[pct-l] Ultra Light Backpack Pros and Cons

[shon mcganty]

First, as far as an ultra-light backpacks wearing out, I think it depends on what you consider ultra-light, as I think this word is throw around too often.  What I'd call an ultra-light pack would be the Gossamer Murmur and Murmur Hyperlight at 7 oz or the Zpack.  The Gossamer Murmer packs are made from 30 denier fabric (denier, in case you don't know, is the amount of linear mass density of the fibers, the higher the number, the more fibers, the stronger but heavier it is).  I own a Murmer, which I love for 2-3 day hikes, but two straps (hip and shoulder) simply pulled out with no or little force.  I wouldn't recomment a 30 denier fabric for my backpack on a thru-hike (I also like to take dry food for 6-10 day stretches which is heavy food weight).

I wouldn't call the Golite pack (either Jam, Peak or Pinnicle) as being ultra-light at 1 lb 14 oz - 2 lbs.  The Golite is made from a 210 denier Nylon.  210 denier is pretty strong, and I used this for two PCT thrus, and it has held up fine.  (the ULA also use 210 denier material, the Gossamer Gorilla is also 210 denier, the Gossamer G4 and Mariposa are 70 denier).
 
I try to go light (12+ lbs base), but price is a big concern.  For a backpack, I'd rather take a strong fabric over super light weight, and have it last for other hikes and re-use it, and save $$.  I've heard that the Cubin Fiber used on the zPacks, while being super light, it is expensive and I've heard it falls apart (I have no personal experience with Cubin fiber).
 
Second, as far as sore bodies, it depends, I think, on the individual's uncomfortable tolerance.  You asked if anyone regretted using a light pack, and I certainly don't regret the Golite Jam2, despite havaing constant head and neck pain.  The pain was due to most of the pack's weight on my shoulders and not my waist (due to me being slim, the waist strap didn't tighten up, but this has now been fixed by cutting into the waist band, it now fits like a glove and no more pain).
 
Hope this helps.
 
happy hiking,
Shon
 
 

________________________________
From: Russell Mease <measerp at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2011 3:14 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Ultra Light Backpack Pros and Cons

I think most on this list are of the ultra-light crowd.  I am leaning in
that direction for certain pieces of gear (just purchased a tarptent notch
at 24 ozs) but for other pieces of gear, specifically the pack that you
wear every day and thus is the most important for comfort of your trip, I
am curious about the pros and cons of using an ultra-light pack, such as
the ULA and GoLight packs.  I currently own an Osprey Aether 70 which
weighs in at about 4.5 lbs.  As I'm looking into the Osprey Exos and other
light packs, and as I read people's experiences with these packs on this
forum, I am constantly reading things like, "lasted 500 miles and then had
to replace", "the strap broke...", "it got ripped up in the desert
section", "had sore shoulders because most of the weight rested on my
shoulders", etc....

Here's my question:  Is it worth having a lightweight pack if you have to
suffer carrying 25-30 lbs with in-adequate support and a pack that will
have to be replaced every 500-1000 miles (at $150-$250 a pop), sore
shoulders, sweaty back because of no ventilation, etc....  Or, is it wiser
to go with a more traditional pack like the Aether, sacrifice some weight
(but stick to light weight gear for the rest) and be able to carry your
pack in comfort and the pack will last the entire thru-hike and most likely
many more years of use?

I am just curious if anybody has regretted going with an ultra-light pack
because of these issues.  I am planning an estimated base pack weight of
about 20 lbs (including the Aether) and expecting 35-40 lbs full pack
weight.  My gear list is here:
http://russmease.blogspot.com/p/pct-gear-list.html

Thanks for your reply!
Russ Mease
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