[pct-l] ultralight packs

[Steel-Eye]

Good afternoon, Rebecca,

I mostly agree with Scott Parks:  My mainstay for trips is the GoLite
Breeze.  I stocked-up while it was available and now have four of them.  It
is a basic no-nonsense 13.1 oz. sack without a belt, but I am not fond of
belts anyway.  I rotate their use so I don't know how long they will last,
but one of them has been used through all of Washington from Cascade Locks
to Manning without any rips or come-aparts, but there are a few snags in the
outside mesh pockets.  I notice the later production Breeze has somewhat
heavier mesh.  I insert the folded sleeping pad inside the pack next to my
back, and still there is room for everything else.  That model will be what
I use the most for a PCT-007 thru-hike.

When I think I need to carry more stuff I plan to use a somewhat larger 16.3
oz. GVP-4.  It does have a belt, and it has the outside pockets next to my
back for the folded sleeping pad so the pad doesn't take up room inside the
pack.

The suitability of these light packs depends upon how much stuff you think
you need to carry, and how you treat them.  I'm pretty easy on packs.  I
don't toss them on the rocks or sticks, I'm careful what I brush against,
and I don't slide down rough ground with them.  I have one pack which is
about the same size as the Breeze, but is made of SilNylon and weighs only
3.4 oz.  I've used it on many 1-2 night ultralite training hikes and it
doesn't have a nick, but I don't think I would use it all summer on the PCT.

While I do some sewing, I'm not fond of it.  If you have the interest and
the skill, the plans for these light, simple packs are available, as is the
material:  Make your own.

I hope to see you on the trail next April,

Steel-Eye

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rebecca Mezoff" <rlmezoff at cybermesa.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 07, 2006 9:17 AM
Subject: [pct-l] ultralight packs

> I'm a good seamstress and have made much of my gear.  I'm considering
> making a pack also, but want to look into what is out there for
> purchase first (at least for ideas, and perhaps to buy since many of
> these packs seem quite inexpensive).  I don't know if I'll be able to
> get the materials I need to make a pack.  I have been unable to give
> up a hipbelt and also want some padding in the belt and shoulder
> straps (boney prominences get very sore!).  I've read Carol "Brawny"
> Wellman's book and some of her gear suggestions are good... And I
> just found the GVP G4 instructions which seem good...  Has anyone
> made and used this pack?  Has anyone made and used this pack for
> 2,600 miles?
>
> Any favorite UL commercial packs?
> And one last thing--I'd really like the pack to weigh 2 pounds or
> less (and many of the "UL" packs made seem much heavier than this...)
> Thanks!
> Rebecca
>