[pct-l] repeat meseges, mountainsmith packs

[clc13@cornell.edu]

First of all, I think all the letter duplicates come from people including 
the original messege in their replies.  It would make things much cleaner 
if you answer "No" to the prompt "include original messege in reply" when 
you send your mail to the list. Anyway, maybe that will help...

As for mountainsmith packs: as an outdoor educator, I see alot of packs 
in the field, often getting a month or more of abuse.  I have never seen 
a mountainsmith complete a thirty day wilderness trip without major blow 
outs.  I think the older ones (as in ones made over 5 years ago) were 
better quality, but the ones Ive seen in the last few years are useless. 
The packs are poorly sewn, have bad suspension, and those things all over 
the outside (elastic-mesh stuff) always fall off.  As for packs that are 
durable: Danadesigns are always winners, but are among the heaviest and 
most expensive (you get what you pay for.)  Compromises include Ospreys 
(the Advent is "lightweight", comfortable and roomy- 5000ci, with 
convertible hipack) and Lowe Alpine packs. These are the brands the 
schools I work for use (NOLS among them) and they have proven themselves 
over many miles and months of use.

Best of luck- and hey, I recently talked to the Osprey rep (are you on 
this list?) he's a through hiker and friends with Weathercarrot, and he was 
very friendly and useful!  I love the new Advent he sent me.  

-Charlotte
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