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paddler
06-09-2008, 19:29
looking for a new pack. i am now using an old dana racer-x w/ wet rib and i'm just wondering what you use?

Seeker
06-09-2008, 20:05
well, right now it's my ONLY favorite lightweight pack... a GoLite Gust. 20oz, 3500'' (or thereabouts), carries 25lbs well enough. i did make some mods on it though, to carry things better... i added two side pockets for water/fuel bottles, and some loops to weave an elastic through (for wet raingear/tarp). now it's pretty much all i need... but i'm lusting after a ULA Catalyst... someday...

bigcranky
06-09-2008, 20:35
I spent some time looking for a Raid-Z pack a couple of years ago -- couldn't find one anywhere. (It's the big brother of the Racer-X.) I liked the basic design concept of a real drybag for all your gear, and outside pockets for stuff you might need during the day.

My favorite lightweight for several years has been my Six Moons Designs Starlite (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=34). It's close to my ideal LD hiking pack. Big mesh pockets outside, easy access to my sleeping pad for breaks, light weight but good support. It's even big enough for my winter load here in NC.

Cool AT Breeze
06-09-2008, 21:50
If you like the Dana check out Mystery Ranch MX Trance. It's the company that Dana started after he sold out to Marmot. I have one and love it. It's not all that light at 4 lb 5 oz but it rides like a caddy.

rafe
06-09-2008, 21:58
Obligatory plug for Granite Gear packs. That's all. Carry on.

PJ 2005
06-10-2008, 00:16
Granite Gear seconded

Frau
06-10-2008, 02:14
ULA Catalyst here.

Frau

HikerRanky
06-10-2008, 08:50
GoLite Pinnacle here... 25 oz... 4400ci... 30 pounds...

Randy

Rcarver
06-10-2008, 09:54
ULA Circuit.

Johnny Swank
06-10-2008, 09:58
If you like the concept of the Racer X, you might want to check out a Moonbow Gear Gearskin.

http://moonbowgear.com/1trailgear/1Custom%20packs/Gearskins/gearskin.html

Quoddy
06-10-2008, 10:22
ULA Conduit, MLD Exodus, and McHale 36LBP (for winter and loads above 25 pounds).

Shiraz-mataz
06-10-2008, 11:21
I'll second the Go-Lite Pinnacle. It's cavernous yet weighs nothing. It's so light that when I opened the box, it floated to the ceiling! A little short on amenities like pockets and padding but it works pretty well, considering. Besides, amenities=weight.

g8trh8tr
06-10-2008, 12:52
Granite gear hands down....I have the Vapor Trail and the Virga and they are both great packs....I have several other packs as well(Osprey, Kelty, etc...) but I always reach for the Granite gear.

Wolf - 23000
06-10-2008, 18:28
I like the REI Flash UL. It's 9 oz but can be trim down to 6 oz - lighter than most but not all, small and comfortable to hike with. The cost you can bet, $25. I’ve used mine for 500 miles without any problems

Wolf

Jim Adams
06-11-2008, 00:29
gregory G pack

geek

bull
06-11-2008, 22:55
I like my Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus
Mike

PKH
06-12-2008, 16:56
Six Moon Designs Starlite, and for lighter occasions, ULA Amp

Cheers,

take-a-knee
06-12-2008, 20:51
Granite Gear Vapor Trail. I want something a bit larger for the winter though.

Wolf - 23000
06-12-2008, 20:56
Granite Gear Vapor Trail. I want something a bit larger for the winter though.

What type of winter are you talking? I've used my Flash UL in Jan. during the winter.

Wolf

Incahiker
06-12-2008, 21:24
I've been eyeing that Vapor Trail really hard lately!! Looks like a great pack. I hope I can keep my pack weight under 30.

Squeamish
06-12-2008, 21:26
Granite Gear Numbus Meridian and love it!

sheepdog
06-12-2008, 22:11
Deuter act zero 60 + 10, 3lbs 1 oz.

take-a-knee
06-12-2008, 23:26
What type of winter are you talking? I've used my Flash UL in Jan. during the winter.

Wolf

Smokies winter. I also don't like having to cram things into a pack.

SouthMark
06-16-2008, 10:37
Check out Joe Valesko,s ZPacks at zpacks.com. I have the Z1 and love it.

Odd Thomas
06-17-2008, 03:47
ULA Conduit, MLD Exodus, and McHale 36LBP (for winter and loads above 25 pounds).

That MLD Exodus looks interesting. Thanks for that, hadn't heard of it before.

Wolf - 23000
06-18-2008, 19:15
Smokies winter. I also don't like having to cram things into a pack.

I did the Smokies in March 06. It wasn't that hard and yes I did get hailed and snow on.

Wolf

Squeamish
06-28-2008, 21:36
Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian, have used it twice now and love it.

map man
06-29-2008, 11:24
LuxuryLite external frame pack. With the three cylinders I chose the weight is 2 pounds and it holds 4200 cubic inches. The front pack that goes with it adds 6 ounces of weight and 500 cubic inches of volume, and it makes the pack ride better. I know this is a lot of capacity (4700 cubic inches) for someone wanting to go light, but it allows me the luxury of not having to compress my sleeping bag and synthetic jacket much, and will have enough space for eight days' worth of food if I'm ever hiking in remote places where distances between resupply are long.

Lyle
06-29-2008, 12:05
ULA P2 for several years now. If the thing ever wears out, will probably be replaced by another ULA of some flavor. Not the absolute lightest, but very well made and so far, very durable.

Rocketman
07-02-2008, 20:03
I've been eyeing that Vapor Trail really hard lately!! Looks like a great pack. I hope I can keep my pack weight under 30.

Granite Gear told me that you can make the hip belt for the heavier weight packs fit on the Vapor Trail model. It is more padded and supportive, I believe. Call their 800 number and they will give you the story.

It may be the way for you to go if you have problems getting the weight down, but there are extra dollars involved to switch out the hip belt. If it is unused, they will sell you the regular weight suspension and credit you for the lightweight one. That is less than $10, except you pay shipping twice - once for the purchase and once for the return.

Jim

minnesotasmith
07-09-2008, 01:22
Nobody likes the Golite Odyssey? It's got the highest carrying weight/pack weight of any pack I've been able to find for loads over 35 pounds.