stranger
12-04-2002, 21:48
I have been working in the pack industry since 1994 and felt I could shed some light on the subject. Remember a pack is not simply something to carry your gear in...the pack actually "does" something. A frameless pack offers no support, fit or transfer of weight what-so-ever to your body. A pack that does not fit and transfer weight to your hips and lumbar will fatigue you more than a pack that does. The reason for a solid suspension is to take whatever amount of weight you have on your back and transfer it to the strongest muscles in your body, your hips and legs. Believe it or not...20 pounds in a Go-Lite is more fatiguing than 20 pounds in a 4-5 lb suspension pack. Anyone who disagrees can go to the gym and see how much they can bench press, then see how much they can leg press...it's easier for your lower body to carry 25 lbs than it is for your upper body to carry 20. This being said...I do think every manufacturer could lighten up a little, but they are so hell bent on quality it probably won't happen anytime soon.
It's the consumers responsibility to find the right pack for themselves...not to complain about the weight of the wrong pack after they spent $400 on it. Unfortunately most people in the outdoor retail scene aren't so aware of the toll of long distance hiking...so you have to make sure YOU know what you're looking for. Good luck!
It's the consumers responsibility to find the right pack for themselves...not to complain about the weight of the wrong pack after they spent $400 on it. Unfortunately most people in the outdoor retail scene aren't so aware of the toll of long distance hiking...so you have to make sure YOU know what you're looking for. Good luck!