Review my Big Four idea

[3030]

So I have always enjoyed hiking and camping, but my gear is getting a bit too heavy and outdated. I wanted to get your thoughts on what I plan to buy in the next few weeks as my new big four:

Pack: Gossamer Gear G4
Tent: GoLite Shangri-la 1
Bag: GoLite (Woman's) Adventure 3-season long
Pad: Therm-a-rest Z-Lite Short

If my calculations are correct, that puts my big four at 6 lbs, 3 oz or a little more. Good starting point?

P.S. I'm not a woman, but a 5'8" man (plus, GoLite is out of the male version of the 3-season Adventure)

[flemdawg1]

Check the girth of that sleeping bag, it might be too tight in the sholders.

And do you really need a 53L main compartment, seems awfully big?

[3030]

Well I like the design of the Gossamer Gear packs, but I don't need as much space as the Mariposa Plus provides. Is there another pack under $200 that would be better?

[flemdawg1]

Gossamer Gear makes smaller packs, yes. The Gorilla and the Kumo are under $200.

All the UL Golite paks are <$100 right now. http://www.golite.com/packs-and-lugg...ntry-ultralite
I'd also get the 3-season quilt from Golite instead of the Adventure sleeping bag.
The ULA Circuit is only $225, the Ohm $180-200. But only you know how much volme you really need.

[Connie]

Maybe short trips to work out the gear you actually need? Then, choose a pack.

There is nothing wrong with a 50 L (3051 ci) pack, if you can tighten up the load closer to your back and not have it all slump down to the bottom of the pack.

If you haven't already got some UL, lightweight, and stuffed reasonably low volume gear, I would go no smaller than a 45 L (2746 ci) pack.

The Equinox ARAS Eagle Pack is the right price.

[Connie]

There is also the Osprey Exos 46 and the Osprey Hornet 46 to consider.

They may meet your criteria.