[pct-l] packs

[mceverj at qwest.net (Jim McEver)]

No desire to start a flame war, but be forewarned that heresy follows...

Lighter is not necessarily better. It is rarely the case in a complex
system that optimizing a particular dimension of that system (pack
weight) will optimize the performance of the system as a whole, and a
backpacker moving across the landscape is a relatively complex system.
There is an energy cost in simply standing upright with a pack on, and
the nature of the weight transfer to the body has a significant effect.
In my experience (operative phrase), this means at minimum a hip belt
(as opposed to waist belt) and some means to efficiently transfer weight
directly to the hips and legs. This can be accomplished by a very
compact load, rolled foam pads, etc, but this is generally at the
expense of a good fit against the curve of the back (comfort) and is not
as efficient as a frame or stays of some sort. I have found that some
from of rigid support greatly improves the carry and fit, and hence the
comfort, over a long day. As pack weights go up, this becomes more
critical. For me, anything more than 15# hanging from my shoulders is
uncomfortable - YMMV, of course. With a base pack weight of 15#, you
will more likely be pushing 40# in the waterless stretches, not 25#. You
may find that the extra 16 to 20 oz that a set of stays and a decent
hipbelt add will provide a good return on comfort, energy at the end of
the day, and overall enjoyment of the experience.

As for brands, I have had good experience with Dan McHale's packs. You
can get a pack in the 2 - 2 1/2 pound range that will actually support
that 40# load.

Regardless of your choice, good luck. It's all good.

Jim



On Mon, 2003-12-22 at 10:12, Steve Setzer wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
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