Woodturner
08-30-2015, 12:44
Okay folks, it’s time for another discussion about packs.
Recently, I posted here about problems I was having from the hip belt on my REI Flash 62 slipping (getting loose) while I walked. That problem was solved by returning it to the store. Other than the hip belt problem I liked the pack, but I am not sure it would be the best choice for a really long trip. Like an AT thru-hike for example. I have really shaved down my gear, both in weight and amount, but I have doubts about the ability of a pack the size of the Flash 62 to carry everything needed at the beginning and end of a thru hike. And, in complete fairness to REI, so do they. The Flash is not marketed as a pack for extended trips.
When I bought the Flash last spring I had no reason to believe that I would ever be able to do more than one or two week trips, and for that the Flash should have done just fine. No need to carry extra “town” clothes or more than one extra pair of socks. Confine the hiking to warmer weather and be able to get by with a down quilt, maybe a fleece pull-over, and Frog-Togs. The bulkiest item in the pack would be the food bag.
Then, back near the end of July, I reached the breaking point with my employer, and, with no job waiting in the wings, and no savings to speak of, quit my job of over eleven years. The original plan was to get another job at a greatly reduced income. However, by filing for Social Security, applying for VA benefits, and cashing in an annuity to pay off credit cards, I find myself in the position where a thru-hike in 2016 is going to be very doable – at least financially.
And, unlike a week or two and then back home, a thru-hike is a tad different.
You will have to have something to wear in town while trail clothes are being washed. At the beginning and end of the hike you will need heavier i.e. bulkier clothing. And there are a few places where it will be necessary to carry more than three or four days of food between resupplies. You need a pack that has a bit more volume.
I have pretty much narrowed it down to two choices.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Southwest
ULA Catalyst
I lean toward #1, because, although I plan on keeping weight down as much as possible, there may be times – like water scarcity or poor local food choices – when it will be hard to not get in the 40 pound range. The only problem I see with that pack is that it looks like full volume be a foot or more above my head. The only problem I see with the ULA Catalyst, is that if I found myself in a situation where extra weight for a few days was unavoidable, it might be an uncomfortable few days. Anyway, opinions by users of either of these packs will be appreciated.
Both of these packs have a major plus for me over most, if not all, of the offerings from major retailers. They are made in the USA, and I will be supporting a small business owner instead of a clueless board of directors and stockholders who have no problem sacrificing quality for the bottom line.
Remember when The North Face was synonymous with quality?
Recently, I posted here about problems I was having from the hip belt on my REI Flash 62 slipping (getting loose) while I walked. That problem was solved by returning it to the store. Other than the hip belt problem I liked the pack, but I am not sure it would be the best choice for a really long trip. Like an AT thru-hike for example. I have really shaved down my gear, both in weight and amount, but I have doubts about the ability of a pack the size of the Flash 62 to carry everything needed at the beginning and end of a thru hike. And, in complete fairness to REI, so do they. The Flash is not marketed as a pack for extended trips.
When I bought the Flash last spring I had no reason to believe that I would ever be able to do more than one or two week trips, and for that the Flash should have done just fine. No need to carry extra “town” clothes or more than one extra pair of socks. Confine the hiking to warmer weather and be able to get by with a down quilt, maybe a fleece pull-over, and Frog-Togs. The bulkiest item in the pack would be the food bag.
Then, back near the end of July, I reached the breaking point with my employer, and, with no job waiting in the wings, and no savings to speak of, quit my job of over eleven years. The original plan was to get another job at a greatly reduced income. However, by filing for Social Security, applying for VA benefits, and cashing in an annuity to pay off credit cards, I find myself in the position where a thru-hike in 2016 is going to be very doable – at least financially.
And, unlike a week or two and then back home, a thru-hike is a tad different.
You will have to have something to wear in town while trail clothes are being washed. At the beginning and end of the hike you will need heavier i.e. bulkier clothing. And there are a few places where it will be necessary to carry more than three or four days of food between resupplies. You need a pack that has a bit more volume.
I have pretty much narrowed it down to two choices.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Southwest
ULA Catalyst
I lean toward #1, because, although I plan on keeping weight down as much as possible, there may be times – like water scarcity or poor local food choices – when it will be hard to not get in the 40 pound range. The only problem I see with that pack is that it looks like full volume be a foot or more above my head. The only problem I see with the ULA Catalyst, is that if I found myself in a situation where extra weight for a few days was unavoidable, it might be an uncomfortable few days. Anyway, opinions by users of either of these packs will be appreciated.
Both of these packs have a major plus for me over most, if not all, of the offerings from major retailers. They are made in the USA, and I will be supporting a small business owner instead of a clueless board of directors and stockholders who have no problem sacrificing quality for the bottom line.
Remember when The North Face was synonymous with quality?