View Full Version : In search of the "Holy Grail" of packs....
1) Lightweight enough to be considered in the "ultralite" range
2) Durable for long treks
3) large capacity for the long treks....6 L or greater?
4) comfortable
Does a pack really exist?
1) Lightweight enough to be considered in the "ultralite" range
2) Durable for long treks
3) large capacity for the long treks....6 L or greater?
4) comfortable
Does a pack really exist?
If 6 L for you is large capacity, I would hate to see you when you are cutting back... :D
Osprey Exos 58 has this covered. Do it, do it do it.
skinewmexico
08-24-2010, 00:24
ULA Equipment. Circuit
+1. Help someone make a payroll in Utah, instead of Vietnam. Or a Gossamer Gear Mariposa.
MedicineMan
08-24-2010, 01:08
for that same reasoning--buy American--Ron's packs at MLD meet the criteria as well.
I also like Moonbowgear; they do (or used to) a Mithril that also meets the requirements and Moonbowgear is also in the USA
MintakaCat
08-24-2010, 06:45
ULA Equipment. Circuit
I have to agree with this one.
I have a Go-Lite Jam2, but I would say the ULA line would be the better choice.
If 6 L for you is large capacity, I would hate to see you when you are cutting back... :D
I am not sure I understand your comment....I may have written the wrong number, what I meant to say is 7000 cc as large capacity. I have a pack that is 7000 cc that I have used for going out for 7-10 days. It is over 5 lbs and trying to cut the weight...So, do you think that volume is too large?
The Circuit recommended below looks around 4500, and I thought that was on the lower end....so, just needing comments as to whether you feel that is too large a capcity and I could get by with less.
I am not sure I understand your comment....I may have written the wrong number, what I meant to say is 7000 cc as large capacity. I have a pack that is 7000 cc that I have used for going out for 7-10 days. It is over 5 lbs and trying to cut the weight...So, do you think that volume is too large?
The Circuit recommended below looks around 4500, and I thought that was on the lower end....so, just needing comments as to whether you feel that is too large a capcity and I could get by with less.
Again, looking for a large capacity, light pack
If you think the Circuit is too small, go with ULA Equipment, Catalyst.
Best pack I've ever owned.
mister krabs
08-24-2010, 10:15
Capacity in volume or capacity in weight? Are you looking to pack lots of high volume low weight insulation, or do you have lots of traditional heavy gear and need a pack to carry the weight of all that plus food? A golite pinnacle is 2 lbs and 72 liters, but won't carry more than about 35 lbs where a quest adds a pound to carry 10 more at the same volume. Which describes your situation?
Capacity in volume or capacity in weight? Are you looking to pack lots of high volume low weight insulation, or do you have lots of traditional heavy gear and need a pack to carry the weight of all that plus food? A golite pinnacle is 2 lbs and 72 liters, but won't carry more than about 35 lbs where a quest adds a pound to carry 10 more at the same volume. Which describes your situation?
still trying to keep weight down. I have to bring a bear cannister, so that adds to the volume, but I am still trying to keep it under 40 lbs as maximum load. So, I need to volume, and most of what I am taking is food..I am trying to keep base < 14 lbs...
Mountain Wildman
08-24-2010, 10:25
I have a 7000 pack also, I loaded it up with all the goodies I bought and weighed it, It was 55 lbs. without food and water. I then purchased a 4600 pack, Put 20 lbs. of gear in a box and put it aside, Now my pack comes in at around 35 lbs. without food and water. I decided to keep the 7000 pack for winter camping when I'll need the room for the extra winter gear, Puffy jacket and pants, Extra fuel and food etc...
I think 4600 to 5000 is perfect, Any more room and I tend to add gear(weight) that I can do without. Unless you are aspiring to be Ultrlight, Any more than 5000 is probably too big. And I am still trying to get closer to 30 lbs. or less for my Thru-Hike next year in which case my 4600 pack may be a little too big but that's just extra room for food.
I am not sure I understand your comment....I may have written the wrong number, what I meant to say is 7000 cc as large capacity. I have a pack that is 7000 cc that I have used for going out for 7-10 days. It is over 5 lbs and trying to cut the weight...So, do you think that volume is too large?
The Circuit recommended below looks around 4500, and I thought that was on the lower end....so, just needing comments as to whether you feel that is too large a capcity and I could get by with less.
7000 cubic inches or centimeters? I've never heard a pack described in anything other than liters or cubic inches before.
Anyway, I'll assume you meant inches. If your stuff requires all 7000 cubic inches, then it requires that much. If you change up your style or get smaller alternatives, then I could recommend smaller packs. So... Get McHale to build you a pack out of Spectra. Or you might want to look at an external frame pack. I don't think that's the right term. I mean the kind that have the frame and you attach your own bag and gear. Titanium Goat is developing one of these out of carbon fiber. It weighs less than 3 pounds. Attach your bear canister to the bottom and get a large cuben fiber bag for the top. Cuben is pretty light already so it doesn't benefit you much to switch it out with smaller bags as you downsize the rest of your gear so just roll the top more.
couscous
08-24-2010, 11:27
"3) large capacity for the long treks....6 L or greater?"
~~
6 liters = 6,000cc = 366ci .. that's about 1/10 the size of a Granite Gear Vapor Trail .. and was what Stick noticed.
~~
7 liters = 7,000cc = 427ci
72 liters = 72,000cc = 4,394ci
114.7 liters = 114,700cc = 7,000ci
bigcranky
08-24-2010, 11:42
I think you meant 60 liters. That's about 4000 cubic inches, give or take.
I have been using the Six Moons Designs Starlite for a while, and it fits your criteria. Under 2 pounds, good support for up to 35 pounds, and it carries all my winter gear. The ULA packs are good, too, but I only have experience with the Ohm, which is probably too small for you.
"3) large capacity for the long treks....6 L or greater?"
~~
6 liters = 6,000cc = 366ci .. that's about 1/10 the size of a Granite Gear Vapor Trail .. and was what Stick noticed.
~~
7 liters = 7,000cc = 427ci
72 liters = 72,000cc = 4,394ci
114.7 liters = 114,700cc = 7,000ci
75 liters is what I have....
http://ula-equipment.com/catalyst.asp
Are you sure you meant 7000ci?
http://ula-equipment.com/catalyst.asp
Are you sure you meant 7000ci?
70 liters, are around 4600 ci
THANKS
I have a Kelty Redcloud 6600....great pack...used for many sections on the AT.... but weighs over 6lbs empty...so I just ordered a ULA Catalyst....I'm thinking I'll be happy!
skinewmexico
08-24-2010, 14:58
My Catalyst is so huge I rarely use it, but I don't have to carry a bear canister either. From what I understand, a canister will fit sideways in the Catalyst. On my Circuit, I either fold my tent and stuff it in the back pocket, or make a long roll and put it in the side pocket, and under a compression strap. Frees up a lot of room inside. I have a lot of smallish gear, so I use the Circuit for up to a week.
And I think the original joke was about your typo of a 6L pack, instead of a 60L.
My Catalyst is so huge I rarely use it, but I don't have to carry a bear canister either. From what I understand, a canister will fit sideways in the Catalyst. On my Circuit, I either fold my tent and stuff it in the back pocket, or make a long roll and put it in the side pocket, and under a compression strap. Frees up a lot of room inside. I have a lot of smallish gear, so I use the Circuit for up to a week.
And I think the original joke was about your typo of a 6L pack, instead of a 60L.
A BearVault might, but I seriously doubt a Bearikade Expedition would since I can barely get it sideways in my Dana Designs Astralplane and can't fit it like that in my nearly 7000 ci REI pack. The guy probably doesn't have a Bearikade anyway.
A BearVault might, but I seriously doubt a Bearikade Expedition would since I can barely get it sideways in my Dana Designs Astralplane and can't fit it like that in my nearly 7000 ci REI pack. The guy probably doesn't have a Bearikade anyway.
expedition.
Ah, in that case, would you like me to see if a Bearikade Expedition fits sideways into a ULA Catalyst?
Ah, in that case, would you like me to see if a Bearikade Expedition fits sideways into a ULA Catalyst?
and a catalyst?
has experience with....Osprey Aether 70?
and a catalyst?
Yes, I have a Bearikade Expedition and a ULA Catalyst. I haven't used them together. I've only put an Ursack in the Catalyst and it can be a tight fit when trying to stuff a full Ursack in sideways.
skinewmexico
08-25-2010, 00:10
From ULA -
Q: Can I fit a bear canister into the Catalyst? Can it fit horizontally?
A: Yes. Every bear canister on the market other than the Bearikade Expedition will fit into the Catalyst horizontally. Keep in mind it is best to pack something between the hard sided canister and the bottom of the pack.
FamilyGuy
08-25-2010, 13:10
The Holy Grail? www.mchalepacks.com (http://www.mchalepacks.com)
There is no substitute for perfection.
Sorry if I caused some confusion, but it was pointed out what I meant. Just messing with ya on the "6 L" comment. 6 L is tiny... Anyway, i figured you meant 60 L.
I only have one pack at this point and I do not carry a bear canister. So no experienced help, but I would agree with the majority here as to say give the ULA Catalyst a look-see. I have tried one on in a store, and it is huge. If you have a retailer anywhere near you take all your gear to the store and try them out! Surely there has got to be something near New Orleans...
You might look at this
http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/it.A/id.13869/.f?sc=11&category=8
Have not tried one, but I keep looking at it.
Mountain Wildman
09-05-2010, 14:00
You might look at this
http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/it.A/id.13869/.f?sc=11&category=8
Have not tried one, but I keep looking at it.
This is the pack I use, It is made with a very strong and thick material that has a diamond pattern to it, The buckles are all heavy duty with substantial straps, It's a top loader that has a drawstring closure with another drawstring on the bottom/side of the shroud, This pack can easily handle 40 to 50 pound loads, The waistbelt padding is over an inch thick and the shoulder padding is just under an inch, The bottle pockets and back pocket are made out of a thick very stretchy spandex material, The torso length is adjustable as is the entire suspension. This is a pack that does not need to be tried on, It will be comfortable. The only packs that even come close to this are the High end Arc'teryx, Osprey and Kelty, But even they can barely compete. Mystery Ranch makes their packs to handle heavy loads and take just about any abuse you can throw at them, They rate their pack life expectancy at 17 years with regular use. The only real competition in my opinion is Mchale Packs. I know my Trance XXX will last for many Thru-Hikes and I don't regret spending the extra dollars one little bit!!!
stranger
09-09-2010, 15:12
Whether or not a pack is comfortable is completely up to you. No one call tell you what's going to comfortable for you, they can only tell you what's comfortable for them. Just like food, people have different taste.
As far as I'm concerned, backpacks are levels of discomfort, as opposed to comfort. A hot bath is comfortable...a backpack is not.
Also, wanting a large capacity pack that's ultralight is a fairly solid contradiction in most cases. The larger the pack's capacity, the heavier it will be and the more substantial (and heavier) suspension you will need. Packs are like shoes, one pair will not do all. Being more specific around your needs will help you narrow it down.
I would start by looking at Granite Gear, Gregory, Osprey and ULA
Many Walks
09-09-2010, 18:24
Garcia Machine Backpacker's Cache Model 812 and Bearvault BV-500 will both fit horizontally in the Osprey Exos 58 with plenty of room for other stuff.
brotheral
09-10-2010, 08:04
This is the pack I use, It is made with a very strong and thick material that has a diamond pattern to it, The buckles are all heavy duty with substantial straps, It's a top loader that has a drawstring closure with another drawstring on the bottom/side of the shroud, This pack can easily handle 40 to 50 pound loads, The waistbelt padding is over an inch thick and the shoulder padding is just under an inch, The bottle pockets and back pocket are made out of a thick very stretchy spandex material, The torso length is adjustable as is the entire suspension. This is a pack that does not need to be tried on, It will be comfortable. The only packs that even come close to this are the High end Arc'teryx, Osprey and Kelty, But even they can barely compete. Mystery Ranch makes their packs to handle heavy loads and take just about any abuse you can throw at them, They rate their pack life expectancy at 17 years with regular use. The only real competition in my opinion is Mchale Packs. I know my Trance XXX will last for many Thru-Hikes and I don't regret spending the extra dollars one little bit!!!
I'm not a long distance backpacker... But I like to be as comfortable as possible and not carry unnecessary weight...Makes it alot more fun.. I intend to head over to Damascus and look at the ULA packs.. Would you recommend the Trance over a ULA pack ??
Mountain Wildman
09-10-2010, 08:57
I honestly have no experience with ULA packs, Considering their popularity, They must be a well made pack, There is this review on the ULA Circuit:http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=65036, I have not read it since I am not in the market for a pack. What I have read in the past has been favorable, However, I have heard more than once that if you exceed the recommended weight capacity, The ULA packs become uncomfortable which is inherent in most packs I would think, Being that the ULA packs are not rated for more than 40 lbs. max, you have that limitation which is fine if you don't ever need to carry more weight.
The Mystery Ranch Trance XXX however will carry 50 lbs. comfortably and is built well enough to carry more. The Trance is made with a more substantial material, A very adjustable frame suspension and has much better padding on the waist belt and shoulder harness. In terms of comparison between the ULA packs and the Trance XXX, Well, Not to diminish the ULA packs but they really cannot compete with the Trance. The ULA Circuit is the same capacity as the Trance XXX but has a max load of 35 lbs compared to the 50 lb. comfortable carry rating of the Trance XXX. The ULA is of course lighter and $150 less in price but I have read of pack failure in regards to some ULA packs, Never in an M.R. pack. The Trance XXX is 2 lbs heavier than the ULA Circuit but is so well designed that you would most likely not notice the couple pounds. It is almost apples to oranges really. If you prefer a pack that although is more expensive, will not fail you, carry more weight comfortably than I would want to carry and carrys the 35 lb, max weight of the ULA Circuit with ease and could take more than it's an easy choice. The quality and durability of the packs that Dana Gleason makes is indisputable and even his old creation the highly praised Terraplane is almost impossible to buy because the people that still use them many years later don't want to part with them. Inevitably it is your choice to make, As for me, I would make the same choice without hesitation. And, The only real competition that a Mystery Ranch pack has is a custom made one off pack that costs around twice as much.
brotheral
09-10-2010, 09:26
I "Used To" have a terraplane. My ex-wife kept it when we parted ways. Would've cost too much in legal and other fees to get it from her.... I sure loved it though. Thanks for your feedback Wildman...
Kerosene
09-10-2010, 09:52
I purchased a Dana Terraplane X in 2000 and used it for three 100+ mile section hikes. It rode very nicely at 40 pounds, but I eventually realized that it was overkill for 3-season AT hiking and moved to a Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone which can lug 40 pounds in a pinch but with which I carry 26 during shoulder seasons. I've been looking at the ULA Ohm or CDT to use in warmer weather, which would shave off another 1-2 pounds of carry weight. I can certainly carry the weight all day, but my feet feel a lot better at the end of the day if I keep the total weight under 30.
Mountain Wildman
09-10-2010, 10:10
I "Used To" have a terraplane. My ex-wife kept it when we parted ways. Would've cost too much in legal and other fees to get it from her.... I sure loved it though. Thanks for your feedback Wildman...
You are welcome!!
With a little covert infiltration you may be able to get that Terraplane back!!!:eek::sun
Mountain Wildman
09-10-2010, 10:12
I purchased a Dana Terraplane X in 2000 and used it for three 100+ mile section hikes. It rode very nicely at 40 pounds, but I eventually realized that it was overkill for 3-season AT hiking and moved to a Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone which can lug 40 pounds in a pinch but with which I carry 26 during shoulder seasons. I've been looking at the ULA Ohm or CDT to use in warmer weather, which would shave off another 1-2 pounds of carry weight. I can certainly carry the weight all day, but my feet feel a lot better at the end of the day if I keep the total weight under 30.
Amen to that!!!
I just got my pack weight down to 30 lbs.
And in my Trance XXX, That feels just fine.
Still would like to shed more but I love my comfort!:)