[pct-l] Selecting A Backpack

[chelin at teleport.com (Sharon & Chuck Chelin)]

Good morning, Arizona,

I have not used a Vortex Pack product, I have only seen what they present on
their website.  They appear to be well-designed for their purpose, superior
in quality, and are probably very comfortable .... but:  In the size range
most often used by long distance hikers, they weigh 4.4-5.0 lbs. which most
serious hikers find is far to heavy.  The best plan is to not have the gear
weight rather than finding ways to deal with it.  Several other packs on the
market weigh about 1.0 lb. for that capacity, including mine, which I find
quite comfortable.  If you can reduce the gear weight, i.e. everything
except consumables such as water, food, and fuel, to around 12 pounds your
enjoyment of the PCT will improve, as will your odds of completion.

Remember:  With more gear "camping" improves but "hiking" suffers.  With
less gear "hiking" improves but the "camping" suffers.  The PCT is about
hiking.

Good luck,

Steel-Eye

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dmd@email.arizona.edu>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 3:09 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Selecting A Backpack


> New to the list-serv and backpacking in general.  College student looking
to
> thru hike the PCT upon graduation.  I am trying to absorb all knowledge I
can
> relating to the PCT, you guys are a great help.  I was curious to know if
> anyone has ever done a substantial hike with a Vortex Pack? I haven't
heard
> anything bad about them yet.  Might this not be a wise choice?  Appreciate
the
> help.
>
>
>
>
>
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