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Published by Roland
03-24-2005 |
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#2
By
Roland
on
03-24-2005, 17:12
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Quote:
I could have listed 100 more pack models, but limited the chart to those commonly mentioned by Whiteblaze members. There is no intention to discredit models that do not appear on the list. |
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#4
By
hikerjohnd
on
03-25-2005, 08:17
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Or any external frame pack...
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#5
By
Jack Tarlin
on
03-25-2005, 08:35
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Osprey has a new 50 liter pack, the Atmos 50, which is so recent that I don't even think it's on their website, tho it's in their new catalog and should be available for examination in good shops.
VERY innovative design, lots of extras, compares favorably weight and price-wise to the ULA-P2 and Gregory Z-Pack (which is a lousy piece of gear in my opinion). It is probably good up to 35 pounds, same as comparable Granite Grear packs, such as the very popular Vapor Trail. It costs a bit more, but I think it's a lot more comfortable, and has more features (extra pockets, including very clever ones on the hip belt, and several places to pack/stuff that might not fit inside. A little birdie told me that the Atmos is about to be given Backpacker's Gear of the Year Award; I think this is going to be a very hot pack. Incidentally, while the above chart is handsome, a few quick comments: *30 pounds in a Go-Lite? Only if you want it to explode. *The Granite Gear Vapor Trail can probably go 35lbs, not 30. It's a sturdy little pack *The Osprey Aether 60 can easily go 35-40 lbs., and not 25, and it's bigger brother, the Aether 75, can easily handle 45-50 pounds, and not the 30 as listed. |
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#8
By
schwenkler
on
03-25-2005, 11:45
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Go-Lite
Jack's absolutely right about the GoLite packs. The maximum for the Race is 20 pounds, in my experience anyway, and I think the Speed is the same pack w/ a hydration system?
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#9
By
minnesotasmith
on
03-25-2005, 12:59
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This chart is a great start, but needs to add...
1) The empty weight/volume capacity ratio, divided on out to a number.
2) The empty pack weight/maximum safe payload (in pounds) ratio, also calculated out to a number. 3) Data on these good packs: Gregory: Acadia or Forester Arcteryx packs, such as the Khamsin 4) Whether or not a pack has a separately accessable sleeping bag compartment (that's a BIG deal to me personally). 5) Color options, color also being a big deal to many hikers. The Gregory Denali Pro backpack* (as an example) only comes in "chili red", which anyone wanting to keep a low profile while hiking may not care for. Too, I doubt many LEOs/former mil guy hikers would go for a pack that only came in "young chick light pink" or "typical San Francisco guy lavender", or the like. *Yes, I am perfectly aware that that pack is too big for the AT. I was using it as an example only. I may carry it on the longer stretches between resupply points on the CDT or on my East-West Alaska hike, though, if and when I hike those places. |
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#10
By
Just Jeff
on
03-25-2005, 13:25
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Speed Pack
Quote:
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#11
By
bulldog49
on
03-25-2005, 13:59
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If possible, it would be interesting if we could conduct a formal survey to find out how many Whiteblazers use each pack.
I just purchased the Vapor Trail, after carefully considering the Atmos 50, which is on Osprey's website and has a very cool 360 deg view feature. I was a little reluctant to spend the money on a brand new pack because it seems every time a company comes out with an entirely new model there are some bugs that are improved in the next model year. http://www.ospreypacks.com/3D_Atmos/atmos_intro.htm |
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#12
By
tlbj6142
on
03-25-2005, 14:40
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Quote:
Separate sleeping bag compartment? I didn't realize anyone actually used those damn things. Figured they were there just to sell packs to suckers. Why do you need separate access? Shelter rat? |
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#13
By
tlbj6142
on
03-25-2005, 14:45
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Quote:
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#14
By
bulldog49
on
03-25-2005, 15:31
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Quote:
Does your outfitter sell Osprey packs? If not, he may be a bit biased. I tried it on in the store loaded with my gear (about 25 lbs worth) and it felt very good, but seemed a bit delicate. Time will tell how it holds up on the trail. The deciding factor for me was when I found the VT on sale for $127 at Backcountry Gear. Too good an offer to turn down. I agree with your assessment about Backpacker recommendations. I couldn't understand why they pimped the G pack so heavily in the last two issues given all the quality problems with last year's model. No mention at all of the GG packs in the gear guide issue, probably the most poplar packs on the market at this time. |
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#15
By
minnesotasmith
on
03-25-2005, 16:16
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Tlbj asked...
"Separate sleeping bag compartment? I didn't realize anyone actually used those damn things. Figured they were there just to sell packs to suckers. Why do you need separate access?"
I very much like the idea of not having to choose between putting a (possibly damp/not too clean) sleeping bag on top of my other stuff, or having to take EVERYTHING out of my pack every time I want to take my bag out or put it back in. The pack I used in Boy Scouts many years ago let me avoid that. |
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#17
By
Singletrack
on
03-25-2005, 17:27
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If anyone wants to hike the AT, any of these packs are all one needs. It's a nearly perfect list. Good job.
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#18
By
Oracle
on
03-25-2005, 18:42
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Quote:
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#19
By
MedicineMan
on
03-25-2005, 22:32
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Jack, just curious
how many shares of Osprey do you own? or has it gone public?
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