[pct-l] Packs: Mariposa Plus vs Vapor Trail

[Mark Jernigan]

No stays on the Vapor Trail     ...just a HDPE frame sheet.  Under excess weight the frame sheet "bows" out a bit and the pack sags, even with the hip belt snugged tightly, and you end up shouldering all the weight.  In my experience that sagging occurs around the 30lb level.
   
  'Slogger

arm chair <armchairhiker at gmail.com> wrote:
  Larry,

I can't directly compare the two options you want feedback on.

I have the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus & the G4 packs, a friend has a Vapor
Trail. He is looking for a pack with a bit more capacity. I have not tried
the VT, is there a difficulty with the stays poking the back / hips when
over loaded?

The G4 has a bit bigger capacity and is a bit lighter than the Mariposa
Plus. I like the MP exterior pockets and lash down strap on the back. I have
loaded the G4 above 30 lbs and it's ok, but I have tried to lighten up
everything for a more comforable hike.

Perhaps the G4 and spend the extra money, saved vs the VP, on lighter
sleeping bag / gear? I also use the GG torso pad for the pack frame 3oz. vs
zrest 12oz. Also Western Mountaineering bags are very light!


that help?
- armchair


On 4/20/07, Mark Jernigan wrote:
>
> Can't give you a direct comparison but I will comment on carrying capacity
> (weight) for the Vapor Trail. I carried the Vapor Trail on the AT in
> 2003. When I first got it my total pack weight was 30lbs ...and it was
> not very comfortable. At 30lbs, the maximum rating of the Vapor Trail, the
> HDPE frame sheet starts to buckle (bow outward) and you end up shouldering
> all the weight. Once I got my pack weight down to 24 - 26lbs the Vapor Trail
> was a dream to carry.
>
> 'Slogger
>
> "Fr. Larry" wrote:
> I'd be interested in any feedback comparing the Granite Gear Vapor Trail
> pack to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus. The latter is rated at 35 lbs
> compared to 30 for the former, while 13 ounces lighter and $30 cheaper.
> Will
> it really handle 35 lbs better than the Vapor Trail? Thanks.
>
> www.osjoseph.org
> www.sjoachim.org
>
>
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 Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.