View Full Version : best manufacturers on backpacks for use on the AT ???
Crazy_Al
09-26-2008, 13:27
Who are the best manufacturers on backpacks for use on the AT ???
I am aware of Gregory and Osprey.
I have used Osprey for years. I do not want an ultra-light pack, I am a light packer, (around 20 pounds), 60 liters.
No such thing as 'best' in this context. But you ought to at the very least add ULA, Granite Gear, and Gossamer Gear to your list.
Alligator
09-26-2008, 13:34
Granite Gear and ULA are also well regarded.
Dang, too slow.
Love my ULA. Light weight, but not to the extreme. Great for lightweight packers. Will be worth the wait until Brian gets back from his travels around the 1st of December.
Blissful
09-26-2008, 13:46
I saw Osprey widely used on the trail during my travels last year. Also saw a few external frame packs, too.
Blissful
09-26-2008, 13:48
How much weight can a ULA catalyst handle? Considering that model for my hubby.
ULA. There are a few lighter packs, but they are more fragile. Here's photo of the packs of hikers starting the CDT on June 15th this year. All of the hikers had hiked at least one long trail before. They all had ULA packs.
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=359807
dessertrat
09-26-2008, 15:21
Hmm. The one that is comfortable and doesn't fall apart? That's about the only measure. General rules are: don't buy a pack much bigger than your usual gear load, and make sure the pack fits you well and will carry the weight you usually carry.
Other than that, you just have to try them on. Asking "what pack" might get you some good suggestions which will narrow the field to about 50 candidates.
How much weight can a ULA catalyst handle? Considering that model for my hubby.
According to the website, 30-40#.
http://www.ula-equipment.com/catalyst.htm
I think that the mountainsmith pct 45 is the cadillac of all rucks.
bigcranky
09-30-2008, 10:13
Add Six Moon Designs to the list.
If you want to purchase the pack at a local outfitter, then Osprey and Gregory seem to be the logical widely available choices.
I'll second (or third) the choice for ULA. Great packs! Light, feature packed, very comfortable, but still bombproof.
Tenderheart
09-30-2008, 12:45
One must also add Arc'teryx to that list. Once I got all the salt washed off mine, it still looked new. They are absolutely bomb proof.
litefoot 2000
Don't forget Golite.
I've seen a number of Jam and Jam 2 packs on the trail in recent years, and folks seem to like them.
I have a Dawn, and am very happy with it, but they don't make it any more.
One must also add Arc'teryx to that list. Once I got all the salt washed off mine, it still looked new. They are absolutely bomb proof.
litefoot 2000
I started a thru-hike with an Arc'Teryx, and the shoulder pads are very poorly designed. The strap slips off the padding, so all the weight is on nylon webbing directly on your shoulder. Got replacement straps, and same thing happened again.
Switched to a ULA pack and was very happy for the rest of the trip. Very comfy and carries well.