twinkles
04-01-2007, 16:08
Someone (I don't remember who) asked me in the Gear for Sale forum why I was selling my Vapor Trail in favor of my ULA Catalyst. I didn't have time to answer right then, but these are my thoughts.
This is a relatively new hobby for me. I bought the Vapor Trail as my first backpack because it seemed popular on the various sites I visited and I wanted to try to go light.
I used it a few times and noticed that at 25 pounds it was very comfortable, but at 30 pounds it was noticably less so. I didn't know enough to evaluate what was causing the discomfort. I reasoned that it might simply be that its just easier to carry 25 pounds than it is to carry 30.
But I kept reading. I found McHale's site and was influenced by his pitch that a better suspension system improves pack comfort. I wasn't sure, though, if I was ready to pony up the kind of money McHale wants when I wasn't really sure what I was looking for.
The Catalyst looked like a good compromise. I ordered both a dual stay and a single stay frame sheet. I have been experimenting with the two and so far I prefer the dual stay frame sheet even at just 28 pounds. I can't really explain why, it just feels more comfortable. (Brian's rough guide is that the single stay is appropriate for 25-30 lbs, and the dual stay for 30-35 lbs.
I like the 3 mesh pockets. The large rear pocket gives me a good place to keep my tent allowing it to drain, and keeping the dirt out of my main compartment. I like the way the hip belt adjusts permitting it to be sinched with a bit of a flare at the bottom fitting the way I am shaped.
I like the way the top closes it seems more secure and it is tidier.
Finally I like the fact that it is a bit wider so that I can fit my gear in along with food without having to use the collar. The gear rides lower so I don't feel so top heavy.
This is a relatively new hobby for me. I bought the Vapor Trail as my first backpack because it seemed popular on the various sites I visited and I wanted to try to go light.
I used it a few times and noticed that at 25 pounds it was very comfortable, but at 30 pounds it was noticably less so. I didn't know enough to evaluate what was causing the discomfort. I reasoned that it might simply be that its just easier to carry 25 pounds than it is to carry 30.
But I kept reading. I found McHale's site and was influenced by his pitch that a better suspension system improves pack comfort. I wasn't sure, though, if I was ready to pony up the kind of money McHale wants when I wasn't really sure what I was looking for.
The Catalyst looked like a good compromise. I ordered both a dual stay and a single stay frame sheet. I have been experimenting with the two and so far I prefer the dual stay frame sheet even at just 28 pounds. I can't really explain why, it just feels more comfortable. (Brian's rough guide is that the single stay is appropriate for 25-30 lbs, and the dual stay for 30-35 lbs.
I like the 3 mesh pockets. The large rear pocket gives me a good place to keep my tent allowing it to drain, and keeping the dirt out of my main compartment. I like the way the hip belt adjusts permitting it to be sinched with a bit of a flare at the bottom fitting the way I am shaped.
I like the way the top closes it seems more secure and it is tidier.
Finally I like the fact that it is a bit wider so that I can fit my gear in along with food without having to use the collar. The gear rides lower so I don't feel so top heavy.