[pct-l] poor old Ray

[jmertes at verizon.net (John Mertes)]

Generally I agree with what you said.  Except for the time needed to 
take off and put back on a pack.

With my ancient external frame (and heavy) pack, I have a Kelty quick 
release buckle on the belt which takes only a second to unfasten. Then I 
can easily let the pack slide down my back to the ground and I don't 
need to adjust the shoulder straps to do so.. The whole operation 
probably takes less than a minute. Putting the pack on is about as fast 
even with a 40 pound  total weight. I use an over my head flip hoist:  
With the pack in front of me and the side that goes next to my back away 
from me, I reach through the shoulder straps and grip the frame a ways 
below the upper attachment points of the shoulder straps. Then with a 
hoist and a flip, I raise the pack over my head and rotate the bottom 
down then release the frame and let the shoulder straps slide down my 
arms and the pack gently drops into position on my back. Then I grab the 
ends of the belt, give my shoulders a shrug, and hook the quick 
release,; and my pack is back in place. I think it takes me longer to 
take off and put on a simple light weight day pack.

An external frame pack does have its advantages.

John