Need a different pack

Posted by: WyoBob

Need a different pack - 08/26/08 09:10 PM

I've been using a Golite Trek for the past few years but after my last hike have decided I need to find a more comfortable pack. This last trip left my hips and shoulder bruised and my body, in general, sore. I'm 6, 6' 3" and 190 lbs and I think some of my padding is leaving me. I couldn't keep the pack weight on my hips as the belt kept slipping and as a result the shoulder straps cut into my shoulders. I need a hip belt that will get some "traction" and that I can tighten down without cutting into me. The Trek belt has no padding and won't stand too much "torque". It's pretty fragile.

I generally go out for 1-3 nights and the Trek did OK carrying my gear: W.M. Alpinlite sleeping bag, Prolite 4 sleeping pad and Tarptent Rainbow. But, I'd like a pack with more adjustability for hip belt/shoulder harness and more comfort. I believe the Trek is a 3900 cu in. pack and I wouldn't mind having just a slightly larger pack because I have a tendency to take too much fishing gear. I'd rather have a bit too much room and be able to compression strap the load close to my back than have to worry about fitting everything in.

One pack I've looked at is the G.G. Meridian and Latitude. Kind of weird about the compression straps going across the water bottle pockets, though. I know this pack weighs about twice as much as the Trek but, at this point, I don't care. It's either find something comfortable or find replacement hobby.

I don't get to go backpacking as much as I'd like due to my job but I did make it out a few weeks ago. It felt good. Below is a picture of the lake I hiked to in the Bighorns.

Thanks, WyoBob

Posted by: TomD

Re: Need a different pack - 08/26/08 10:40 PM

Nice pic Bob, you may want to consider posting it in our new Photo forum as well.

As for a pack, you are right, it's all about fit. I used to have an old TNF pack I could wear all day. I like the fit of the GG packs, although I've only worn them in the store. I have a Kelty that fits me pretty good, but some day, getting a new one.

I had a big Arctery'x Bora 80, but the belt and straps were so stiff, it was really uncomfortable-got rid of it after one trip. Seemed okay in the store, but not in the field fully loaded. I would definitely try before you buy if at all possible.
Posted by: Hector

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 07:23 AM

ULA packs, recommended without hesitation. Caveat: He's out hiking until 12/1/08. Worth waiting. I had same problems you were, and the ULA (I got a Catalyst) fixed them all. Great pack.
Posted by: CWF

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 07:26 AM

Hi Bob. I have a nimbus ozone with the same suspension as the nimbus meridian. Almost a custom fit as there are three belt sizes and 4 harness sizes (shoulder). Plus the shoulder straps can be either wide or narrow and the pack itself has four torso length adjustments.

As far as the compression straps going over the pockets, this is not an issue for anyone who has actually used the pack. The pockets are super stretchy and will hold a lot. Once the compression strap is cinched tight, nothing is falling out of those pockets. Its actually a great design and one that I prefer over my ULA Circuit.
Posted by: PapaRon

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 07:34 AM

I dont care much for U/L packs for me its all about the fit and durability. Since you didnt mention cost, I would check out Mystery Ranch at

http://mysteryranch.com/index.php

M/R has outstnding fit and quality. Though some say they are heavy,
I think:

weight,
fit,
durability,

pick 2 that mean the most to you.

and Deuter Packs at

http://www.altrec.com/backpacks/backpacking-packs/

Im going to outfit my family next year and my older son is getting a Deuter.

They are what NOLS uses.
Posted by: kutenay

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 07:43 AM

For your uses, I would avoid U/L packs, they are not much use, IMHO. I totally concur with PapaRon and I would suggest a Mystery Ranch Glacier-4200 cu, in- as being ideal for your uses. I like to add Fliptop Boxes on each side of my MR waistbelt for keys, wallet, multitool and flashlight plus a few bandaids i/c of blisters.

I am using five different MR packs at present, have had two others from Dana Gleason, one is over 30 yrs. old and still good, after mega use and these are the best production packs I have ever seen. I have had about everything out there and sold gear for my living, MR is awesome.

For light loads in really WET weather, the NAOS type packs from Arcteryx are neat, but, they lack any outer pockets and daisy chains, they are really designed for rock climbing, IMHO. They also will not come close to a MR for packing serious weight in comfort and MR packs fit big folks really well.
Posted by: Ben2World

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 08:41 AM

WyoBob:

You didn't mention your pack weight, but reading your description (e.g. tarptent) -- I assume that it is somewhere between UL and L. I think your problem is not so much that a frameless pack isn't providing enough load carrying comfort -- but that your pack is sized or shaped wrong for you.

The above doesn't mean that you should now knee-jerk to the other end for a heavy pack as suggested above.

Stating the obvious, the trick is to find a pack that provides just the right comfort and fit. If you dislike the design of GG -- then I second the suggestion above for looking into ULA packs.
Posted by: kutenay

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 08:59 AM

One of the many things about a serious pack like a MR is that it is SO much more versatile than the U/L toys intended for strolling around suburbia. Guys who actually GO into wilderness and camp/hike there for extended periods soon find what works best, one cannot learn this unless you do and have done it.The slight extra weight of a really good pack is not noticeable, especially for a guy of your stature and the overall improvement in ability to handle ANY load you choose to is well worth the minor increase in pack weight.
Posted by: CWF

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 09:30 AM

"They are what NOLS uses."

NOLS also use the Golite Jam 2.

Kutenay - you are on the wrong forum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />. This is for ultralight and lightweight backpackers. 7 - 9 lbs for a backpack, unless used to haul a dead carcass out of the bush, is way overkill for most of us on this board.

A $750 pack that will last a lifetime is pointless if it is so heavy that it precludes someone from actually enjoying the outdoor experience. Even if a frameless ultralight pack wears out after three seasons, the cost is under $100 bucks (i.e. Golite Jam). So 21 years with a heavy pack or 21 years with an ultralight pack for the same cost.....mmmm......

The original poster mentioned a Tarptent so it does imply a lightweight approach to the outdoors (...awaiting patiently for your comment as to how useless the Tarptents are and we should all be using Hillebergs....).
Posted by: alanwenker

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 09:49 AM

Let the flaming begin.
Posted by: CWF

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 10:08 AM

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Nope - I am outta here. Kutenay has a gun collection.
Posted by: WyoBob

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 10:10 AM

Quote:
WyoBob:

You didn't mention your pack weight, but reading your description (e.g. tarptent) -- I assume that it is somewhere between UL and L. I think your problem is not so much that a frameless pack isn't providing enough load carrying comfort -- but that your pack is sized or shaped wrong for you.

The above doesn't mean that you should now knee-jerk to the other end for a heavy pack as suggested above.

Stating the obvious, the trick is to find a pack that provides just the right comfort and fit. If you dislike the design of GG -- then I second the suggestion above for looking into ULA packs.


I hear ya. I sure don't want to go to any heavier pack than I need. I think the size/shape thing along with essentially un-padded hip and shoulder straps pretty well sums it up. I think the ability to adjust torso length, etc. will be very helpful in my case (along with a bit more padding).

My present set up for the "big four" is around 8 lbs for bag, pack, sleeping pad and tent. Where I run into trouble is with the weight of all of the other stuff I seem to think I need:)

I appreciate everyone's feedback so far. The Trek has been a pretty comfortable pack up until this year. Things just must change as we get older. I don't know how many years I have left to backpack so am not interested in tying a lot of money up in a pack. I will look into the ULA packs.

Thanks, WyoBob
Posted by: Ben2World

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 10:26 AM

Quote:
The slight extra weight of a really good pack is not noticeable, especially for a guy of your stature and the overall improvement in ability to handle ANY load you choose to is well worth the minor increase in pack weight.


For me, I don't want a pack with the ability to "handle ANY load" -- I want a pack that will handle MY load.

We all have our toys and passion. It would be nonsensical to say that a heavy pack has no place. It certainly has a rightful place. However, it's equally a show of ignorance to put down UL gear as a matter of course.
Posted by: Rick_D

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 10:41 AM

Hi Bob,

I've been primarily hiking with an Osprey Talon 44 the last two seasons, carrying reasonably similar loads to yours. I just like this pack (and I have a boatload to choose from). It has enough capacity for up to about five days and is really comfortable--for me. It's one of very few packs I've owned that doesn't create sore spots at my hip and shoulder bones after a long day, or several long days.

It's relatively light and relatively cheap, but definitely not featherweight. If you can find one to demo, I'll recommend giving it a close look.

Happy shopping!

Quote:


I hear ya. I sure don't want to go to any heavier pack than I need. I think the size/shape thing along with essentially un-padded hip and shoulder straps pretty well sums it up. I think the ability to adjust torso length, etc. will be very helpful in my case (along with a bit more padding).

My present set up for the "big four" is around 8 lbs for bag, pack, sleeping pad and tent. Where I run into trouble is with the weight of all of the other stuff I seem to think I need:)

I appreciate everyone's feedback so far. The Trek has been a pretty comfortable pack up until this year. Things just must change as we get older. I don't know how many years I have left to backpack so am not interested in tying a lot of money up in a pack. I will look into the ULA packs.

Thanks, WyoBob
Posted by: 300winmag

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 12:20 PM

Bob,

If money is a consideration I'd look closely at REI's Cruise UL. It's their Ultra Light pack W/ 2 tubular aluminum stays and a lot of nice features for around $140.

I've carried 35 lbs. in mine and had no problems at all. It is rated to 40 lbs. I added 2 REI side pockets for easier access to some items and for more space. I used REI 1/2" wide buckle straps to attatch them.

BTW, I'm 5' 10" but with a long torso so I bought a Size Large pack. The Cruise UL has a shoulder harness that attatches with big Velcro patches and adjusts up and down about 6", more than enough for a comfortable ride for taller men.

Eric

P.S. Nice picture.
Posted by: alanwenker

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 01:43 PM

Bob's height adds a bit of a challenge to finding a pack. I'm 5'10" and most medium or large sizes fit me fine. I have several packs with non-adjustable suspensions that fit me well, but would not fit someone 5 inches taller than me. With a height of 6'3" my guess is Bob's height may rule out several brands. It's like looking for a pair of boots, buy the brand that fits best.
Posted by: deliriousNomad

Re: Need a different pack (get THE pack!!!!) - 08/27/08 03:10 PM

You know - I have bought and used a few different packs - Gregory (Shasta I think?), Dana Design Astralplane, Osprey Aether 60 and 70.
I thought each of them were comfortable, and spent a decent amount of $$$ on each of them (except the Astralplane - that was actually a freebie!).

However - last year I sold all of them on ebay, and spent a little more money to get what I consider to be THE pack. I got a McHale Popcan:

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/summit_pack.htm

It was definitely expensive, but I will never part with it because it is by far the most comfortable pack I have ever used. Even better than the Astralplane - and that was a really comfortable (but heavy!) pack. I can pack the McHale pack sloppy, pack it neatly, pack it overfull, it just doesn't seem to matter. It feels great no matter what.

The one I bought weighs in a bit over 4lbs and I had it made to carry 4500cu in.

It is the best money I've spent on a piece of gear.
Posted by: kutenay

Re: Need a different pack (get THE pack!!!!) - 08/27/08 03:57 PM

I have a number of friends whom I have met on the 'net and some of them call me for gear advice and I have suggested Dan's packs to those who are "hardcore" and can afford the gear they want. EVERY one of them who has bought from Dan has just RAVED about his pack and a couple have ordered a second one.

Mind you, one guy who hunts Goat and Sheep in Alaska, just told me today that, good as his McHale is and his is what I am considering ordering next year, when I have saved the $$$$$, he has ordered a SECOND MR NICE frame-Crewcab combo to replace the one he sold and had bought at my suggestion.

You simply cannot beat MR for production packs where you need a pack that WILL handle a heavy load, harsh usage and still last. So, I consider the McHale to be the Rolls-Royce of packs, while the MR is the Mercedes Unimog and one should choose according to what one does.

I like gear that is light, too, but, I require function and longevity before a slightly lower weight on my back and I have had enough packs fail on trips that I no longer will use trendy stuff that won't/doesn't last. Each to his own as everyone should be happy with their gear <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> !
Posted by: WyoBob

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 06:09 PM

The Mystery Ranch and McHale packs are very nice packs but are more than I want to spend. I'd like to limit the price to around $250, max. I know they're great packs but, for a guy who goes out maybe 3 times per year for 1-3 days, it would be overkill. Heck, I'd get along with my Trek if there was some padding and adjustability to the design. I've been getting along fine for several years with this "low end" pack and just see no sense in spending a large amount of money on an activity that I'm not sure how much time I will be able to spend doing.

I'm more of a bang-for the buck guy anyway so, for a real part time backpacker, the MR and McHale would be big time overkill.

I do appreciate all of the time all of you have taken to post, though. I backpacked happily for several years with gear that folks on this group helped me put together. I really like the Rainbow and W.M. Alpinlite 20 degree bag.

Thanks,

WyoBob
Posted by: bostonmtnman

Re: Need a different pack - 08/27/08 08:12 PM

I'd like to put in another glowing word for ULA packs. The Catalyst in particular can handle load enough for you (if you carry more than 35 lbs for 1-3 days, please check out the "Lite Philosophies and Practices" forum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />), is plenty durable (check out Matt Hazley , ULA sponsored hiker), and Brian's customer service is amazing. The Catalyst has a two way belt adjustment allowing you to adjust the top tighter than the bottom, which I've found to be helpful to keep the felt from walking down. Also, at around 4500 ci total volume, it has enough space for up to 10 days provisions, depending on the trip.

OK, I'll shut up now, but I could go on and on about my pack.
Posted by: Goatee

Is not backpacking - 08/28/08 09:11 AM

Trouble is, this is not backpacking and not even in the spirit of it. In these days of climate change you have these support people running all over heck in their cars etc. I say who cares. You ditch the basic backpack load and you can walk to the moon non-stop. It's not backpacking.
Posted by: alanwenker

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/28/08 10:16 AM

In the case of Hazley, it's just a speed and endurance event on hiking trails. In Hazley's case he had to average 50+ miles per day; on my best day I couldn't do this on level ground with no pack whatsoever. I wouldn't consider this backpacking either, certainly not in the traditional sense, but the speed and endurance of the feat is rather remarkable. Not my cup of tea as speed is not part of my nature.

From a gear standpoint Hazley's choices are largely irrelevant for most traditional backpackers. To accomplish the feat, Hazley would need to be resupplied often such that weight would be the only consideration. Also pack size could be quite small as he would not need to carry many days worth of food or repair items or safety items or spare cloths. Should Hazley lose or damage or wear out a piece of gear he'd simply be resupplied on the fly. Sponsorships also play a part in the gear that gets used. For all we know ULA was the only pack maker offering a sponsorship (I'm not suggesting ULA is a bad choice, but we don't know what went into many of these decisions).
Posted by: phat

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/28/08 11:11 AM



Well, I'm not 100% sure about that. Ok, I personally wouldn't do the mobile support teams
thing, and I agree, it's an endurance test. but really, (and maybe these are fightin' words to the
AT crowd) How different is a "mobile" resupp crew from the "static" resupp points everyone uses
on the AT anyway? Ok, he's hotswapping packs - big deal. It's just so he doesn't take an
hour of downtime resupplying. Is the support team a critical part of his plan, sure - but so's
a burger shop or outdoor store for many AT hikers.

I don't think it's really not "backpacking" any more than stopping on the AT to resupply or replace
a piece of broken gear is "not backpacking". To me it's no more not "backpacking" than stopping
every 4-5 days on a long hike at a town for resupply, burgers, and beer.
Posted by: Ben2World

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/28/08 11:19 AM

Something about HYOH??? If the guy is happy and he isn't doing anything immoral or illegal -- then why is it anyone else's business? And really, who cares about the label anyway?
Posted by: Rick_D

Re: Need a different pack - 08/28/08 11:59 AM

Y'all are correct that his height is a key factor, but without knowing his torso length we can't conclude a thing. 5'10" guys and 6'3" guys can and sometimes have the same torso length.
Posted by: ringtail

Re: Need a different pack - 08/28/08 12:54 PM

I have no experience, but the next pack I buy - if I ever wear one out- will be:

http://www.cilogear.com/60lws.html
Posted by: deliriousNomad

Re: Need a different pack (get THE pack!!!!) - 08/28/08 02:48 PM

Huh!

So Dana went and started Mystery Ranch? Is that right? I bet those packs are quite good. I was always happy with the Astralplane I had - it was just too heavy when I started going lighterweight with my gear.

So - I don't even have to try one to recommend Mystery Ranch as well, and I would agree that McHale is probably the Rolls since it's very customized to order and tailored to your particular body size and shape, and Dana (I mean Mystery Ranch) is the Mercedes...
Posted by: DTape

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/29/08 07:19 AM

definitions are interesting. These posts on whether something is or is not backpacking intrigue me. Another i have oft wondered about is when does a thru-hiker become a section hiker? If a person hikes the trail continuously on weekends only and takes a break for the week and then continues from where they left off, are they a section hiker? Does it matter if they spent the week at the local motel or drove home? What if they hiked for 5 days straight and spent only the weekends at a hotel? Does it change if they went home for those 2 days? What amount of "break" from the hike is considered "ok" for one to be considered a thru hiker and does it matter how that break is spent? Just some questions floating through my mind, I don't expect there to be an answer. Likely many opinions, but probably not a definitive answer, and there doesn't need to be one. As someone said earlier HYOH.
Posted by: bostonmtnman

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/29/08 08:22 PM

I have to agree with those that say Hazley isn't actually backpacking, but rather participating in some sort freaky, super-human, masochistic trail-jog. I also agree that, due to the support team traveling with him, it may not be an accurate indicator of true gear wear over that many miles. This fella just popped into my mind when I tried to think of an example of ULA's durability, as many people attack UL and L gear as being dainty and fragile.

I'm rough on gear, Arkansas trails aren't all that well maintained, and my ULA has held up great.

There.
Posted by: Hector

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/29/08 08:39 PM

ULAs are made of Dyneema ripstop, which is some pretty stout stuff, not silicone-impregnated nylon. It looks to be extremely durable; certainly I haven't managed to harm it yet.

My unsolicited opinion: A big part of going lighter is replacing gear with skill; (generic) you should learn not to drop your pack off a cliff or drag it over rocks or swing it around your head like a helicopter blade. Then you can get a lighter pack and fill it with lighter and less gear. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

> Arkansas trails aren't all that well maintained

That's surely true, but not necessarily a completely bad thing. It keeps the tamer folk away, and I do like that solitude.
Posted by: Bearpaw

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/30/08 07:20 AM

Quote:
Another i have oft wondered about is when does a thru-hiker become a section hiker?


This is the simplest question about AT hiking I know, because there is a solidly accepted answer. When the trek goes beyond one year. The definition of a thru-hiker versus a section hike is that a thru-hiker completes the entire trail in less than one year's time. If the weekender started on March 1 and could finish by February 28 the next year, he's a thru-hiker, no matter the order or direction of travel, pack carried or any thing else.
Posted by: hafdome

Re: Need a different pack - 08/30/08 08:49 PM

Six Moon Designs has some excellant packs yo might want to look into. I have carried a Starlite for a few years. On a seven day trip I carried about 35 lbs with a good level of comfort. I wouldn't want to push it any further than that. They also have a panel loader that seems to be well thought of. Ron's packs are made form the same Dyneema as ULA packs if I'm not mistaken.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/30/08 11:08 PM

I'm glad this thread has finally returned to WyoBob's problem after going quite far afield!

I would also recommend the Six Moon Designs packs: Starlight, Comet (although that one is made smaller--it's what I have) or the new panel-loading Traveler. They each weigh just under 2 lbs. Get them with the optional stays, which are needed for the load-lifters (a real blessing, at least for me) to work properly. I've carried up to 36 lbs. in my Comet, although it wasn't pleasant for my bum knee. The pack itself and my back and shoulders felt fine. Normally, I'd say it's most comfortable with 30 lbs. or less.

As well as total pack weight, a lot depends on your torso length (from the bump at the back of your neck to a point on your spine level with the top of your hip bones--don't try to measure this yourself!) which isn't necessarily related to your height. My son-in-law is 6'4" but wears a medium pack--his height is all in his legs. I've told him the only way I'd go on a backpack with him would be if he'd carry all my stuff as well as his--that would be the only way I could keep up with him! My daughter, his wife, thought that sounded like a great idea.

WyoBob, I'd love to see more pictures of the Big Horns! I've driven across them and was entranced, but I've never hiked there. I recently returned from a week in the Wind Rivers. Wyoming is a marvelous place for hikers!
Posted by: WyoBob

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/31/08 12:40 PM

Quote:
I'm glad this thread has finally returned to WyoBob's problem after going quite far afield!
<snipped>
WyoBob, I'd love to see more pictures of the Big Horns! I've driven across them and was entranced, but I've never hiked there. I recently returned from a week in the Wind Rivers. Wyoming is a marvelous place for hikers!


The thread did kind of weave and wobble a bit, didn't it.

BTW, my torso length is 20 1/2".

And, just for you, some more pictures of the Bighorns:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/WyoBob/Bighorn%20Mountains%20Scenery/

I've never been to the Winds but my hiking buddy has backpacked there several times. I figure there's enough in my back yard to hike to keep me busy for awhile without traveling all over the country.

WyoBob
Posted by: DTape

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/31/08 01:08 PM

Many thanks for that answer. It makes sense and is non-ambiguous. Does this must mean that every trail has its own "time definition" for a thru-hiker or is this distinction unique to the AT?
Posted by: Bearpaw

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/31/08 02:28 PM

It's pretty much AT specific, though I hear it has bled over to the other "big" trails like the PCT and CDT.

However, for "shorter" long trails, like the John Muir Trail, Long Trail, or Colorado Trail, there is more ambiguity. Most would agree that if you don't stay in the general corridor, it's more of a section hike. Like if you hiked Denver to Salida on the CT, got off for a few weeks, than came back and hiked Salida to Durango, it would likely be considered more of a section hike even if it all happened over a mere 2-3 months.

For the BIG guys, there's a bit of leeway based on the fact that sometimes, the rest of the world intrudes on you. I got off the AT at Harper's Ferry for two weeks for a friend's wedding. Then I got back on and finished the remaining 2160 miles. Definitely considered a thru-hike.
Posted by: DTape

Re: Is not backpacking - 08/31/08 04:38 PM

Thanks again. Very enlightening. I have never been a trailbagger, My miles are to get into the wilderness to get away.