[pct-l] packs

[elee at microsoft.com (Eric Lee (GAMES))]

Like a lot of other people, the Granite Gear Vapor Trail is my current
favorite pack.  My back and shoulders won't let me get away with a
beltless rucksack; I have to have a decent suspension system.  The Vapor
Trail has a great suspension system (for light loads) and still weighs
only 2 pounds.  I should note that I have NOT tried to use a canister
with this pack yet.

My two quibbles:

One, the outside pockets aren't cut generously enough for my taste.
When the main bag is full, the pockets are already tight and it's hard
to put anything more bulky than a map into them.

Two, I've noticed (like Monty) that the front tension straps slowly slip
through the buckles over time.  Not a big deal but a minor annoyance
that could probably be fixed if I ever get motivated enough to do
something about it.

I also own a Mountainsmith Ghost (older model before the redesign) and
Gregory Reality.  They're both fine packs in their own way.

The Ghost is a decent pack that has a very nice hipbelt but the overall
feel of the suspension system isn't quite as good as the Vapor Trail.  I
keep this pack around as a loaner for when friends hike with me.
Mountainsmith redesigned this pack last year and it might be worth a
look.

The Reality is my large-volume winter pack.  It's very comfortable but
it's really heavy compared to the Vapor Trail.  Every time I go to empty
it after a trip I keep searching all the pockets thinking I must have
left something in there because it still feels so heavy, but nope, it's
just the pack itself.  I don't recommend it for an ultralight-style
thru-hike.

I looked carefully at the Gregory G Pack before I bought the Vapor Trail
but passed because I didn't like a few things about it.  Gregory has
recently redesigned this pack (not sure if it's even in stores yet) and
may be worth another look.

Eric



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Monty Tam
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 7:52 PM
To: Shamli Tarbell; pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: RE: [pct-l] packs

I used the Vaportrail from Cabazon to Sonora pass.
Excellent up to about 20-25+ pounds.  After
that..................alkward.
Not my favorite for a  Bear Vault bear canister, but doable.
The front straps got slippery and wouldn't hold after a month or so. 
Probably from oil and sweat. I'm sure washing would handle this.
I loved having my Z-rest strapped to the back.  Easy access for breaks.
Biggest advantage was two pounds or should I say the pounds it didn't
have.

REI shipped one to me while on the trail.  They normally didn't carry it
in
a store.  Our nearest REI at home is about 60 miles away.  We get stuff
shipped to the store to avoid shipping charges and give us a chance to
check it out.  If it doesn't look good, we're already there to return
it. 
1.800.426.4840  Tell them to send me a commission.

Warner Springs Monty



> [Original Message]
> From: Shamli Tarbell <galletamonster@hotmail.com>
> To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
> Date: 1/31/2005 6:52:57 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] packs
>
> I'm trying to make a decision on a backpack...so far my favorite is
the 
> granite gear vapor trail that weighs 2lbs. and seems to have some 
> cushyness/suspension. has anyone had any experiences, good or bad,
with
this 
> pack. unfortunately they don't carry it in stores here in Tucson so
all
my 
> research has been online.
> also, have any couples used the nanatek backcountry blanket at rated
at
20 
> degrees? the weight is nice at 1lb.10oz. but it looks kinda thin with
only 
> 2.5" of baffle height.
> thanks, shamli
>
>
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