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[pct-l] packs



I don't think you can beat Gossamer Gear I used an old G-4 on the
entire AT in 2000 it was only 12 oz. and an 8 oz G-5 on a total of
1100 miles of the PCT they are extremely comfortable but you have to
go ultralight to keep them that way. My pack weight without food fuel
and water is 9 lb 4 oz . I won last years gear contest at the kickoff
party, and I think the pack had a lot to do with me winning.

                                    Carl


On Mon, 31 Jan 2005 23:00:42 -0800, Eric Lee (GAMES) <elee@microsoft.com> wrote:
> 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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