backpack suggestions

[hikerdg]

I need some suggestions I carry 40-45lbs currently using the Gregory pallisade, but would like to find something a little smaller and lighter.

[SGT Rock]

Get a Gearskin made from pack cloth. www.moonbowgear.com

[attroll]

Before you jump into a gearskin you have to make sure that you like a frameless pack. I not saying it is a bad pac, just that you need to try one before you jump into it.

[bulldog49]

Granite Gear O-Zone, weighs 3 lbs and carries 40 Lbs.

[grrickar]

I use a Kelty Haiku 4250. It is a cheap pack, not too heavy, and seems durable enough. I have carried 40 pounds in it, and I will admit it feels better with 35 or less - but what pack doesn't?

I'm looking at a Gregory G or Z pack as a second backpack. I like the Granite Gear Vapor Trail too, but I think it would have some issues with a 40+ load. The Gregory packs seem to be a good bit cheaper, not sure about the quality.

[MedicineMan]

40-45 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!
what i would do for your feet and knees!!!!!!
carry on the good fight, hell just hot glue some straps to a Samsonite :)

[chris]

Keep the Gregory. At 40-50lbs, you will need the extra support and suspension that it has. If you want to get smaller and lighter, attack other things first, like shelter, sleeping bag, cooking, and clothes.

[Happy]

Keep the Gregory. At 40-50lbs, you will need the extra support and suspension that it has. If you want to get smaller and lighter, attack other things first, like shelter, sleeping bag, cooking, and clothes.


I agree with Chris on this issue, but think you should readdress the issue of weight and start with a base weight of 16lbs or under....do some reviewing of your needs weightwise!

Get your Big Four under 7 lbs!!! :sun

[hikerdg]

My big weight seems to be my tent and pack. I want to use a tent with fly not a tarp and I would like a little room in it. Any suggestions?

[Singletrack]

I have a 2004 Sierra Designs Light Year for sale. Under 4lbs., and sleeps one, plus some gear. Used only once. Has footprint. Retails for about $170 with footprint. Will take $110 and ship it to you. Send me a personal e-mail if interested.

[grrickar]

Try the MSR Hubba (one man), the MSR Hubba Hubba (two man) or a Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight or Lightyear. I have the MSR Hubba, and I think it is a great one man tent, but there is little room for gear in there with you. If that is a problem, I'd keep looking.

You may have better choices for gear locally in Cullman, AL. than I (Alabama Outdoors maybe?), but here in Huntsville, AL. Outdoor Omnibus and Wiley's are about the only two stores even close to an outfitter in these parts that I am aware of. I have purchased most of my stuff off the internet and on Ebay, with a few items coming from Wileys.

If you do your homework you can find small outfitters online with good advice and great prices. I try and give those my business whenever I can, else if I cannot find anything local or at a small business online, I usually can find what I need at Campmor or REI.

If you happen to be traveling, look for a Galyans. They have been bought out by Dick's Sporting goods and they are dumping the Galyan's merchandise cheap. Good deals to be had for certain, but it is a crying shame that they were bought out by Dicks - who seldom carry anything beside gear for car camping. The closest Galyan's that I know of is in Atlanta, and there is an REI in Nashville if you are more into window shopping.

I typically read threads here on gear, do a google search for reviews, and make my decisions based on unbiased owner opinions. Many pieces of my gear I had never seen in person until after I had purchased it, but with the wealth of good reviews on most items on the internet, I have been happy with all of my decisions thusfar.

[icemanat95]

Crikey, get off the guy's back. When I hiked 40 pounds was about average. My pack sometimes got up in the 70 pound range and one time when I was assisting another injured hiker, I carried well over 100 pounds up Blood Mountain. Ain't no big deal if you aren't trying to eat up 20-30 miles per day. Take it easy on your mileage and build up slowly and you can carry 40-50 pounds without too much trouble. Sure, lighter is better, but getting that weight down is an evolutionary process each hiker must go through for themselves.

[Drum Stick]

I am assuming that this is your first thru hike attempt.

Most thru hikers carry internal frame packs, I did, and man did I regret it especially through the summer heat. It is certainly a different situation when hiking for a week or in cold weather. But when hiking for months with a wet (rain and or sweat) internal frame pack up against your back things can get mighty uncomfortable. And worse a wet pack on your back can cause skin irritation and have negative impact on your experience, that was my experience anyway. If you have the luxury of two packs I would suggest the internal frame pack for the cold weather and the external frame for the hot weather. I was actually on my way to Springer Mt. when a former thru hiker / shuttle driver told me that I would regret my internal frame pack and as she was right on the money.

I carried a two man tent that made most hikers jaws drop (5+lbs). I definitely enjoyed the tent space in the south where shelter space is hard to come by and I used the tent less as shelter space was more plentiful. I got rid of my sleeping pad in NC because something had to go and besides a couple of nights where I slept on my clothes I found that I did not need the pad. When I got to The Whites I got rid of my tent too but I kept the ground sheet. I found that I did not need the tent! At that point I was good at dodging the rain for the most part, shelter space was plentiful, and where there was no shelter I just rolled up in my tent ground cloth and off into the shrubbery.

Just some of my experience that may or may not help. The best of luck to you!

[bailcor]

I need some suggestions I carry 40-45lbs currently using the Gregory pallisade, but would like to find something a little smaller and lighter.

I started with the pallisade and carried about 50 lbs in it. I now have a Go-lite speed and carry 24 lbs. (winter pack with 4 days food supply). The difference is that I could at most obtain 10-12 miles a day with the pallisades and now can do 15-20 miles a day with the lighter configuration. Not only is my pack better organized but I enjoy myself a whole lot better and arrive at my days destination in much better shape.