View Full Version : What backpack?
flair4040
07-11-2009, 12:36
What are some really good, light backpacks for keeping my load between 25-30 pounds?
daddytwosticks
07-11-2009, 13:01
Look at ULA-equipment.com...:)
CrumbSnatcher
07-11-2009, 18:12
i have an extra-large catalyst p2.(single stay) new-never used!!! 4-sale, if that ends up being the perfect pack for you
Check out the Granite Gear Vapor Trail. Super light, but sags a little if you carry much over 30lbs
I use the Vapor Trail (up to 25lbs) and Nimbus Ozone (25+ lbs).
flair 4040
Take a good look at the ULA Circuit. At 25 lbs (for me...) it is very comfortable, no shoulder or back pain. At 35 lbs is doable but you feel it , but others have reported that weight to be comfortable for them (masochists)
Mine is the older version, the new one has a nicer rolltop closure and a beefier suspension.
The sizing was spot on for me.
Warning : those hipbelt pockets are very addictive !
(camera, munchies, compass,mini tripod)
Franco
Brian( Mr. ULA)is a real nice guy and a hiker too, catch him before he disappears in August
bigcranky
07-11-2009, 22:45
Check out ULA, Six Moons Designs, Gossamer Gear, Granite Gear, Backpackinglight, Fanatic Fringe. I know I missed some.
Well, you could also look at the Osprey Exos 46/58. No experience with it , but the reports on those are mostly positive.
( I have the Aether)
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ExosSeriesVentilated/ (http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ExosSeriesVentilated/)
Franco
MedicineMan
07-12-2009, 00:09
last year for 6 weeks and raved on about it, so I'm playing with a Nimbus Meridian now. I used ultralight 'sacs' for a while and it was good when on the ground-using the thermarest for a frame...now that I'm hanging i thought i'd try one with a frame.
I did an overnighter from Hughes Gap up to the shelter to gather my thoughts on the meridian vapor and liked it but added the nimbus meridian to get a little extra room for colder temps.
I'll reserve end judgement after the New Jersey and NY at the end of september but so far I think it will work fine.
Wolf - 23000
07-12-2009, 06:51
I like my REI Flash UL at 10 oz - trim down to just over 6 oz. I've used mine for about 700 miles without any problems and from $25 what a deal.
What are some really good, light backpacks for keeping my load between 25-30 pounds?
Several years ago I switched to the Osprey Atmos 50. It is the most comfortable fitting pack and my load is 30 lbs with food & 2l of water. (I must thank Winton for the conversion) I am about 5'7'' build so the 3,000ci is great for me.
Best suggestion I can make is get with someone who knows how to fit you to a pack and try several.
Happy trails.
skinewmexico
07-13-2009, 01:49
Happy with my ULA, I couldn't make the Exos work for me.
I carried the Exos 58 on the AT for 9 weeks this year. My base weight was about 18-20LBS and with food the total weight at times was 35lbs. Can't say I had any problems at all with 35lbs on this pack. I'd consider it very comfortable.
I love the GoLite Pinnacle. It very comfortable handles 25-30 pounds. If you want an ultralight pack, then check out zpacks.com.
Should 25-30 be in the UL forum?
Should 25-30 be in the UL forum?
Not any more. It's at the upper end of what many thruhikers are carrying, especially in the summer.
Kerosene
07-14-2009, 12:23
Check out the Granite Gear Vapor Trail. Super light, but sags a little if you carry much over 30lbsFor this reason, I went with the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone. My fully loaded packweight averages around 26 pounds for Spring/Fall hikes, and the stiffer framesheet allows me to carry more food or heavier clothes as needed, at the cost of an extra pound of backpack.
I love the GoLite Pinnacle. It very comfortable handles 25-30 pounds. If you want an ultralight pack, then check out zpacks.com.
Seconded. They beefed up the hipbelt this year so if you're on the higher end of the weight limit you'll be more comfortable.
Jonnycat
07-17-2009, 13:35
Should 25-30 be in the UL forum?
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
ULA. The Ohm is perfect for under 25 lbs and the Catalyst for over.
ShelterLeopard
07-17-2009, 13:41
I'm looking at the Osprey right now. (probably the Exos 46) I have a heavier duty pack for the winter part of my thru, then I'll get the osprey for the summer part!
Berserker
07-17-2009, 13:56
flair 4040
Take a good look at the ULA Circuit. At 25 lbs (for me...) it is very comfortable, no shoulder or back pain. At 35 lbs is doable but you feel it , but others have reported that weight to be comfortable for them (masochists)
I recently bought a 2009 Circuit, and am amazed at how it carries for how much it weighs. Compared to my Osprey Aether 60 and GG Vapor Trail, the Circuit blows them away, and it weighs significantly less than both of those packs too. Just for reference I have had up to a little over 30 lbs, and do have the optional stay installed.
My favorite is the Gossamer Gear Gorilla Pack.
I also have a Granite Gear Vapor Trail, but I prefer the Gorilla Pack.
kayak karl
07-23-2009, 19:13
Seconded. They beefed up the hipbelt this year so if you're on the higher end of the weight limit you'll be more comfortable.
how did you do it? got pics. i like my pinnacle, but the hipbelt is my only compaint.
how did you do it? got pics. i like my pinnacle, but the hipbelt is my only compaint.
What do you mean? Sorry if the wording was confusing-- I haven't modified my hipbelt at all- it is just the basic triangle one with no padding. The '09 ones have padded hipbelts and some other nice things at a weight penalty of 6+ ounces.
Granite Gear Virga. You don't need a frame when you're carrying less than 25 lbs. and know how to pack a pack.
I'd say that my first choice would be the Golite Dawn, but it isn't made anymore, and if it didn't just happen to fit me perfectly I might not like it that much. Lining any frameless pack with closed cell foam and stuffing your belongings inside will make it carry as if it had a frame anyway. I had always considered load lifter straps to be a necessity, but my Dawn doesn't have them, and my Virga, if the shoulder straps were sewn a bit higher on the bag, wouldn't need them. Going frameless demands a near-perfect fit for best performance. If you go that way shop carefully.
For this reason, I went with the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone. My fully loaded packweight averages around 26 pounds for Spring/Fall hikes, and the stiffer framesheet allows me to carry more food or heavier clothes as needed, at the cost of an extra pound of backpack.
I agree. GG Nimbus Ozone gives you more options. It s a strong pack and carries very well.
Jonnycat
09-12-2009, 21:39
I agree. GG Nimbus Ozone gives you more options. It s a strong pack and carries very well.
I absolutely love mine. Padded in all the right places, doesn't care how I load it, and has more than enough support to cover any situation. You can also customize the fit so it's just right.
pafarmboy
09-12-2009, 21:56
I love the GoLite Pinnacle. It very comfortable handles 25-30 pounds. If you want an ultralight pack, then check out zpacks.com.
Thirded. Great pack if sub 35 lbs.
gravy4601
09-12-2009, 22:26
Several years ago I switched to the Osprey Atmos 50. It is the most comfortable fitting pack and my load is 30 lbs with food & 2l of water. (I must thank Winton for the conversion) I am about 5'7'' build so the 3,000ci is great for me.
Best suggestion I can make is get with someone who knows how to fit you to a pack and try several.
Happy trails.
i second the atmos but i have a 65 best pack i have ever had