[pct-l] Backpack Field Report - Section E Expedition

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

I wanted to give you an update from  the recent big expedition on the PCT in 
Section E.  The LuxuryLite  (LuxuryLite.com) external frame pack performed 
very well.  It is very easy  to carry and has the best waist belt system I have 
ever seen on a pack.  So  easy to use and adjust.   
 
I did not get a chance to use the  Front Pack attachment on this hike, but 
will on the final 22 mile Section E hike  in December.  This pack attachment is 
capable of carrying 3-liters of water  along with other items.  I  did have 
the additional foam pad for the bottom of the pack, which I used for  extra back 
waist padding and that worked fine.
 
The cylinder concept for carrying  gear is great.  It is very easy to pack 
and unpack using the  cylinders.  This whole rig weighs under 2 pounds with 3 
cylinders,  which is more than enough capacity for your hikes.  Trust me.
 
I especially like using the top  cylinder for my down gear (bag, sweater, p
illow).  No crushing or over  compressing of this sensitive gear.  Very nice.  
Of course, my world  famous handsfree umbrella holder worked with no problem on 
one of the  pack's should straps.  Nice to walk in shade all day.  I use the  
bottom cylinder for shelter gear (7-ounce bug tent & 9-ounce Gossamer Gear  
2-person SpinnTwinn tarp) and my camp/water sandals.  Everything else is in  
the middle cylinder.  You can vary the cylinder gear loads depending on  your 
hike requirements.  Note: I also hike with a belly pack that carries  some of my 
water and other small gear.
 
I have always liked the external  frame pack concept a lot better than 
internal frames or no frames.  I like  the load transfer to the hips a lot better 
with external frames, but they always  weigh so much more than other pack 
designs.  With the external fame, I have  no back soreness, no shoulder soreness, 
and lots of back  ventilation.
 
This might be your answer if you  are like me and appreciate the external 
frame design for the occasional  backpacker or even thru-hiker.  Overall, I have 
to say this is a serious  contender for your ultra light and light weight pack 
system.  Not an  extreme ultra light weight contender, but still very cool.  
Interesting  Item Department: LuxuryLite has the only backpacking cot for your 
hikes I  have ever seen.  
 
I have to thank Can'tQuit for  giving me this pack.  I was complaining on a 
PCT hike with her about how I  wished I could find a light weight external 
frame pack.  She had this one  which did not fit her very small waist and gave it 
to me.
 
Cheers, Switchback
Trail Trash & Camp  Ruffian