[pct-l] backpack question

[bmclaughlin at bigplanet.com (Brian McLaughlin)]

> I am going to be getting a hiking pack soon- I was wondering, what is an
approriate size for extended hikes?  I want to be able to hold any gear I
will need.  What is the average cubic inches of the packs of PCT
thru-hikers?  External or internal frame?

External frames are bombproof and able to handle
very heavy loads, which (of course) is just what you
do not want to carry. So, an internal frame is likely
to prove better for your purposes.

I use a pack with a frame sheet and one stay, plus
a padde hip belt. It can carry 40 pounds when
necessary. In SoCal, thru-hikers may need to carry
up to a gallon of water at a time, depending on
circumstances.

A great many  thru-hikers opt for a frameless pack,
but this will only work if you are able to encompass
the entire ultra-light approach, which requires a fairly
large amount of knowledge, experience and judgement.
You'll know if that describes you or not.

In order to get a pack that will hold "any gear you need"
it will be necessary for you to determine what all
gear that actually will be. The standard advice is to
accumulate the gear first and buy the pack last. This
isn't always entirely practical, but it is the ideal you
ought to strive for. At least get the bulky stuff decided,
like shelter, clothes and sleeping bag, first.

Knowing what gear you intend to use will answer
the cubic inches question. There should be room
for a good five days worth of food on top of the
gear. As a ball park, you ought to be able to get
by with 4000 ci or less, but shouldn't dip under
3000 ci. A really big "expedition-style" pack just
encourages you to take much too much stuff.

Continue to read and learn. Stay on the list and cull
out the good posts (ignore the petty squabbles).

Good luck.

Brian Mclaughlin