Gear Help

“Here is the deal with my gear. I have sold my G. Palisade (it was to big) I need a med. I have also sold my tent Sierra D. To heavy. I have an Osprey Atmos 50 that I like but the 3200 cubic in. is a little small for packing with some of the comforts at camp. So I am looking for the perfect light weight pack that is in between the Osprey and the Monster Gregory. As far as the shelter I have an Equinox tarp for tarping it but I still need to purchase a new tent also.

Front runners for packs are the:

ULA Catalyst
Gregory Z pack
Osprey 65

Front Runners for a Tent:

North Face Roadruner
MSR Treker Tent (light)

Thanks for any help I can get.
Lew”

“Look into Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack. ”

“I think the tents you listed are two person tents. Are you specifically looking for two person tents? If so, and you want to reduce weight, look at Henry Shires' tarptents. The Squall is a two person tent and only weights 33 ounces. The Squall is probably much less bulky than the tents you listed.

Good luck!”

“Osprey makes other packs in the ci range you are talking about. I can't remember their names, so you'll have to do a little on line looking. They have the same attributes, and a few more, of the Atmos 50. Good, light packs and durable.”

“Osprey Atmos 65 - a bit bigger than the Atmos 50 with a sleeping bag compartment. I would not recommend the Granite Grear Vapor Trail - it holds less gear for me than the Atmos 50 even though it supposedly had more cubic inches. I know many people love the Vapor Trail, but I didn't like it. I had one and sold it because I don't like packs with no outside pockets and a roll top closure.”

“If you like the Z but do much climbing, or winter hiking w skis, crampons etc you may want to check out this on too:


http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod.php?ID=80”

“Thanks for what I have so far. As for the question about the tent I have always had a two man but I am looking at ever way to cut weight. So anything is a option. Have you actually a H.Shires tarp tent before? I want something you probably use trekking poles with but I do want a floor and netting for bugs. Arkansas get bugs in early April. Still good weather. Thanks keep them coming. Lew”

“Windigrrl has both one and two man HS tarptents and she says she loves them. They are sick light too!”

“I love my Osprey Aether, mines a few years old now, but its great. My wife has the female version. Go with the custom molded hip belt.”

“Tentwise - I bought a Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo in the fall. It weights 23 oz., is well ventilated, bugproof and sets up with one trekking pole. It's an awesome tent! I have used it 3 times, October, November and December and I love it - much more so than my Lightsaber Bivy.”

“I have seen a fair number of those on the trail, and they do look like great tents, but you need to know that if you are tall (over 6') you would be wise to special order a tall version.”

“Is there anyone out there that has a Ultra Light Adventure Catalyst Pack. If so do you like it? I believe older versions have been called the P-2. It is definitely down to a Osprey and the Catalyst on the packs. Just can't get a lot of info on the ULA Pack. I am tempted to give them a shot it is really no risk ULA will take it back. Just out on the shipping cost.”

“I used one when I did my AT thru-hike. It was light and comfy, but it started falling apart about half-way. I finally replaced it in NH.”

“Love my Gregory Z55 pack.....durable, lightweight, just right for 30 lbs or so....”

“Theres some good solo tents on sale at rei right now, and there are bivys that are big enough to be solo tents at cabellas for like, sixty bucks.”

“or you can buy some cheapo hammock and string a section of tarp over it......less than 1 lb. if the temp is right...”

“The HS tarptent comes with a floor & mesh sides bug-proof option. Those are good tents. I have a couple of friends who use ULA packs - I think they look flimsy, but they love them.

I think the backpack is not the place to count ounces because I want a comfortable pack with stable suspension. I will carry a Euraka Spitfire 1 as long as they make them. I love that tent!”

“Windigrrl has both one and two man HS tarptents and she says she loves them. They are sick light too!”
Actually I have the Sixmoondesigns tent. I currently have the Lunar Duo and Love it! It has so much room, enough for 2 ppl and gear. It weights less than 3 pounds. I prefer the 2 ppl tent because of head room. Plus if I'm caught in bad weather, I have room to hang out in my tent without any problems. I can even have someone join me for something like a game of cards. (yeah, that's it, a game of cards, lol)
As far as packs, I love my Osprey pack. It weights more than some others, but the support makes it worth it to me.”

“I have been eyeing up a ULA pack for a long time and I think I am going to bite the bullet this spring and order one. The only thing I would hesitate about with them is the lack of support. You need to really have your gear pared down. I am thinking about the AMP which has no frame. the Catalyst has a frame so it might be better. Alot of it will depend on your experience. Where do you go? What kind of weather?
How long are your normal hikes? 4600CU is pretty big for most weekend lightweight trips.

I have an older version of the trekker tarp and the one downside is its size. You need a large clearing to set it up. I don't use it much for that reason. Also with the mesh insert it isn't really all that light. I only use tarps now with a bug bivy in the summer.”

“I agree that the pack is an area where an extra pound or so is worth it for an item of essential gear that one likes and fits well. That is why I abandoned the 2 Lb. Vapor Trail in favor of the 3+ Lb. Atmos 50 (or the 65 on a longer trip). I have counted ounces and spent a ton of money for ultralight gear for my sleeping bags, shelters, cooking stuff, fly rod, and everything else - therefore, if the pack I like weighs an extra pound it's okay and I'm still carrying less that 25 pounds on a 3 day trip.

BTW - I just bought a new 6 piece 2.2 oz 3wt. fly rod yesterday at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset. NJ. It is convertible from 6'6" to 5'6". Awesome new piece of gear! Can't wait to try it on the water, although I imagine I will be casting it on the lawn this afternoon.”

“I am going to let you all know that I have gone full circle on the priorities on which I am going to purchase my gear. For one thing I already have a pack (Atmos 50) in which I am comfortable for weekend trips. That is all I am going to be doing over the next year (the stork is making a delivery in late Feb.) So I am going to concentrate on the Shelter and the Catalyst or the Bigger Osprey will have to wait until I save some more $$$. I am telling you all this because of your help in all of your post. Much appreciated. I will be trying to decide between the HS tarptents or Six moons design tent. You all have been great and keep the advice coming. I am a believer in the MS board advice. I will let you all know how it turns out!”