Looking for some light weight pack recommendations

[SGT Rock]

I'm trying to put together a winter packing list that will get me below a 10 pound base for a winter trip. I'm working out the other pieces of gear but I haven't found a pack yet and I'm looking for some recommendations. The idea is to write an article like I did last month on my Sub 5 summer trip.

Basically I'm looking for a volume of about 1800ci (30L) with outside pockets for stuff on the sides, lashing points on the back, and if possible - pockets on the belt. I want something that has a weight under 12 ounces (340 grams).

I'm sort of just checking things out for now. So if you can shoot any ideas my way I'd appreciate it.

[warraghiyagey]

More and more Vonfrick and I have been taking gear we know will work for us and altering it to meet our specs. . . I'm guessing this is a route you might try too. . . .

[SGT Rock]

I do that all the time.

[warraghiyagey]

I figured as much. . . .

[Mountain Wildman]

The MLD 2010 Burn is 1950 ci and 9.75ounces.

[Mountain Wildman]

Forgot this: http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com...roducts_id=140

[JJJ]

I just recently purchased a 20L Terra Nova and liked it on my first overnight.
My wife also carried it three days and had no complaints.
They have a 35L that's getting close to your specs.
I like the bottle holders and pockets on the belt.

[Feral Bill]

That's a challanging weight limit for winter, even in the south. I look forward to seeing the complete list,

[SGT Rock]

I may not make it LOL.

[JP]

Not sure of the weight,but I have been using the GoLite Breeze,total weight 14lbs; but it dosent have a hip belt. When my back's bothering me I go back to my old Kelty ( about 7lbs, just the pack) and put the same gear and food in it.

Looking forward to your article!!!

[Franco]

Have a look at the Z Packs.
Joe has the 20 (2000ci) in Cuben and Dyneema X Grid Stop.
I have seen a few of the Cuben (much thicker than the stuff used for shelters) .
At under 12 oz the Dyneema should be OK for you.
http://www.zpacks.com/
Franco

[garlic08]

The Gossamer Gear Murmur meets the specs except for the belt pockets.

Just curious--what do you consider a winter trip? What minimum temps, how much snow, how much and what type of travel (showshoe/ski)?

[JAK]

I may not make it LOL.

I'm going to dig up your summer article and give it a good read. Looking forward to your winter article once its done. You can alaways get down to 10 pounds, and then test to see what its temperature limits are. It can always be tweaked for trips below the limits, or used for fastpacking trips so the weather is more predictable.

Just pray the injuns don't get your rifle.

[JAK]

I'm having some trouble finding the 5 pound summer article.

[SGT Rock]

The Gossamer Gear Murmur meets the specs except for the belt pockets.

Just curious--what do you consider a winter trip? What minimum temps, how much snow, how much and what type of travel (showshoe/ski)?

I hope to hit temps in the single digits. I would like to do a trip where I could confidently say what I carry could work down to 0F. I don't plan on doing anything with much snow - I haven't got any experience with snow shoes and think that snow shoes would bust my weight limit I am imposing on myself.

The idea though is to have that sort of weight but still have the things I like to have while backpacking. A hammock, cigars, bourbon, hot food, coffee, music, etc. My Sub 5 trip: http://hikinghq.net/sul.html

I honestly don't know if I can get the get the gear to meet these requirements and be below 10 pounds. The trip may never happen. But I'm looking at things now.

[SGT Rock]

So far the pack recommendations I've written down are:

1. Z pack Blast - Worried a little bit about the life of the pack from abrasion since it is Cuben.
2. Z pack Dyneema X pack.
3. MLD Burn - I looked at this at Trail days and was impressed.
4. GG Murmur - Basically the pack I tried 5 years ago and wasn't happy with. But it looks like there have been some changes to it.

[SGT Rock]

I just recently purchased a 20L Terra Nova and liked it on my first overnight.
My wife also carried it three days and had no complaints.
They have a 35L that's getting close to your specs.
I like the bottle holders and pockets on the belt.

I have already ordered myself a Terra Nova 20L elite to use as the replacement summer pack to the Hammock Bliss pack I tried this last trip. It looks like the perfect set up for what I like. I did look at the 35L pack, but was trying to find something lighter. It is over 16 ounces even after you remove the back pad.

[JAK]

I like your idea of imposing a weight, and then getting the best or preferred mix of gear for that weight. You can then test it out close to home and see what its actual limits are before going deeper. Thanks for the link to the summer list.

Not sure of packs, but I use this in summer if I go alone...
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...&p=48816-0-804

It is 10oz with the backpad removed. It is easy to pop something else in there. It makes a nice urban day pack also, as the backpad pouch holds 8.5x11 papers well. Bottle pouches are a good size and it is a comfortable fitting light pack. Top pouch is a handy size for quick access items. It has a waist strap. Not sure how you would modify it, but a front pouch would be very handy. I have carried a wool blanket and poncho outside the pack in summer, which creates more room but doesn't save weight.

[SGT Rock]

I just looked at it. Some packs list total carrying capacity and some list just the main compartment - so is 27L the total capacity or the main compartment?

[garlic08]

I've been down to low double digits for days at a time in light snow (able to camp on bare dirt with minimal scraping) with my 10-pound set up (attached). I couldn't make sub-zero F or be comfortable sleeping on snow pack with it, so I don't consider it a winter pack. Good luck with your project.