scratching my head at the amount of pack choices..

Posted by: punch

scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. - 09/26/08 09:51 PM

looking for some help, i will be carrying 90% of the gear for 2 people in my pack, I am upgrading my gear to ultralight gear ( or lighter then what i currently own)

I'm looking for suggestions on an ultralight pack, thats good for 40lbs ( not very ultra light, but this is for 2 people)

punch
Posted by: TomD

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. - 09/26/08 10:35 PM

I can't really recommend any one pack-that will depend on what fits you and your budget. But, most manufacturers, such as Granite Gear, will have a chart on their site that will show the recommended load limit for their packs. I would start with that.

You may see some recommendations here, but be aware that some ultralight packs are not designed for 40 or even 30 lbs. They may have very lightly padded straps and a belt that is little more than something to keep the pack from shifting around, as opposed to transferring any weight to your hips.

If you can get to a store like REI or a local outdoor store that sells quality gear-not Wal-Mart or equivalent, they should have a variety of good packs, plus weighted bags to load up the pack so you can walk around the store and see what 40 lbs feels like.

Whatever you do, make sure the pack fits right. That is more important than brand or minor differences in pack weight. If the store has someone who knows what they are doing, they should be able to help you get fitted properly.
Posted by: bigfoot2

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choic - 09/26/08 11:57 PM

Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone :

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm/GG343

BF
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Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choic - 09/27/08 12:53 AM

Get your gear first, then get the pack that fits it.

Suggestions: Six Moon Designs, ULA-Equipment, Gossamer Gear, Granite Gear. I suspect that if you are carrying gear for others, you will not want a completely frameless pack such as those made by Mountain Laurel Designs, Z-Packs, Gossamer Gear, etc. In other words, you'll need more capacity and some kind of frame or backstays that transfer most of the weight to the hip belt.
Posted by: longhair29

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. - 09/27/08 10:31 AM

Why are you carrying "90 % of the gear for two people"? Is the other person your partner or a child?

If the other person is an adult, he or she can carry more than 10% of the weight, unless they are physically disabled. And even a healthy child over 12 can carry their sleeping bag or most of their clothes.

Please specify for all of us, so we can better assist you in your Pack search.

www.moontrail.com - this site shows numerous, detailed, closeup color photos of numerous Packs easily Thee best site on internet for showing all different types of Backpacking gear (Packs, Tents, Shelters, Stoves, Sleeping bags, etc in all categories) than any other website listed.

Suitable Pack models for your needs might be:

http://www.moontrail.com/osprey-aether-85.php
Higher volume/capacity and good suspension, comfy harness and hip belt.

http://www.moontrail.com/osprey-aether-70.php

http://www.moontrail.com/granite-gear-nimbus-meridian.php
One of the best Volume to Weight ratio's here.

Outside Magazine
Gear of the Year Winner

From day hikes in canyon country to soggy treks in the Cascades to dusty runs in New Mexico, more than a dozen testers carried loads big and small-and everything in between-to find the best packs of the year. In every category, we discovered daypacks and overnighters that strike a near perfect balance between weight and performance: No pack that made the final cut weighs more than 4.5 pounds, yet none requires TLC when the going gets rough. Exhibit A: Gear of the Year winner Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian, which is as comfortable as it is tough.

By Dennis Lewon
and Justin Nyberg

1.

Comfort: Go ahead, try and overload it. On treks in New Mexico's Pecos Wilderness and even ski touring in the Tetons, testers were unanimous: The Meridian carries like a champ. Credit the firm yet flexy composite framesheet that moves with your body, dual density foam in the hipbelt that cushions luxuriously, and a precision fit (both torso-size and interchangeable suspension parts) that you can dial in with a few turns of a screwdriver.
2.

Versatility: It's light enough to use as a weekend pack yet big enough for a week's worth of supplies-and you won't feel you're compromising in either case. How? An array of compression straps means you can under-and overload to your heart's content, a panel zip allows instant rummaging in the main compartment, and the top lid converts to a lumbar pack for basecamp duty. Stretchy side pockets will accommodate a small sleeping pad.
3.

Durability: The Meridian may weigh less than four pounds, but there's nothing gossamer about the construction. There's no easily abraded mesh to be found, and its big-toothed, water resistant zippers are sturdy and easy to operate. Siliconized ripstop nylon shaves ounces and makes the pack extremely weather-resistant-while a few key high-stress areas, like the bottom and compression panels, are made with tough 210-denier Cordura.

Outside Magazine: "Buyers Guide" Summer 2007, pg 99

Backpacker Magazine
Gear Guide 2007 - "Top Lightweight"

"Asuper-sweet lightweight pack," raved our map editor after repeat trips into Colorado's Never Summer Wilderness. Despite its minimalist look, this durable midsize handles 45-pound loads. "The hipbelt and framesheet are a lot more supportive than most packs in this category," he wrote, "so don't be afraid to carry 5 days' worth of food and gear." The shoulder straps bolt individually to a series of holes in the full length molded framesheet, offering a good 3 inches of torso adjustment in each size. That gives the Nimbus excellent stability and channels weight right to the hips, where you want it; the system also permits plentiful (though slow) adjustments for torso length and shoulder width. The removable top pocket comes with a preattached hipbelt for dayhiking. A heavy-duty vertical zipper accesses the main packbag. You can cinch loads down tightly, or lash on extras with compression straps located on both sides and the front of the packbag. Two deep, stretchy bottle pockets keep trail necessities secure and handy; we stashed our water in the internal hydration pocket.
Posted by: kbennett

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. - 09/27/08 02:27 PM

I really like this pack:

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=34
Posted by: punch

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. - 09/28/08 12:51 PM

well went with the gregory z65, this will be the pack for longer trips or trips while carrying gear for 2, i'll let you know how it works out...
Posted by: rootball

Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. - 09/29/08 02:20 PM

I think you will be very happy with your choice. Let us know how it does.