Pack Impressions - P2

“My torso was measured at 17.5 inches which is between two sizes. Any recommendations on which way to go if I order a P-2? (I am 5'-9" tall and weigh 160-170 lbs.)”

“Phil if you tell Brian at ULA your exact size he will make one specifically for you.”

“Wow! That's cool. Thanks!”

“Took the P2 on a 30 mile loop in the Canyon to Thunder River and Deer Creek. Pack did very well, and I am beginning to learn how to pack it. It is compact, comfortable, holds all it should, and is light. I got the lid pouch, and wish that it fit down tighter to the pack, but it's not a problem. The trip involved over 5,500' EC, so I had the opportunity to get some salt marks on it-I hate looking like a first timer.”

“Yeah, I felt the same way about the lid. But, with the dry bag top and then the cinch top too, it's just extra storage and a daypack, not a true lid, necessary for keeping the wet out ect. So it's alright. I just want to yank it down everytime I close it though, out of habit. =)”

“ldhiker - Did you have your P2 on Sierrapalooza? If so, how did it fare? I wish I had looked at it when we were at Columbine Lake together for a few minutes.

Anyone know how long it is taking to get orders filled these days?”

“I know birch and sass waited something like two months or something. With Backpacker Mag singing it's praises and giving it editor's choice awards I would order now for next season. Seems whenever BP Mag gives something an award they sell out fast. Komperdell poles and Trekker tarps went that way.”

“I'd give ULA a call and ask. You never know, they may have a few more folks working with them now. When we ordered, there were two guys and they worked when they weren't outside playing.”

“Just my impression. It seems to me that, by the time you get the stuff you need on this pack, it weighs at least as much as Osprey's Aether 60 and costs a good bit more.”

“I've handled birches P2 (wow, that doesn't sound too good!) and the features you get are worth the money and you can't get most of the features on the Osprey. Keep in mind also it is a custom pack to your measurements, the Osprey is not. The quality is second to none too and the weight is still below the Osprey. Plus you've got nearly a waterproof pack.”

“I think it can hold more weight than the Aether too. I may be wrong though. Does the Aether carry 45lbs?”

“Phil,

Yes, I was carrying it, would have gladly showed it off. I'm more than happy with it. I like the little pockets on the hip belt, my only complaint is that there was no digital camera in one of them. Not that I'd slow down for photos, especially when you all take so many great ones.


The lighter pack, lighter bag, and lighter tent that I've acquired in the last few months have taken 5-8 pounds out of my pack, so I can make a little better time down the trail. That's 5-8 pounds every step of the way. Not sure what gear improvements I'd make next. Need a hat I guess.”

“Shawn - thanks for the info. I would love to have tried your pack on to see how the straps and hip belt felt. Sounds good. I have been using a lot of old gear that finally is worn out. My new gear list will reduce my pack weight by 8-10 lbs. I am looking forward to it. (I just need about $1000 for new gear!!)

wingding - The only campfires I ever have are on TT Sierra trips. I was trying to keep my chair away from the fire, but the last night I got complacent. The ember popped out pretty far to nail my chair.”

“Oops - sorta blended my threads together.”

“OK. I am trying to finalize my option list for a P-2. I think it will be my Christmas present. I wanted the horseshoe zipper for access, but it sounds like most people are not recommending it (although I think the Backpacker reviewer did recommend it). The toplid, hydration sleeve, hipbelt pocket and integral pack cover will allow me to leave about 1.5 lbs. of similar gear at home...quite a weight savings!

I included the side mesh pockets for two Nalgene bottles. It seems like they would be handy, especially if the horseshoe zipper is omitted. Any thoughts or experience with that?

Options:

1-Mesh Front Pocket: ADDS ~1.2 oz / 400 cu. in. / $10.00

2-Front Shock Cord: ***ADDS: ~.70 oz. / $3.00

3-Top Lid: ***ADDS ~4 oz / ~400 cu. in./ $22.00

4-Overkill: 210 Spectra Gridstop used on all pack panels. ***ADDS: ~2 oz / $20.00

6-Hydration Sleeve: ***ADDS: .75 oz / $5.00

7-H20 Bottle Holsters: ***ADDS: ~.30 oz / $2.00 each (Bottles not included)

10-Integrated/Removable Packcover:
***ADDS: ~4.9 oz / $18.00

12-Hipbelt Pocket(s): ***ADDS: ~1.4 oz/ 50 ci / $12.00 each .(both sides)

13-Internal Stash Pocket: ***ADDS:~.50 oz / $5.00

14-Trailname Embroidery: ***ADDS: $10.00”

“Phil.

When I ordered mine he recommended against the horseshoe zipper, said it was just one more thing to go wrong or give trouble. I like having the side mesh bags, and the two hip belt pockets. I did not get the hydration sleeve because I use a Dromedary that won't fit. I got the extra quality fabric because this is AZ and what doesn't bit you will poke you. I like the top lid, and the shock cord to store my jacket. I don't remember the internal stash pocket or the cover.

Hope you enjoy it, I'm liking mine.”

“Shawn,

Thanks for the insights. I am so wanting a lighter pack next year that is comfortable. Everyone seems to like the way the P-2 feels.”

“ROTF....working on your christmas list allready huh. financing is acailable but good idea to have the Fam get a head start on the paperwork”

“I've fallen into a few hundred bucks so I'm droppin' the dime and getting one. Anyone know what the wait is now? I'm not even going to need it til late fall so there's no real hurry.

Anyone wanna buy a Gregory?”

“Phil, that is an awesome Christmas gift for sure!! Thats what Sass and I got each other last year. It sounds like you have a very similar setup to mine, you will LOVE that pack! I am doin a 9 day trip in 4 weeks and am looking forward to really running this pack through its paces...

Nigal, wise choice my friend. I wonder though what Mr Mchale would think.... LOL!”

“Thanks!

Switching to an internal frame pack from my external is a major safety issue for me as well. I am finding myself going cross country more than I ever did with the Scout troop. Slogging through sand, ducking under branches, rock hopping, stream crossing, etc. are all more dangerous with the poor center-of-gravity inherent with externals.

BTW. All my gear is tax deductable since I use it for my volunteer ranger work.”

“hey Nigal, what are the specs on that Gregory? i think i'm cool with all aspects of ultralighting it, except i don't think a UL pack is gonna fly for me - i've got a wimpy back.”

“Phil, My p-2 rides very well. Its snug but not restricting and the overall length is perfect, no chafing or rubbing on the bottom and low slung up top. I havent bushawhacked with it but look forward to it.

Tax deductible hiking...dang! Now that is creative accounting LOL! Good for you (the volunteering etc...)”

“My husband uses the P2 - his comments: Get both hip pockets (he only got one, wishes he had both), the internal stash pocket is good for keys, wallet and flashlight (makes them easier to find, especially since he doesn't have the top pocket.) The mesh side panels are large enough for large water bottles and the front pocket is useful for keeping a rainjacket handy if the weather is changeable, etc. Get the integral rain cover and the shock cord, for the weight it gives you some options for expansion.”

“Lots of good input! Thanks!”

“"hey Nigal, what are the specs on that Gregory?"

The modle of pack is the Gravity. It's been awhile sense I had the numbers in front of me but from what I remeber it is about 4,000-4,500 cubic inches and it weighs right at 5 pounds. It was the first quality pack I've ever owned and I was really surprised how well the suspention works. Being a lightnick I kind of bulked at the 5 pound weight but it carries a lot better than my previouse light packs. I havn't done any stripping of weight to it so it's in it's origanal form. If you would like I can send it to you and you can try it out. If you like it just send me $99 (I paid $230 for it). If it's not for you just send it back.”

“I started my packing for a 9 day trip I will takin in two wks and decided to trim off all the excess webbing and crap that cover many packs and was happy to see that I only was about to shave 7/8ths an ounce. Not too much waste...”

“Man Birch, you guys are going to have the hike of a lifetime. OK...maybe of this year.

Last week, when I asked for a week off in the next two weeks the bossman said "What...are you F-in nuts? How about asking for something more reasonable!" So I immediately hit him up for next Wed, Thurs and Fri off to hit the Daks with the Buttkicker group...and he went for it.

However, I probably will only pass them on the trail, if at all, because I'll be getting into the area late Tues night, and want to hit the trail as soon as I awake, or by 7am whichever comes first. And imo, they're biting off way more than they can chew in one day, let alone 3 days straight, so I've been doing LOTS of searching/reading/assessing the trails and peaks and I think I've got a very resonable itinerary planned for those 3 days. And although I haven't really even came right out and said I'd be there...with all the inuendo (sp?) I've posted on the Buttkicker thread, they should've figured it out by now.

Sat when I come out of the hills I'll be taking a ferry across Lake Champlain and hook up with an old friend of mine to spend Sat night in Burlington, VT. This'll be my "Trip-Of-The-Year".”

“Buddur, bummer you cant make it!!! We'll have to get together somtime soon....”

“Buddur, how about roaring plains again?”

“I "accidently" ordered one a few weeks ago. I put in all the options and such I wanted to see what it'd weigh and how much it'd cost me. The last "next" button pushed in the proccess brought up a page that says, "Thanks for your order!".

"Gee Honey, looks like I'm comitted now. I have no choise but to get one now.". LOL!”

“Nigal, that excuse doesn't fly around here!”

“Thinking about this pack for my AT thru-hike next year. Any comments?

Have I asked this before?? Hope not.”

“...that good 'ol Nigal left out the part where he "accidently" put in his credit card number, you know, just to see what would happen....:) LOL!”

“Congrats on your new purchase of top notch gear!”

“Nope, no credit card number. They send a confirmation e mail to you and then you have to pay when the pack has been started on. I have about 11 weeks to come up with the cash...sheeeewww!”

“No kidding? That's a cool way of doing it! Your right, gives you more than enough time to sell pints of blood......:)”

“LOL Q!”

“Milemonster, I will be able to give you a better idea after my trip. I have only carried it on 2-3 day trips so far.

That being said it is far more comfy than my other packs. If you get one, get the P-2,not the P-1. This allows more flexiblity in setup. You can essentially turn your P-2 into a P-1 by removing the frame sheet and stay,plus to shave more weight you can ditch the hipbelt.

I will post more later...”

“Sass...the Roaring Plains again sounds like a good idea. But remember seeing North Fork Mtn from the pipeline swath?...I suggest that if you're in the area *again* that the NFM should be your next WV kickass hike because that trail is a Must-Do.”

“how much nigie?

i think this is the pack for me.....if it's not too much, lolz.....it's only money, but it seems like a lightweight pack should cost less , cause there's less material in it.......right?”

“Strat, they start at $160 or so and go up depending on what you want on it. Mine cost $220.”

“G'mornin', Sass.”

“"how much nigie?”

The options I got were the top lid, overkill fabric, two belt pouches, mesh pocket on the front, and it came to about $238 which is about what I paid for my Gregory. The cost can’t really be measured by the weight because the material they use is the spectra rip stop stuff plus each pack is made to your specs and measurements. The fact it’s made in the USA was a plus and a consideration too.”

“"No kidding? That's a cool way of doing it! Your right, gives you more than enough time to sell pints of blood......:)"
laqtis
01:35:52 PM
08/10/03

I hear you can get some good pack jack for donating sperm too.

Buddur, I'll be hiking NFT in the fall, prolly with my new class. I'll keep ya posted bro.

NFT is one of the best trails I've hiked thusfar, and I thank Buddur for organizing a trip there, so many moons ago.”

“I ordered my P2 last August. In late January they emailed me they were going to make it, but I didn't see the email. So they are going to make it this week.

I talked to Brian to give them my credit card info. He is very pleasant and helpful.

Can't wait. BTW, my pack will be green, not blue. I ordered most of the options except the horseshoe zipper. The posts on this thread were very helpful.”

“Wow, that's a long time to wait for an order, but well worth it from what I hear.”

“That's what happens when two or three Americans are manufacturing what you buy instead of three hundred chinese. ;)”

“Too bad you had to wait so long, sounds like they are swamped. Mine didn't take nearly that long. Still liking it!”

“I think when Backpacker Magazine had that big write-up about the P2 and the gear award, they got swamped. I think the are picky about who they let work on the packs. (at least I hope they are picky).”