[pct-l] Re: Light Backpacks

[Diane Cohn <diane@wildeye.com>]

From pct-l-digest on 11/17/98 5:34 PM:

>I'll be interested in the internal frame recommendations. I have a pack
>I love but it is very heavy, and I'm absolutely in the market for
>something lighter than 6 pounds that will still carry 45 pounds
>reasonably comfortably. I'm a 5'2" female with a short torso so that is
>always a consideration.

This summer I dumped my luxuriously large but extra heavy external frame 
for a Lowe Alpine Attack 40.

I absolutely love this pack. Stripped of its mountaineering accessories, 
the Alpine Attack only weighs 1 lb, 15 oz. I'm not sure if I could load 
45 pounds onto it since the pack doesn't have an internal frame, just 
ample padding. I usually carry in the low to mid 20's, including food and 
water, so I don't really need a frame. 

I, too, am a female with a short torso and find the pack comfortable. 
Because I don't carry that much weight, I don't need a lot of extra 
padding. 

At rest stops, getting in and out of the pack is breeze. I can even carry 
it on one shoulder. Although I've only used it for 3-day trips so far, I 
would not hesitate to take it long-distance. The Alpine Attack pack 
volume is 2400 cubic inches, which sounds low, but the main cavity has an 
expandable drawstring top, so I can really cram a lot in there. 

My only complaint is that it has one of those fitted lids that doesn't 
quite fit over the top correctly when the pack is extra full. Also, 
whenever I hike in Yosemite, I always have to get someone else to carry 
the bear can (the can is so bulky, it takes up a ton of room in the pack).

As a side note, the Alpine Attack also came with a platypus hydration 
system, which I totally love. There's nothing like the convenience of 
sucking up some fresh water whenever you feel like it without having to 
move your arms. My friends always make fun of my little IV drip, but it 
rocks. I stay much better hydrated now.

I'm really turning into an equipment geek. This list is great.

-d

diane cohn __________________________________________ diane@wildeye.com

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