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Re: [pct-l] Pack capacity for PCT truhike



Joanne Lennox wrote: As I say, when finally sewed up the last seam and loaded
the thing, it

> seems enormous, but the capacity is not that far off.  It becomes awkward
> without some internal stays because the pack simply "rounds" and the weight
> becomes distributed fairly far from your back and therefore the center of
> gravity is quite a ways from your body.  This puts a lot of strain on the
> back and other joints.
>
> Consequently I am thinking about cutting down the sides two inches which
> will give me a pack capacitty of 2639 cu inches.  And I really wonder it
> that will be enough.
>
> I am also considering various ways the thing can be loaded to make it more
> "square".  Any suggestions?

I use a cheap 3500 cu in. pack from which I have removed the stays.  It is able
to remain flat to my back because there is thin padding sewn to the back
panel.  I also use a cheesy day pack, and to keep it flatter to my back, I cut
a piece of 3/8" closed cell foam (the cheap stiff kind you can find as a
sleeping pad for $5.00) to the dimension of the back panel.  With the pressure
from the load pushing against it, it becomes stiffer than would be expected,
and helps the bag retain it's "true" shape.

So, you might try cutting out a piece of closed cell 19" by 32", and placing it
inside the bag, up against the back panel. You could sew it in, but I like mine
loose.  It gives me tired bum something warm and soft to sit on when the day
has ended.

Or, if you are using a closed cell pad other than a Z-Rest, you might try
forming it into a tube, and slipping it into the bag vertically.  Wedging your
supplies into the decreased space should cause it to form an oval (cross
sectionally speaking) if you concentrate making the force of the contents push
from side to side as opposed to front-back.  When I do this, I carry my
sleeping bag inside, and it forces the limp bag to assume the correct shape.

> I still like my old kelty, which is much lighter than the internal frame
> packs and should be fine for the trail, and which sits itself up for
> loading and you can shift around underneath, and wear ALL the weight on
> your hips.

As my kids would say, "Kelty packs are cool.  Heh heh heh".  <g>

Jeff

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