Hi all,
Looking to shed some weight by trading in my Osprey Ariel for a lighter pack. My baseweight now (including pack) is roughly 18lbs for fall, closer to 16lbs when it's warm enough to use my light sleeping bag.
I'm petite (5', 100lbs), so trying packs on in stores doesn't usually happen since few places stock the short packs and/or small belts. Wondering what people's experiences have been with either of these packs:
ULA Circuit
Granite Gear Crown VC 60
I've read quite a few reviews both here and elsewhere on the interwebs, so I think I've got a good overview of both. That, however, has stirred up a couple questions.
My biggest concerns are
- Lack of ventilation. Seems like maybe a little less of an issue with the GGC. May be my biggest/only concern with ULA
- Collapsing of the frame - I've only read this about the GGC because of the type of frame used
- Lack of pockets - again more of an issue with GGC; most reviews have not been great about the add-on pockets from GGC
I know a lot of this will boil down to fit, so I'll probably order both, load them, and get a feel for that. So any specific feedback from using these packs on longer trips or from smaller-statured folks would be particularly helpful.
Thanks!