View Full Version : Help with lighter weight backpack
I want to get the weight of my backpack down from 6.5 lbs now to something below 4 lbs. I plan on a full weight around 30 lbs. At the max 35 lbs. Right now my tent is 3 lbs and my sleepingbag is 2.6 lbs. Thank you for any help on what worked for you.
Singletrack
03-05-2005, 21:50
Two packs you might want to look at are the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone at 48 ounces. Capacity of 3800 cu.in. But with the extension collar, probably larger than 3800 cu.in. Price is $200. The other pack is the ULA P-2. at 47 ounces. Capacity is about 4900 cu. in. Price is $210, I think. Many WB members have these packs, and can tell you more about the different features. Both can haul 35lb. loads.
SGT Rock
03-05-2005, 22:38
Look at a Gearskin. It would drop your weight to about 1.5 pounds, so your planed max weight down close to 30 pounds.
For thirty pounds or less, I like my Golite Gust, all 21 ounces of it. Pack it right and it becomes part of you.
my favorite pack is the EQUINOX KATAHDIN,i paid 79.99,regular price 105.00
it wieghs 1 lb 10 oz,3350 ci.excellent paded hip belt and shoulder straps
i love this pack it carries well:sun neo
hikerjohnd
03-05-2005, 23:25
I just switched to the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone form an External Frame JanSport. I've had the Ozone out a couple of times and it is the first internal frame pack I have ever felt comfortable wearing. In the past, internals ahve felt oppressive and restricting - this pack feels more like an external to me.
There are lots of good, light weight packs for carrying ~30lb. My fav is granite gear vapor trail. Other good options are granite gear nimbus ozone, osprey aether 60, ula p2, mchale (if you have $$$), six moon designs starlite (if you use a foam pad). For a few more ideas:
http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/pack.html#light
I want to get the weight of my backpack down from 6.5 lbs now to something below 4 lbs. I plan on a full weight around 30 lbs. At the max 35 lbs. Right now my tent is 3 lbs and my sleepingbag is 2.6 lbs. Thank you for any help on what worked for you.
So, if you want a "carry weight" of 30 Lbs, a 4 Lb pack would give you the ability to carry 26 Lbs of "Stuff". All of the packs listed above, and a few other UL packs can carry 26 Lbs easily. Usually: The smaller the pack, the lighter it is, AND, the less you can cram into it, thus lightning your pack weight. My second (first on AT) pack had a capacity of about 5000 CI, I filled the d*** thing & then some for a pack weight of about 58 Lbs. My latest (my first, bought to see if I liked hiking) holds about 3000, weighs 2 Lbs less & I also MUST carry less. I am looking to get a P1 from ULA, but need a smaller / lighter sleeping bag first.
Doctari.
So far I like the ULA P2. I looked at a Gregory Z-pack today at EMS. Has anyone heard good/bad about them?
RagingHampster
03-06-2005, 15:07
There are alot of pack choices that are 4lbs or less. I have a 3-Season dry packweight of 16lbs, 4.5lbs of which is my backpack. I use a golite breeze on dayhikes (15oz), but I found on overnighters that 3-4 extra pounds for a pack with plush padding and a nice external frame carries a lot nicer and comfortably.
I would find a pack that feels beautiful on your hips/shoulders, and then pay more attention to the weight of what goes in it. Same goes with footwear.
Just my $0.02 :-?
good point. I want something that feels good verses the weight of the pack.
The Will
03-06-2005, 15:27
hawkeye,
I looked at the Gregory Z pack and thought very highly of it, but ultimately choose the Osprey Aether 60 instead. The Aether 60 (in size medium) weighs in at 3 lbs 6oz and has a capacity of 3800cu in. You could jettison the top led and probably have a pack that weighed less than 3lbs. I choose this pack for two reasons: 1) it has a suspension system that I know I can depend on for those times when my pack weight may approach 35, perhaps even 40lbs and 2) it has one of the better compression systems I've seen on a backpack, which in addition to its suspension system adds some mechanical advantage as well.
It is my opinion (and I think I may be in the minority here) that if you foresee hauling loads of around 35 lbs, than it is not worth it to loose 1-1.5lbs of weight in the pack bag its self...their would be too much compromise in the suspension of the pack.
happy shopping
cutman11
03-06-2005, 20:28
I just switched from a 6lb kelty external to the ULA P2. It feels great considering I havent used an internal before. The craftmanship in making it is top notch too. I had a hard time deciding between the P1 and P2, but finally decided on the P2 as I couldnt be consistantly sure my weight would be 30lb or less, thinking I might have some stretches where I need to carry 5 or 6 days of food and wanted that flexibility. I do wish the pack was under 3lb with the options, but it is now made with the heavier more durable fabric.
SGT Rock
03-06-2005, 21:43
Try a Gearskin, it is under 3 pounds (about half that ) and has a huge load capacity. The most comfortable pack I have carried yet.
Volleydoll18
03-10-2005, 16:03
So far I like the ULA P2. I looked at a Gregory Z-pack today at EMS. Has anyone heard good/bad about them?
The Gregory Z-Pack is what I'm taking on the trail this summer. I have been going to work with 36 LBS in my pack each day and getting use to the load. Its a very comfortable pack! I love it so far.
MileMonster
03-10-2005, 16:18
I really dig my ULA P2. I am buying another.
Rock, how much have you carried with it? By the way are you still in the "Cav"?
i love my equinox katahdin:sun neo
SGT Rock
03-10-2005, 17:03
In my tests I carried up to 50 pounds in my Gearskin. On the trail, as I remember it, I maked out at about 35-38 pounds when one of the kids was sick and I took on pack weight.
I am in a TSBn now that is called the 2-409th Cavalry. But it isn't real Cav.
My last move to lighten up went from a 5 lb 10 oz external frame to a Kelty Haiku at 3 lb 13 oz. It is a very comfortable pack at 30 lbs. Plenty of room at 4250 cu in. I believe the newer models are larger at 4350. I am again looking to lose more weight though. I am planning on moving down to the Granit Gear Vapor Trail. I would like to hear of pro's or con's of the Vapor Trail, and how to convince my wife that I need a another new pack. :clap
Nightwalker
03-11-2005, 00:35
I want to get the weight of my backpack down from 6.5 lbs now to something below 4 lbs. I plan on a full weight around 30 lbs. At the max 35 lbs. Right now my tent is 3 lbs and my sleepingbag is 2.6 lbs. Thank you for any help on what worked for you.
I've switched to an Osprey Aether 60. I doubt I'll ever switch again. A long is 3.5 pounds, 3800 c.i. It totally disappears on my back.
I find the ULA P-2 very comfortable with weights from 25 to 35 lbs. I like having the three outside mesh pockets and the two small pockets on the hip belt for getting organized, as well as for swapping jacket, wind shirt, fleece, gloves, hat, etc. as conditions change. My large P-2 only weighs 44 ozs, but somehow it feels more substantial than some other packs I looked at in the same range.
I think I am going with the P2. Like what I hear and I like the company.