UL pack

“Ok, I have been making changes in my gear towards the ultra light side. I am to the pack now, I have looked at a few but I realy want something with a good suspension. I like the Gregory UL packs but the sil nylon material seems as if it would need to be babied. Oh yea, I am 6'4" tall so there are quite a few packs that won't work for me.
What UL packs do you guys (and gals) like for comfort and durability?”

“From my experience, most UL packs are very delicate. I started my 2006 thru-hike with a ULA Catalyst. It is a good pack, very comfortable and light-weight, but even the guy who builds them says you have to be careful with it. Sure enough, about half way into my hike it started coming apart. Of course I was a little rough with it, got caught in a lot of rain, had a few falls, rubbed up against a lot of boulders etc. So I think I was a little at fault.
I recently started using a Gregory Advent pack. It is light-weight and smaller than what I usually use, but it also seems very fragile. I try to make sure I don't over-stuff it, because it feels like it could just split apart.
I still have a Gregory Shasta I have used for years. It is a heavy pack, but it is almost bomb proof. I have stuffed all kinds of crap in that thing and have carried almost 60 lbs in it. I believe it will last me the rest of my life, but after using the UL packs, I may not use it again unless I have to.”

“I just bought a Gregory Aplinisto, but it's not exactly UL. See "Poppa's got a brand new bag" thread. It is geared toward climbing, and shorter cold weather trips. Places to hang biners, and skis, and crampons, and ice axes etc...”

“I loved my Golite Trek. I didn't have to baby it! I am rough on my gear (the few times I use it). Held up GREAT! Quality stuff. I think I have a medium.”

“I think JimmySan was just talking about a UL pack he has. I think it was from Gossamer Gear.”

“http://moontrail.com/backpack/gl_trekpack.php



AND
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last edited: 7/21/07 3:05:57 PM”

“The Ula packs have a good reputation for standing behind their products. If there is any problem you can send it back and get it repaired. When I was hiking I just wasn't able to do it. When I finally did get another pack, I sent my Ula home; but it stunk so bad my wife trashed it.”

“My Gregory has the same waranty but I don't know how much they stand behind it though.”

“I bought a Grenite Gear Vapor Trail for the 2 lb. weight, and it's OK, but I don't really like it other than the fact that it is light. I don't like the fact the top doesn't really close and there are no exterior pockets other than for water bottles. I much prefer my Osprey 50 because I like the extra pockets and the way that it fits. To me, it's worth the extra pound. I can cut weight much more efficiently with the sleeping gear, shelter, cooking gear, etc. so a little extra weight for a pack is no big deal to me. My pack for a 3 day hike is less than 25 lbs. which probably isn't "ultralight," but so far its close enough.”

“I too am willing to get something between Ul and bomb proof. I guess the mid weight packs are a good balance between weight and durability.”