What do ya think of this pack?

“It looks pretty high tech. I want a pack that can handle a long haul. Does the weight sound resonable for a pack that size?”

“http://www.rei.com/product/3315897.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_WOMENS_GEAR_TOC

It is heavier though but will carry more..”

“http://www.rei.com/product/47632067.htm?

I like the color on this one. I know osprey is supposed to be a good brand...”

“Where's the link for the first one??”

“I had the Osprey Luna once but send it back because gosh..it felt heavy. But it DID feel really good on my back.

I still feel that a 7lb pack is too heavy. I know it's for a long haul, but how much gear are ya gonna carry?”

“enough to last the entire pct...”

““Where's the link for the first one??”
sarge
7:57:30 PM
4/30/05
ignore this user

http://www.rei.com/product/47792973.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_WOMENS_GEAR_TOC”

“that's like 2600 miles, no? you're gonna resupply? Hmm... still think it's a heavy ass pack.

If I ever hike a distance like that, I'll try to keep the weight as low as possible without going ultralight, but that's me...that's how I would be the most comfortable.”

“nm
last edited: 4/30/05 8:35:06 PM”

“yeah....but i'm having trouble finding UL packs for long distance hiking(especially for a womans fit with a short torso)...You have to carry a lot of water and food sometimes not to mention a bear canister on parts of the trail so a roomy backpack is needed. My current bags barely fit a weekend trip.
last edited: 4/30/05 8:38:28 PM”

“If you are going to spend that much on a pack call Dan McHale and have him make you a custom pack. He can make you a pack that will carry what that one will with more comfort, a perfect fit and just about any feature you want or don't want.”

“6-7lbs is WAAAAAAAY too heavy for that size pack IMHO. I would shoot for something in the 4-5lb range at the heaviest.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm/MS2122

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm/OS140

If you're dropping $3-400 on a pack already what about spending some more and get the cat's meow custom fitted to you.

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/”

“How do I get a hold of him?”

“I forgot to mention that a McHale pack will also weigh about half of what that Gregory does.”

“Go to his website at McHalepacks.com I bought one of his bigger packs in 2002 and it's excellent.”

“Great minds think alike don't they Rich ;)

BTW... I suggest spending the extra cabbage and get it in all spectra while you're at it.”

“I'm not sure Spectra is available at this time. I thought the military bought up the supply. I could be wrong, but that was the case not long ago.”

“I checked it out...I have a very hard time finding packs that are comfterble with me (havent found one yet- except the first time I rented a pack...that was the only time!) custom built is probebly the way to go. I think I will give them a call.
last edited: 4/30/05 9:13:49 PM”

“You'll have to demo one first which is a great idea so you can decide exactly what features you want and be the sure fit is perfect. You won't find a better pack. The video is excellent as well.”

“the more I look at their site the more I think McHale is a good choice to go with! I like the look of thier design as well. http://www.mchalepacks.com/packs/detail/Super_Sarc_Semilight.htm I kind of like this one but I wonder if I could get water bottle pockets on teh side where it is easy to reach? If i'm solo and water is packed away I dont tend to stop and get it out to drink as often as I should.
last edited: 4/30/05 9:20:42 PM”

“I remember the spectra shortage but it's been a while I just assumed it was over. In one of the sections it mentions a full spectra upgrade.”

“wow check out this one! but it's a little too pricy for me...

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/pop.htm”

“I've never used my water bottle pockets so I don't know how reachable they are. They detach and mine are stored away somewhere since I use a water bladder with drink tube. That's what's good about the demo since you can try everything out first. It's a longer wait than a store bought pack, but you won't be needing or wanting a new pack for a long, long time.
last edited: 4/30/05 9:39:45 PM”

“Ok, I have decided to shell out the bucks and get this: http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/pop.htm after all. Comnined with my down bag, a bivy, a tarp, and an alcohol stove...it should be pretty light!

BTW anyone know how many pairs of shoes someone goes through on a thru hike like this? I want to find a comfterble pair that breaks in easilly then buy extras of that model...

...also I will possibly need an ice axe and or crampons and could use some advice about those....speaking of ice axe I will need to learn how to use it somewhere..I wonder if REI gives classes on that?”

“When do you plan on starting your thru hike? You may want to go ahead and buy all your shoes and hopefully have enough time to wear them all in... or at least weed out the ones that fit funny and rub a sore spot on your foot.”

“well..I will start on my 30th birthday...which is 4 years from now. I should have lots of money saved up by then (I estimate over 8000) which is way more then I will need.

I know, I am tottally jumping ahead but I am one of those people who really like to plan way in advance to make sure it happens. I want to have my pack and all my gear ready and trail tested before I hit the trail and I need time to test out dehydrating my own foods into something that resembles food if you know what I mean ;)”

“Did you look at the ULA packs. Better price and really great reviews. I just got one myself. :^)
http://www.ula-equipment.com/p2.htm”

“cut off a couple of pounds with the osprey Ariel series. http://www.ospreypacks.com/ARIEL_90_75.htm”

“Huh...that ULA pack does look good...I wonder if i could get a demo pack like the Mchale packs do?”

“I dont know how campmor favors on that pack cost. But REI had a link for the Blue Iglu sleeping bag next to it that costs 209....we sell it for 150 or so..

Spirit, it comes down to what fits. Osprey makes good stuff, I love the antheter 60, but I didn't buy it because it didn't fit me. Just as I love gregorys but the way I hike now, they dont fit”

“hey Spirit, I have the ULA, have only used it twice so far, but I do love it. Hmm..not sure if you go over 40lbs thou on it. I really would ask about that first.

I had it really heavy once, and it did bother my lower back.

Me personally: I def. would go with the more expensive McHale pack or the osprey ariel 90. (that's my next pack for longer trips)

I keep saying "me personally" because I feel everyone is build differently, so different builds will fit different packs. You'll have to try it.”

“If you decide to demo the McHale, demo one with the "Plug and go" bayonets. That lets you expand the pack for bigger loads when you need it or remove the upper frame and shrink the volume almost by half with the pack compressed. You'll also get to test both shoulder strap systems by doing this, the guide system and the bypass system. I never tried the guide system since my pack has the bypass system on it.
last edited: 5/01/05 11:04:18 AM”

“yeah and mike is questioning the durability of the ULA on a long haul...I can demo the otehr and if it doesnt work I'm not down much $$.”

“i wouldn't be worried about the durability of the ULA, but I think you will have problems hauling over 40lbs.

again...my 2cents....well...5 cents.”

“well...considering there are some very long dry stretches in the first 500 miles the weight probebly WOULD near or go over 40lbs...:|


Gem has 5 scents? ew....time to take a shower :D LOL”