[pct-l] FW: [BackpackingLight] Lightweight packs with hip belts

To answer the query from Fallingwater...

(thoughfully forwarded to me by my friend Read Miller since I have had to avoid reading posts to conserve time recently)

Yes, we are accepting orders for the G4 pack. Right now the custom production is slowly ramping up, and there is a waiting list. We will have a website up soon at www.gvpgear.com with all the information. We are selling the custom pack for $140 + $5 shipping and handling. This is for $30 in materials, $80 I pay to have it sewn, and $30 to cover general overhead. As soon as I can, I intend to have a batch of 50 made commercially. You will have no choice of color or options, but I think I will be able to get them out the door for $70 + shipping and handling. I am not looking to make a career out of this... just trying to get a pack that people seem interested in out there for as cheap as possible. A quick rundown on features...

4400 cubic inch capacity (including pockets)
Large-capacity side mesh pockets for carrying drinking bladder and quick access items
Back mesh pocket to allow gear to dry while hiking
Uses Z-Rest pad for “frame” on outside of pack so you can pack up while sitting down, or take it out during rest stops
Shoulder straps designed to accept unused clothing (like sleeping socks) for padding, reducing pack weight
Waist belt is wide to distribute load, and is also designed to accept padding, or can be used as pockets for non-crushable items
Double-back reinforcement of shoulder and waist straps
Double-stitching of main pack compartment
Expanded sleeping bag area to minimize loss of loft by over-compression
Shock cord closure allows quick stuffing of extra clothing into pack without opening
Built-in loops for drinking tube
Weighs only 10 – 12 oz. (exact weight depends on how close you trim the straps and what options you select)
Customizable – you select the color and features you want

Hope this answers most of the questions. If people are interested in either the custom or off-the-shelf model, they might drop me an email. If there is enough response, I may go for an initial run of 100, so that people won't have to wait as long.