[pct-l] packs

[Steven.Setzer at Colorado.EDU (Steve Setzer)]

OK, my last major piece of gear to get for my 04 thru hike is a pack (my
current 8 pound North Face just won't cut it).  It seems like the GoLite
Gust and ULA packs are popular.  I think my base pack weith will be around
15 pounds so with a full load of food and/or water I could expect my total
pack weight to be 25 pounds or more (I'm thinking of long waterless
stretches or long re-supplies).  So this is pushing the limits of a
frameless pack.  The ULA P-1 is supposed to be good up to 20 or 25 pounds
and I think the GoLite Gust is the same.  The ULA P-2 could carry much
more but weighs a full pound more (maybe even a bit more than a pound
depending on the options).

Does anyone have any experience with these packs or have any
recommendations?  I guess I would lean towards the P-2 if the frameless
packs are uncomfortable with 25 pound loads and 12 hour days.  I think
personal fit is maybe the most important but I haven't been able to try
out a ULA pack for fit.

thanks,
Steve