[pct-l] Pack Advice

[Stephen]

ULA packs look to me to be more main line light weight, not quite 
ultra-light.  I don't consider a 2-1/2 to 3 lb pack ultra light.  However, 
the ULA looks like a very nice well made product and I've heard a lot of 
positive comments here.  Whether it fits you or your style is up to you and 
your style...  Another outfit you might consider looking at so you have an 
UL pack maker to compare to is Gossamer Gear.  There's even lighter stuff 
than thiers out there.  I just got one of thier G4 packs which is 1 lb.  3 
lbs lighter than my old faithfull.  Lighter than my shoes in fact.  Well 
made, but it is a soft pack that uses a foam sleepeing or sitting pad for 
back pad and support.  No internal frame.  I tried my short length 
Thermarest as the pack pad and it does not work well at all as it pushes the 
pack too far from the back.  I cut the end off a Ridge rest, slit it and 
folded over and bingo.  The pack rides close to my back, and the thermarest 
rolled up tight inside helps add verticle support to the pack.  No frills. 
Just a pack sack with huge mesh outer pockets and nice light straps and 
belt.  I don't like the way they made the shoulder straps, but am going to 
make some slip over outer padding with some old capilene base layer sleeves 
and that should do it.  Nice well made pack.  Hard to argue with 1 lb and a 
large carrying capacity.  I wouldn't want to carry it too much over thirty 
pounds though, but this is unavoidable for all who need to carry water in 
dry sections.
I'd suggest look at the G4 and thier Mariposa and new Gorrila.  The G4 is 
the larger pack bag.  The other two have an internal stay for added support 
and are a little heavier, 1-1/2 lb I think.
Keep in mind if you plan to go with an ultra-light pack, your whole system 
needs to be brought into the philosophy or style so the pack will carry 
comfortably.  Choose what you are comfortable with and can safely survive 
the trail and weather.  Interestingly, my lighter kit is just as backcountry 
worthy as anything else I've carried three season, it's just six to eight 
lbs lighter.  Which to me means much more enjoyable walking and less top 
heavy, which is safer.
Good luck getting your gear together.
Stephen
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Will Rohrer" <princewcheech at gmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 8:08 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Pack Advice


>I sent this a couple days ago and haven't heard anything - thought I'd try
> again.  Thanks!
>
> I'm doing a section hike this summer (Castella through southern 
> Washington)
> and I need to buy a pack.  I've heard good things about ULA packs and to a
> lesser extent, starlight from six moons.  Any advice on these or any other
> packs would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
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