Best Pack Option?

[LittleBearK]

I am a huge fan of Osprey, I have the Kestel 58, is there a better Osprey pack to hike the A.T. with? I've managed to carry 40 pounds in my kestrel and I would love to carry less weight....

backcountry.com recommended this: http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-xenon-70-backpack-womens-3900-4300cu-in

b (http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-xenon-70-backpack-womens-3900-4300cu-in)ut, that is also pricey. Anyone have a suggestion?

[swjohnsey]

Yeah, smaller, lighter pack. Maybe somethin' not made in China. ULA Circuit or Catalyst. You can get 'em made with "S" strap option. They are also cheaper and you can actually call and talk to the guy who will make it.

[lush242000]

I am a huge fan of Osprey, I have the Kestel 58, is there a better Osprey pack to hike the A.T. with? I've managed to carry 40 pounds in my kestrel and I would love to carry less weight....

backcountry.com recommended this: http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-xenon-70-backpack-womens-3900-4300cu-in

b (http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-xenon-70-backpack-womens-3900-4300cu-in)ut, that is also pricey. Anyone have a suggestion?

I would try and get your base weight down. 40lbs seems quite heavy for the AT.

Is there a REI near you? They have tons of packs you could try on.

[skinewmexico]

Yeah, smaller, lighter pack. Maybe somethin' not made in China. ULA Circuit or Catalyst. You can get 'em made with "S" strap option. They are also cheaper and you can actually call and talk to the guy who will make it.

Boom! What he said. Plenty of great packs, designed by thru-hikers, and made in the USA. Customer service several steps above the Backpacker magazine advertisers. You could also check out Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Six Moon Designs, and Z-packs.

[Guy]

For lighter loads, the Osprey Exos was a very popular pack when I hiked the PCT. 40 lbs. is too much weight for that pack though, I think.

[LittleBearK]

yeah, I want to carry no more than 30 pounds....I know, China made, but, it is hard to find a comfortable pack. Had an EMS one and I hated it. Osprey fits my body well. Will have to look online. The Osprey I did have was fitted and an EMS.

[Visionmonger]

+1 for my ULA Circuit. 36 Oz. of Happiness on my back! http://www.ula-equipment.com/circuit.asp

[Gunslinger]

I also recommend the ULA Circuit. I started with a ULA Catalyst but it is bigger than you need for the AT. I switched to the Circuit and I love it. My weight is around 22 pounds but the Circuit could carry 35 lbs just fine.

[LittleBearK]

the one I have is 2929 cubic inches, and 3 pounds....what is the cubic inch range that is best?

[swjohnsey]

Take a look at the ULA site. I have a Ohm 2.0, max weight 30 lbs, 3,960 CI, 28.7 ounces, $200. Has interchangeable hip belt and can be ordered with "S" straps that better accomodate narrower female body.

Granite Gear makes some women specific pack you might want to take a look at.

[MJW155]

Yeah, smaller, lighter pack. Maybe somethin' not made in China. ULA Circuit or Catalyst. You can get 'em made with "S" strap option. They are also cheaper and you can actually call and talk to the guy who will make it.

I saw the picture of the packs on the website but what's the difference between a "J" and "S" curve?

[Sassafras Lass]

I saw the picture of the packs on the website but what's the difference between a "J" and "S" curve?

+3 on the Circuit! Got mine earlier this year and it fits me like a glove (and I tried on about 2 dozens packs), not to mention the hipbelt height is pretty adjustable - also not to mention its interchangeable. I have the 'S' curve straps. The J straps are more traditionally - literally, picture a "J" from the top of the pack (load lifters). The S straps curve in gently versus the straightness of the J. Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V18juntthY) from ULA about the straps.

[MJW155]

+3 on the Circuit! Got mine earlier this year and it fits me like a glove (and I tried on about 2 dozens packs), not to mention the hipbelt height is pretty adjustable - also not to mention its interchangeable. I have the 'S' curve straps. The J straps are more traditionally - literally, picture a "J" from the top of the pack (load lifters). The S straps curve in gently versus the straightness of the J. Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V18juntthY) from ULA about the straps.


Ahh OK! I'm a guy 6'5". I'll stick w/ the J strap. LOL.

[LIVEtough]

Yeah, smaller, lighter pack. Maybe somethin' not made in China. ULA Circuit or Catalyst. You can get 'em made with "S" strap option. They are also cheaper and you can actually call and talk to the guy who will make it.

The ULA circuit is the pack! it weighs only 2 lb but doesnt compromise comfort. I am using this pack now for a PCT thur and it shaved about 1.5lb off my back.. also check out Gossamor gear ....

[Leanthree]

China makes plenty of good packs, so do people in the US. If you like Osprey, I really like my Exos but it doesn't look like they are producing a 2012 model so grab one fast. It is a good pack for a lightweight backpacker. If you go ultralight then you can get something even lighter that Osprey doesn't make.

[Brady]

I have this pack in the slightly larger, male version. extreamly comfortable and holds the load very well.

http://www.backcountry.com/deuter-act-lite-4510-sl-pack-womens-2750-3350cu-in

[jeffbfox]

China makes plenty of good packs, so do people in the US. If you like Osprey, I really like my Exos but it doesn't look like they are producing a 2012 model so grab one fast. It is a good pack for a lightweight backpacker. If you go ultralight then you can get something even lighter that Osprey doesn't make.

Osprey is producing the Exos in 2012 in the 34L, 46L, and 58L sizes. Osprey packs are produced in Vietnam not China just for the record.

[Tucker]

Check out the go-lite pack , I have one and like it .

[Chris Horton]

Yeah, smaller, lighter pack. Maybe somethin' not made in China. ULA Circuit or Catalyst. You can get 'em made with "S" strap option. They are also cheaper and you can actually call and talk to the guy who will make it.

My name is Chris Horton, a Product Manager at Osprey, and I just want to clarify we manufacture in Vietnam, not China. We have an office of very dedicated and experienced staff there that ensure the amazing Quality & Design we are known around the world for. Good Luck on the AT LittleBearK!

[swjohnsey]

Big difference between Vietnam and China!

[skinewmexico]

Big difference between Vietnam and China!

And that is? Neither employee US workers, or pay US taxes? One has workers who do volunteer trail work on the AT, the other doesn't? It's still manufacturing money going offshore.