View Full Version : Rei Ul 60
stoikurt
04-05-2006, 15:01
I had made up my mind was trying to buy a Granite Gear Vapor Trail from REI. With discounts and dividends I could have had it for a little over half price. But now they tell me they can't get any more of them.
I looked on their site today and they have a new REI UL 60 listed that looks promising. With the same discounts and dividends I can get it for a little less than half price. Does anyone have this bag yet or any thoughts about it? I think the UL 45 might have been just a tad small but this might be just about the right size.
Stoikurt
I was looking at the 45 also and thought it would be too small for my stuff (read: 0 degree synthetic). I tried on the 60 and walked around the store for about an hour and it was awesome. I will defenitely be getting it when my budget allows.
Sorry I don't have more useful info for you
Melissa
fivefour
04-07-2006, 17:51
the Granite Gear Vapor Trail size large (no other sizes) is on sale at campmor for $79.00.
fivefour
04-07-2006, 17:55
sorry, i went to make sure i was correct and it was $89.95 but they are now sold out.
I don't have any information on that REI UL 60, but I do trust their gear. However, I feel like a lot of the stats on bags are meaningless out on the trail. You really just have to go with what feels good and hope it holds up. Light and durable, that's all you need to count on.
here is a better deal:cool: neo
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39165423&memberId=12500226
While you are in REI check out the Osprey Atmos 50. It might be a bit too small for what you are looking for but what a fit! I thinks it's to late for their 20% off thing, but with your rebate you should be able to get one fairly inexpensive. Notice that I didn't say cheap. They retail for about $200 and for the 50-60 liter size it's a bit pricy, but this is, I think, one of those times that you get what you pay for. I haven't used mine much, other than having all the neighbors thikning I'm nuts running around with the pack and 30 lbs. on. I will let you all know after this week though. As I plan to do little "walk" next midweek. Pleace. J.B.
I worked at REI for awhile and I wouldn't recommend their packs. Yeah, they stand behind their gear but you'll probably end up returning it sooner than you'd prefer. Their products just don't seem to hold up as well as other manufacturers. But they are a little cheaper in cost.. so I guess it depends on if you're looking for a budget item or a quality item. I tried REI brand for most of my gear when I started working there and quickly decided to go with other brands due to the number of items I had to return.
stoikurt
05-08-2006, 11:58
Well, I broke down and order, and have received, the REI UL 60. I used it a weekend ago on a scout campout but did not hike with it. I’ll be on the AT in the Roan Mountain area in 2 weeks for a 5 day hike so I can give a better review after that, but in the meantime here are my first impressions.
Contrary to REI’s ad the 360* view is not the UL 60. I really like having a top pocket and this one has plenty of storage. There are 2 zipper accesses into the top pocket. Actually there are 2 top pockets, one is accessible from the outside and one can only be accessed when the top pocket is unsnapped from the rear tie down strap. I guess it offers a little more security but may not really be necessary. There is another pocket on the rear of the bag. Though it’s not easily noticed from the REI pictures that pocket is actually separated at the top from the main bag thereby creating another quickly assessable storage area and most likely where I will store my rain gear so I can get to it quickly. The side mesh pockets seem adequate to hold 1 liter water bottles but you probably need to put them there before you over stuff the main bag. On the bottom rear are small tool storage loops. They are grommets on the end of a short strip of webbing with a cord going through the grommet, through a bead that’s too large to go through the grommet, then the cord goes back through the grommet and both ends go through a cord lock. I’m not sure what was intended to be carried here but the cords are too short to hold much. I’ve replaced the cords with longer cords so I can slip my tarp and tarp bag through the both cords and cinch it tight with the cord locks. I don’t expect the tarp to add any stress and keeps it out of the bag. Overall, I like the pack so far and I believe it has enough room to carry what I need.
QHShowoman
05-08-2006, 12:11
On the bottom rear are small tool storage loops. They are grommets on the end of a short strip of webbing with a cord going through the grommet, through a bead that’s too large to go through the grommet, then the cord goes back through the grommet and both ends go through a cord lock.
Those are Ice Axe loops. You insert the Ice Axe into a loop handle-down, and then flip it up and around and secure the handle in place with the velcro loops towards the top of the pack, on either side of the daisy chain (the head of the axe will be at the bottom).
I ended up not getting this pack. I tried the 60 on loaded and walked around the store for a while and the bottom of the frame things just jabbed into the top of my butt. I tried everything but it just kept sliding around into that same position.
Good luck with yours
UnkaJesse
05-21-2006, 14:35
I decided to not get this pack after wearing it, loaded, around the store for 20 minutes. I'm a big buy (6'4", 240lbs), and felt like the pack was way too small for me. That was after adjusting everything to the max. I don't know if this applies to you.
Also, the shoulder straps and hip belt did not look like they would be comfortable for long distance hiking.
canerunner
08-25-2007, 09:57
I ended up not getting this pack. I tried the 60 on loaded and walked around the store for a while and the bottom of the frame things just jabbed into the top of my butt. I tried everything but it just kept sliding around into that same position.
In reading through some other forums on the net, I found that a number of people had the same problem with the earlier UL60 packs. Apparently, the lower frame crossmember was installed incorrectly on them. REmoving that corossmember and turning it over cured that issue with the packs.
I just bought REI's new version of this pack, the Cruise 60, and although I haven't had it on a long trip yet, I have carried it loaded for a while, and it rides nicely on my back with over 30 lbs of gear in it. I overloaded it compared to what I intend to carry, just to make sure it would be comfortable with my normal load in it.
After I get some more trail miles on it and can speak from more experience, I'll update this with a better review.
Rain Man
08-25-2007, 11:25
In reading through some other forums on the net, I found that a number of people had the same problem with the earlier UL60 packs. Apparently, the lower frame crossmember was installed incorrectly on them. REmoving that corossmember and turning it over cured that issue with the packs.
I just bought REI's new version of this pack, the Cruise 60, and although I haven't had it on a long trip yet, I have carried it loaded for a while, and it rides nicely on my back with over 30 lbs of gear in it....
I think the problem you mention was related to the UL-45, if I recall. I have the UL-45 and like it pretty well.
I also have the UL-60 Cruise and like it just fine. Can't compare it as I don't have other packs that size, except for my original Gregory Reality, which I love except for the weight.
I've had several packs ride into the top of my butt, but that problem seems to be caused when my shoulder straps are too loose. As soon as I tighten them, that butt-jabbing problem goes away.
Rain:sunMan
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Questtrek
08-25-2007, 15:51
I have to tell you ...I owned this pack and I think it carried very well.
It was a little heavy coming in at just about 3.2 lbs. but felt very balanced for that weight. I recently sold it, in trying to lower my pack weight. Nice pack and I didn't notice any issues with it hitting my behind. I'm 5' 10" and it fit well for me. It was a large though ... so it really ended up to being a 62 L ....
Just my two cents .... :-?
canerunner
08-31-2007, 18:06
My son and I did a hike up the AT Approach Trail from Amicalola toward Springer Mountain this week. We essentially went just to get out for a bit, but used the hike to do some trail cleanup, and remove some trash from several of the campsites along the way.
I carried about 20-25 lbs in the pack, and after roughly 13 miles, I have no complaints what so ever. The pack fit very well, was quite comfortable, and the load was very stable and never gave me any discomfort.
I am most pleased with my purchase, and can highly recommend this pack for all but the most fanatical UL hikers. Your mileage may vary, but I think that this is a good pack for someone who wants a reliable, yet inexpensive, pack.
I particularly liked the hydration pocket and hangers, which fit my Nalgene bladder perfectly. I also like the fact that the pack has external pockets that allow you to access some of your more frequently needed items without having to unpack the main compartment. I don't like a pack that only has one compartment, and no external access to anything.
I had the older UL60, the newer Cruise UL60 is nearly identical, but fits a larger torso. No complaints, seems like a decent pack, and just the right number of pockets for me. But... packs are very personal, so the only way to go is to try it on with your own gear.
canerunner
11-07-2007, 09:13
I now have 6 hikes of significant length behind me, all using the Cruise 60. I have to say that the more I use this pack, the better I like it.
I have not had to do anything to modify the pack other than shortening straps and things like that. No structural problems, and no complaints regarding quality or workmanship have surfaced. I may move the sternum strap down about an inch, but I haven't decided on that, one way or the other.
It is easily able to carry all of the gear I need for up to 5 days, and I don't need anything more than that for 99% of the hikes I'll do. The suspension is very comfortable, and allows a wide range of adjustment to accomodate the majority of body types and loads. With two frame sizes available, achieving a good fit for your torso should not be a problem.
In my opinion, a very good value pack. YMMV. :D