[pct-l] A backpack conundrum

[RJ Lewis]

Joel,
  Honestly, I use Gregory Packs too...I own both the Deva 60 and 
recently got the Jade 50 for my thru hike in 2009.  The Whitney is 
definitely overkill unless you are hauling a large load. My 
recommendation to "lighten up" but still keep some semblance of 
framework around you would be the Gregory Z55 pack...or even the Baltoro 
70 if you aren't ready to step down from a traditional pack. I cannot 
use the "rucksack" types either- my back just won't allow it. 
Realistically evaluate your gear and needs, and go from there....the 
Gregory Z55 has a nice extension collar on top like my Jade 50 (the 
female counterpart of the Z55)...and will hold just about anything you 
wanna stuff in it, and it has a nice outside bucket pocket too for 
wet/damp gear. Check it out. ;)

Peace,
KarmGurl

Joel Ramey wrote:
> Alright, so something that I've really been kicking around hard lately 
> is whether or not I should replace my pack with something lighter.
>
> Currently I have a Gregory Whitney, which I love in terms of its 
> suspension. The pack is fairly new, I bought it this summer before I 
> decided to slash weight and rethink my hiking strategy.
>
> The weight of my sleeping gear and shelter system is ~4 lbs (about 5 
> in the sierra's, switching to a tarptent)
>
> I'm trying not to bring much in the way of luxury items. But I will 
> most likely be using a bear cannister in the Sierra's (my family and 
> black bears have a long feuding history), and wasn't sure how this 
> would effect using a lighter pack.
>
> I'm also not sure if I'm ready to switch to a rucksack, especially 
> since I may not have much time to get out hike enough to learn how to 
> efficiently use it, or if I'll even be comfortable with it.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
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