a lighter solution? These darn things are 2 Lbs +..

Unless you plan on using it often, it's only $5 to rent a Garcia at Yosemite. Don't forget to apply for your permit 24 weeks in advance.

https://www.yosemitesecure.org/wildpermit/

The small torso size was on sale for $80 something--I bought one for myself in small and one for my husband in large at the $100, figuring $200 for 2 packs was a good idea, especially since we'd been eyeing them for the last year. REI also has a good return policy if one of us doesn't like it.