View Full Version : Lightweight Pack - 4000 cu in and 3 Lbs.
Patrickjd9
07-17-2005, 12:32
I am looking or something light to start some section hikes (2-5 days) of the AT in the fall. I don't want to go too light or too small because I can't replace all my gear at once and want to keep carrying a small tent (Mountain Hardwear PCT1 - 3 lbs).
I would also like something with a vertical stay for structure as I have narrow hips and am replacing a battered Kelty Tioga (c. 1982) which will become a wall hanging in the family room. Some of the packs I have in mind are:
Gregory Z Pack
http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=50
http://www.ula-equipment.com/p2.htm (http://www.ula-equipment.com/p2.htm)
http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/nimbus_ozone/index.html (http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/nimbus_ozone/index.html)
Am I headed in the right direction? I recognize that I will have to replace the 3 pound synthetic sleeping bag before my first hike longer than a weekend.
I believe I'll need something that can carry 35 lbs. to cover up to a week, because sadly I don't expect to do enough hiking to own two working packs.
Edited to add info on weight capacity and link for Gregory Z Pack.
Kerosene
07-17-2005, 13:17
I don't think that you can go wrong with either of these packs. I went with the Nimbus Ozone (see my gear review, here (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3235)) and love it after 4 section hikes and 400 AT miles. I just added The Lid (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=GG350) which was addressed one of my two minor issues with the pack.
I heavily researched the ULA P-2 and would have probably gone with that had they not had a 2+ month backlog when I tried to place an order. I liked the big outside mesh pocket and the optional hipbelt pockets. There are a ton of ways to customize this pack.
The P-2 will probably do a better job of swallowing your bulky 3-pound synthetic bag. However, I find that having less volume forces me to get smarter about what I really need to carry. All of my gear fits into the Nimbus Ozone without using the extension collar, but the suspension and extension collar allows me to carry a week's worth of food in a pinch (I normally carry 3 days of food and 2+ liters of water for a total pack weight of 25 pounds).
BTW, I replaced a circa 1975 Kelty Tioga in 2000 after it sat in my garage for 20 years and the aluminum frame deteriorated from salt. I wasn't sure about going with an internal frame, but I'm glad I did.
I have the nimbus ozone and it seems just right (for me) for week long hikes and I also tote a tent. After a few short hikes, I think I'll keep the camelbak out of that inner pouch and let it lay on top (will be experimenting in a few days) and put journal/maps/tp/etc.. in the pouch instead. I also haven't fully gotten used to the lower side pockets. Can easily hold a couple of water bottles but not so handy with pack on. Each pocket has a "vent hole" so be carefull not to place really small objects in there as they could fall out. Back straps are just right for holding my sleep pad outside. Also, I'm an "in betweener" as far as frame size need but this regular/small frame adjusted out to just right at about 18".
Patrickjd9
07-17-2005, 14:33
I have a regular to long torso, hope the Nimbus Ozone won't be a problem in regular length. I also added a link to the Gregory Z pack to my post above.
I have always heard that you shouldn't use a down bag in the humid East. On the other hand, I have never gotten a bag wet in 20 years of backpacking except for spots from condensation on the inside of the tent.
restless
07-17-2005, 16:54
Patrick,
Let me be one to highly reccommend a ULA P-2 pack. This is the main pack that I carry, and have found it to be comfortable as well as durable. I got mine from Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap and have been pleased with it. Many thru-hikers have purchased one and the satisfaction rate is extremely high. So far as I know there are only two places you can get these from retail-either Neels Gap or Mt. Rogers outfitters in Damascus. Both these places stand solidly behind the products they sell and I'm sure would help with any issues you might have.
Also FYI-I'm 6'3", 250 lbs and have a mediumto large torso length as well (I think like 18-19").
Patrick,
I wouldn't necessarily rule out a down bag. Plenty of hikers do use them on the AT.
Obviously, keep it dry, but if you are reasonable about it, it really isn't too much of a problem.
Question is, of course, does the weight savings justify the added cost? Maybe for a 3 season bag (20 degree). But for a summer bag, the weight difference between down and synthetic is less.
Kerosene
07-17-2005, 18:35
I would certainly recommend a down bag to shave at least a pound off your carry weight. Get one with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treated exterior and stuff into a trash bag inside your sil-nyl stuffsack. I haven't had a problem in 35 years of backpacking with a down bag (of course, it was duck down and feathers 35 years ago!).
I am looking or something light to start some section hikes (2-5 days) of the AT in the fall. I don't want to go too light or too small because I can't replace all my gear at once and want to keep carrying a small tent (Mountain Hardwear PCT1 - 3 lbs).
I would also like something with a vertical stay for structure as I have narrow hips and am replacing a battered Kelty Tioga (c. 1982) which will become a wall hanging in the family room. Some of the packs I have in mind are:
Gregory Z Pack
http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=50
http://www.ula-equipment.com/p2.htm (http://www.ula-equipment.com/p2.htm)
http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/nimbus_ozone/index.html (http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/nimbus_ozone/index.html)
I bought a Z Pack earlier this year but returned it. I couldn't get used to not having side mesh pockets.
I bought a Gossamer Gear Mariposa
http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Mariposa-Standard.html
which is rated for up to 40 pounds by Gossamer Gear. I put 28# in it and walked around town for half an hour to make sure it fit my frame (only two sizes: S and M/L) and at 6'5" I wanted to be sure.
It fit fine and hip belt/shoulder straps were fine. Very wide. It has more room than I need but the extension collar seems to roll down just fine and I probably will not put my sleeping bag in a stuff sack to take up the extra space.
It only weighs 17 ounces but has a caveat: you really need a 20" wide sleeping pad to slip into the pocket to augment the suspension part of the pack.
Beachwalker
07-18-2005, 06:45
I bought the Granite Gear Latitude Vapor, and have been very happy with it. 3800ci @ 2lbs.10oz. Same frame as the Vapor Trail, which everyone loves, but its a panel loader.
http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/ultralight/latitude_vapor/index.html
-- BW
The Solemates
07-18-2005, 09:21
used a Zpack on my thru. it worked great and i loved it.
Stale Cracker
07-18-2005, 09:34
I cannot speak from personal experience as I am at about the same place you are on researching lighter packs to replace my Denali Pro. You may, however want to check out McHale Alpine Packs - www.mchalepacks.com (http://www.mchalepacks.com).
As custom fit packs they are deffinitely on the high end but their marketing claims some unique benefits and they have a $3.50 video that goes into more detail.
I am looking forward to hearing what you decide.
Patrick,
Let me be one to highly reccommend a ULA P-2 pack. This is the main pack that I carry, and have found it to be comfortable as well as durable. I got mine from Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap and have been pleased with it. Many thru-hikers have purchased one and the satisfaction rate is extremely high. So far as I know there are only two places you can get these from retail-either Neels Gap or Mt. Rogers outfitters in Damascus. Both these places stand solidly behind the products they sell and I'm sure would help with any issues you might have.
Also FYI-I'm 6'3", 250 lbs and have a mediumto large torso length as well (I think like 18-19").
I agree with Restless 100%. I've done about 350 miles of the AT with my P-2 and absolutely love it. There are times I don't even notice it on my back. I have stuffed it to it's brim and not a single thread has broken. It is really tough. I got mine at Neels Gap as well. They are also sold at Bluff Mtn. Outfitters in Hot Springs. It boasts 4900 cubic inches but I think that may be a little generous. Anyhow, it is worth looking into. 35 pounds is about the limit for this pack, although I've had just under 40lbs in it.
chowhound
07-18-2005, 23:41
I've been agonizing about the same decision recently. So many good options make a decision difficult. After a lot of thought, I ordered a P-2 last week. I'm sometimes hard on gear and the P-2 has a reputation for toughness. I also like the large mesh pockets and waist belt pockets. Since I usually hike for a week at a time and don't resupply, I also needed something large enough to carry seven days of food and warm enough clothing and sleeping bag for early spring and late fall in Wisconsin/Minnesota/Michigan.
Patrickjd9
07-20-2005, 21:50
Thank you. Sounds like there really isn't a bad bag among the three. I also use the top pocket for personal stuff and might go for the Nimbus ozone (with the lid that Kerosene mentioned) for that reason.
The head of the Ula company has apparently gone hiking, so availabilty for fall hiking is an issue there.
http://www.ula-equipment.com/order.htm