WhiteBlaze approved long distance backpacks:

[Kookork]

I am sure we have had countless threads about suggested backpacks for long distance hiking and especially thru hiking and we will have more of it in the future.

The purpose of this thread is to identify the backpacks most of us agree about their performance for thru hiking. At the end of the thread I am hoping that we have a list of backpacks that are WhiteBlaze members approved. So please take a few minutes of your time and enter your suggestions here in this thread and hopefully we have a unified vote for the top 10 favorite’s backpacks of all time. If you share your expertise and experience we can have a thread to refer to when one of the most frequent questions is asked for the thousandth time in this forum.

No need to mention that the backpack we suggest better to be light ( even better if ultra light), affordable , durable and trail tested. So what are your suggestions if you have to choose the most suitable backpack for your next long distance hiking? You can write down more than one choice also and a few words about why you chose this backpack(s) to others:

Here is mine:

Granite gear Crown V.C. 60 : 2 Ibs, 2 oz , affordable(199 dollars) durable, easy access, great suspension technology from an approved company with focus mostly on thru hike.

What about you?

[Rasty]

ULA Circuit. 2 pounds. $225.

[Chaco Taco]

ULA catalyst $250

[kayak karl]

golite pinnacle paid $90

WHY?the big text

[Chaco Taco]

golite pinnacle paid $90

WHY?the big text

I thruhiked with one in 08 and had to replace it twice, just sayin

[Lone Wolf]

Jansport D2 frame pack

[Kookork]

golite pinnacle paid $90

WHY?the big text

I don't know about you Karl but I dont like to search for my eyeglasses for reading a post. I am getting old you know.

[leaftye]

Anything by Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Zpacks, ULA.

[MuddyWaters]

A pack is just a sack to carry your stuff .

The lighter the pack, the more of "just a sack" it is.

Ironic isnt it.


Its what you DONT put in your pack, that makes the difference.

With a 8-10 lb base weight, almost every pack out there would work great, as long as it was made halfway well.

[Kookork]

Anything by Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Zpacks, ULA.

Thank you for your input but it is not a definite vote . name and model please

[leaftye]

Thank you for your input but it is not a definite vote . name and model please

A McHale leaftye.

[hikerboy57]

osprey atmos 50/65

[SCRUB HIKER]

Elemental Horizons Kalais plus the aluminum stay and some large hipbelt pockets. 33oz. Barely notice it's there when it's got 25lb in it. $190 stock, $246 with the add-ons. Won't be winning many votes because I'm not sure anyone besides me and SGT Rock own this thing, but I love it.

[Almost There]

Osprey Exos 58, although I am interested in the Granite Gear Crown VC. I've been loyal to the Screamin' Eagle for awhile now.

[Chaco Taco]

Elemental Horizons Kalais plus the aluminum stay and some large hipbelt pockets. 33oz. Barely notice it's there when it's got 25lb in it. $190 stock, $246 with the add-ons. Won't be winning many votes because I'm not sure anyone besides me and SGT Rock own this thing, but I love it.

Got my attention

[Praha4]

Deuter ACT Zero 50+15

~ 3 lbs. weight
durable, affordable ($159 on sale at some websites I've seen)
Award winning by several outdoor and backpacking magazines

[Kookork]

So far the Crown V.C 60 is the only backpack with two votes. I think it will be in the final 10 most favorite list

[Kookork]

Deuter ACT Zero 50+15

~ 3 lbs. weight
durable, affordable ($159 on sale at some websites I've seen)
Award winning by several outdoor and backpacking magazines

This is a nice vote with some description to back it up. Thank you

[Elder]

Jansport D2 frame pack

Damn Lone Wolf. How old are you?
I sold those in 1970's!

[Chaco Taco]

So far the Crown V.C 60 is the only backpack with two votes. I think it will be in the final 10 most favorite list

anything granite gear is a great choice in my opinion