Backpacks - What do you have?

[DeeHiker]

Hi Ladies,

I bought the North Face Crestone 60 Backpack in 2008 when I backpaced for several days on the AT. It weighs almost 6 lbs. I love the pack, but I think I need to cut weight by getting a lighter backpack. Any suggestions for a lighter pack?????????????


In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

[sterling98]

Deuter is usually the lightest you'll find at someplace like REI or another outfitter. I have the Act Lite 60 + 10 and it weights 3.5 lbs or something. I like it, it's an nice pack for me. Otherwise, ULA, GoLite, and Gossamer Gear are pretty popular for UL packs.

[ambroseya]

I have the Deuter ACT Lite 60/10 because it was the most comfortable to me. Our bodies are frequently so different, that while I believe my pack fits like a dream and can easily carry 30 pounds in it, the lighter packs were very uncomfortable even when empty. I've seen many threads with people sharing this experience with many packs and I have to assume it's what fits your body that matters.

If you have to buy online and can't try on in a store, I strongly suggest carrying it weighted before removing the tags (around your home) and then returning it if it doesn't work for you. Lighter can mean miserable, although I'm sure you can find something under 6lbs easily that does fit you.

[RedBeerd]

I have an older REI Ridgeline 65 I bought as my first multi-day pack. Weighs about 5lbs. If I upgraded I would be a few ounces under 15lbs! Doesnt fit me all that great, but its what I got! Sadly, The lighter you go the lighter your wallet gets too....

[RedBeerd]

...pick up the latest Backpacker Editors Choice Awards magazine. Covers a bunch of UL and lightweight packs for men and women. Lots of good info if you're looking for a lighter backpack.

[birdygal]

I have a golite pinacle 1 lb 15 oz

[Edwardo Rodriguez]

This year am taken Osprey Exos 65 Pack 3lb 9oz on the John Muir Trail if it work out for me I will be taken it on the AT next year. Am fear in an UL backpack is can it handle (or how it carry on your back) the section of your Thru hike where your pack will weigh the most and can it handle the riggers of a long hike.

[AjR]

I have a JanSport external frame (I want to say the Carson?) It's a great, tough bag with plenty of storage, but it weighs about 4 1/2 to 5 lbs, I don't remember exactly. I know I'm in the market for a couple of light bags, one for me and one for my wife...

[AjR]

I have been hearing a lot about Osprey bags, are they pretty good?

[Creek Dancer]

I use a GoLite Jam for short trips and summer trips when I typically don't carry much more than 20-22 pounds with food and water. This pack craps out at about 25 pounds, so I keep it light.

For winter and fall, I use an Osprey Aerial which I love. This pack fits me perfectly, but it's also 4 1/2 pounds empty. For a week long trip, with food and water, my pack is about 31 pounds.

[Creek Dancer]

I have been hearing a lot about Osprey bags, are they pretty good?

Best bag I own. And I have five.

[Sassafras Lass]

My pack for last year was the Gregory Jade 50 (3 lbs, 14 oz) - it was the closest thing to 'fitting right' that I could find - and I visited 3 outfitters and tried nearly 2 dozen packs. Previous to that I just used whatever backpacks were lying around the house, to the chagrin of my shoulders and clavicles. The Gregory was more of a headache than a pleasure, so I sold it and bought the ULA Circuit - fits me like a dream and it's stupid light. 36 oz + 1 oz for the custom purple I ordered it in. One of the best gear decisions I've made yet, and it'll be with me on our next thru-hike attempt this June.

[Creek Dancer]

That's a nice pack, Sassafras. I would definately look into this one if I were in the market for a new pack.

[Juice]

Zpacks medium "Zero", 36 liter pack with options weighs 7.2oz

[P1nkPanther]

I use a GoLite Quest and love it. It has few pockets/storage areas which I prefer. Less for me to remember where I stashed what. But both my main hiking partners (husband and female best friend) have Ospreys and love the 34,567 pockets. They also love the mesh back support thingy for the Ospreys (I'm sure there's a more technical term for that) but I found it annoying when I tried one on.

[bigcranky]

Osprey makes excellent women's packs. My wife loves her Ariel 55. Not ultralight, but excellent nonetheless.

You might also check out the ULA Circuit with the S-curved shoulder straps.

[nu2hike]

ULA Ohm! Luv it!

[moongoddess]

I have to also put in a good word for the ULA packs; I have a Catalyst and really like it. But if you'd like to upgrade without spending a ton of money, REI currently has their old model Flash 50 on sale in their outlet section for only $100. A 3 lb pack for $100 from a company with a 100% satisfaction guarantee - it's hard to beat that! And that's before applying the 20% off coupon that usually comes out sometime in late March...

[skinewmexico]

...pick up the latest Backpacker Editors Choice Awards magazine. Covers a bunch of UL and lightweight packs for men and women. Lots of good info if you're looking for a lighter backpack.

I didn't see any packs in there I'd call UL. Did see a lot of advertisers being rewarded.

There are a multitude of great packs, made in the USA. Give Chris at ULA, or Grant at Gossamer Gear, or Ron at MLD, or Ron at SMD a call, and they'll walk you thru the merits and fits of their various packs, designed and built by thru-hikers. See what great customer service is really like, and end up with a fantastic pack.

[Bear Cables]

I use a GoLite Quest and love it. It has few pockets/storage areas which I prefer. Less for me to remember where I stashed what. But both my main hiking partners (husband and female best friend) have Ospreys and love the 34,567 pockets. They also love the mesh back support thingy for the Ospreys (I'm sure there's a more technical term for that) but I found it annoying when I tried one on.

I also have the Quest amd love it. My sister loves her Osprey and yes it does have lots of pockets. I find less pockets keep me more organized. Also have the larger Golite Oddessy for winter hiking when I need more gear