Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#103829 - 09/26/08 09:51 PM scratching my head at the amount of pack choices..
punch Offline
newbie

Registered: 09/12/08
Posts: 8
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

Top
#103830 - 09/26/08 10:35 PM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. [Re: punch]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
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.


Edited by TomD (09/26/08 10:37 PM)
_________________________
Don't get me started, you know how I get.

Top
#103831 - 09/26/08 11:57 PM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choic [Re: punch]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone :

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

BF
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

Top
#103832 - 09/27/08 12:53 AM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choic [Re: bigfoot2]
OregonMouse Offline
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
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.
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#103833 - 09/27/08 10:31 AM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. [Re: punch]
longhair29 Offline
member

Registered: 06/11/03
Posts: 1328
Loc: Floridad
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.

Top
#103834 - 09/27/08 02:27 PM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. [Re: punch]
kbennett Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
_________________________
--Ken B

Top
#103835 - 09/28/08 12:51 PM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. [Re: punch]
punch Offline
newbie

Registered: 09/12/08
Posts: 8
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...

Top
#103836 - 09/29/08 02:20 PM Re: scratching my head at the amount of pack choices.. [Re: punch]
rootball Offline
member

Registered: 06/16/08
Posts: 112
I think you will be very happy with your choice. Let us know how it does.
_________________________
For brick and mortar breed filth and crime
And men are withered before their prime

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 257 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum