rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 19, 2021 8:17:27 GMT -8
I will note that I think a top lid is useful, and the more so if you can use it as a lumbar pack (even though I don’t like them). But I totally went with weight minimization, and that definitely means no lid.
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Post by liv4mtns on Feb 19, 2021 8:19:41 GMT -8
where did you get your lid for the ULA Catalyst? I don't see any listed on their web site. We recently just purchased 2 Circuit packs from ULA. My wife got the top lid on hers based off of Brad's post in another thread. When I called to order, I just asked them to include a top lid on my wife's pack. I don't even think they charged me since we purchased 2 packs. Both of ours were custom builds.
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Post by Coolkat on Feb 19, 2021 8:20:33 GMT -8
SO packs are really designed with hunters in mind, and some of the features offered are carry-over from those offerings into their "backpacking" packs. I think they're fine packs, and a fine Co. I appreciate your response. And I realize that SO as a company is mostly aimed at hunters. I would have probably never heard about them but I listened to a "Backpacking Light" podcast where they interviewed owner. Which got me looking at their website.
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Post by cweston on Feb 19, 2021 8:22:52 GMT -8
All of the reasons/benefits I see listed could also be achieved with a gallon ziploc inside of the pack at the very top. As mentioned in this thread, some lids weigh over half a pound (plus buckles on the pack to hold the lid add even more) while a large zippie is under an ounce, that's a big weight difference. A zippie inside the pack is probably more water resistant that way as well (esp comparing a lid to a zippie inside a roll-top pack made of waterproof fabric). I do find this idea intriguing. If, as I suspect, I find myself switching to a no-lid, roll-top pack in the near future, I may try it. I agree with bradmacmt that a more durable bag like dyneema (or even mesh, if water-resistance is not needed) would be more sustainable: I'm picturing the zip-top failing by about day 2.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 8:23:43 GMT -8
Lots of good discussion here, but I'm still on the fence whether to get the Line Loc lid for my Granite Gear Blaze 60. This pack has two stretchy side pockets and a stretchy front pocket which is vertically narrow. When I take off my jacket and/ or an insulation layer during the day, I secure them tightly under the straps of the roll top because the stretchy pockets are usually occupied. For day hikes I prefer a lumbar pack, but I also have the ultralight sling pack which can hold the equivalent of a 20 degree down bag, a shell jacket, and a fleece shirt. I had that setup GG Blaze 60 and Line Loc lid for a season. I really did not like that lid. I did not find it adjustable enough. In contrast, the pack I used the most for years was a Deuter 65+10, and I was used to that lid. It could easily be raised/lowered depending on how much junk I was carrying. That lid attached with adjustable straps both front and back. The Line Loc lid I had did not attach that way. It was kind of adjustable in the front only. I found it a pain.
The outside stretch pockets for any of my packs, are always occupied. My tarptent went in one side pocket, a tripod and water filter system in the other. Rear stretch pocket had rain gear & insulated jacket. Small stuff went into my lid. I'm still fiddling with the setup on my newer Catalyst. Just switched tents too, from a TT Scrarp1 to a Stratospire, which is smaller and could fit inside, but I prefer to carry my shelter outside so I don't have to open my pack and dig it out in a rainstorm, but that's another thread. Anyway - you could get the lid, try with and without it, and if you really don't need it sell it on Ebay. I got full price for mine.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 8:36:07 GMT -8
where did you get your lid for the ULA Catalyst? I don't see any listed on their web site. We recently just purchased 2 Circuit packs from ULA. My wife got the top lid on hers based off of Brad's post in another thread. When I called to order, I just asked them to include a top lid on my wife's pack. I don't even think they charged me since we purchased 2 packs. Both of ours were custom builds. just sent them an email about that. I may go back to my old curmudgeonly ways...........
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Post by cweston on Feb 19, 2021 8:51:10 GMT -8
Just switched tents too, from a TT Scrarp1 to a Stratospire, which is smaller and could fit inside, but I prefer to carry my shelter outside so I don't have to open my pack and dig it out in a rainstorm, but that's another thread. I have a Stratospire 2p, which I love in almost every way, but it is a little on the long side, rolled up, to go into a pack horizontally (which is my preferred method of carrying a tent, at least a reasonably dry one). I actually prefer to stuff tents rather than roll them, but the struts in the Stratospire make that pretty-well impossible, and removing them every morning seems like too much of a pain.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 19, 2021 10:17:40 GMT -8
I had that setup GG Blaze 60 and Line Loc lid for a season. I really did not like that lid. I did not find it adjustable enough. In contrast, the pack I used the most for years was a Deuter 65+10, and I was used to that lid. It could easily be raised/lowered depending on how much junk I was carrying. That lid attached with adjustable straps both front and back. The Line Loc lid I had did not attach that way. It was kind of adjustable in the front only. I found it a pain. Thanks for explaining your experience with the Line Loc Lid. The Blaze 60 will likely be my pack for several years, so the LLL is probably my best option if I want/need a lid. Chances are I'll carry it only when I need extra capacity or plan dayhikes from base camp. I've read quite a few user reviews of the LLL, and most are very positive. Of course, My Mileage May Vary.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 19, 2021 10:59:38 GMT -8
I’m reminded also find a front and rear lid adjustment convenient so I can overstuff the main compartment as I try and keep everything within the main body for balance snd security. When the load gets “taller” I can square the lid directly above the main compartment, not leaning forward awkwardly.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Feb 19, 2021 11:05:59 GMT -8
I’m reminded also find a front and rear lid adjustment convenient so I can overstuff the main compartment as I try and keep everything within the main body for balance snd security. When the load gets “taller” I can square the lid directly above the main compartment, not leaning forward awkwardly. That works really well on the McHale. I had him add 6" of neck at the top that could be a roll top, but could also hold a second food bag, and he made the straps long enough for the lid to work well like that.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Feb 19, 2021 11:39:16 GMT -8
To me a zip gallon bag is just one more piece of plastic in the world...I could certainly see a zippered Dynema bag. Well we certainly can cut down on plastic by turning to nylon, polyester and polyethylene. True that ziplocs aren't as durable as ripstop nylon or dyneema or whatever else a pack lid or small organizer bag may be made from, but they usually last a long time for me. I actually use a small cuben roll-top rather than a zippie as my ditty bag but didn't want to sound like a snob
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 19, 2021 11:47:32 GMT -8
I’ve rip stop nylon small stuff sacks a college gf sewed up for me, that sort of “plastic” stays useful a few decades longer than a disposable ziplock baggie. Or any other plastic sheet material for that matter. Woven has better overall durability than sheets in uses where it’s going to get wrinkled, with those focused stress points at the apex of each wrinkle. It’s why Henry Shires recommends only rolling his Dyneema tents.
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Post by bradmacmt on Feb 19, 2021 13:40:46 GMT -8
bradmacmt: where did you get your lid for the ULA Catalyst? I don't see any listed on their web site. pinner, you have to order it as a custom add-on at the time of mfg. My Catalyst is completely custom to my specs, right down to frame size (in between a L and XL). I've owned a number and tried a number of different alterations to their basic design.
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Post by bradmacmt on Feb 19, 2021 13:50:34 GMT -8
I actually use a small cuben roll-top rather than a zippie as my ditty bag but didn't want to sound like a snob Not a chance of that with me! It's funny this whole topic came up here as I've been contemplating a ULA Circuit for short trips (with top lid, but mostly to be used without), and have been looking at zippered Dynema "pods" to use in lieu of the top lid. Hyperlight Mtn Gear makes just such "pods" www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/stuff-sacks/products/pods But I may just find a maker on Etsy to do one for me. I've met one sewer there that does excellent work and will do it to my specs for less than the HLMG. I'm a complete pack nerd... always have been. I'm at peace with it. I started bping in 1975, but switched exclusively to internal frames in 1978. My first was a Synergy Works. I've owned a small warehouse of internals since that first one... I suppose there are far more expensive interests
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2021 13:53:53 GMT -8
I had that setup GG Blaze 60 and Line Loc lid for a season. I really did not like that lid. I did not find it adjustable enough. In contrast, the pack I used the most for years was a Deuter 65+10, and I was used to that lid. It could easily be raised/lowered depending on how much junk I was carrying. That lid attached with adjustable straps both front and back. The Line Loc lid I had did not attach that way. It was kind of adjustable in the front only. I found it a pain. Thanks for explaining your experience with the Line Loc Lid. The Blaze 60 will likely be my pack for several years, so the LLL is probably my best option if I want/need a lid. Chances are I'll carry it only when I need extra capacity or plan dayhikes from base camp. I've read quite a few user reviews of the LLL, and most are very positive. Of course, My Mileage May Vary. Driftwoody - I was not being critical at all of that lid! it just didn't fit my needs at the time. That combo was a great setup. Only reason why I sold it is I prefer a wider vs taller pack, and the Catalyst was exactly what i was looking for. I need room to toss photo gear for weather protection, but this is another thread. If it fits your needs, you'll be very happy with that setup. They make great gear. bradmacmt: where did you get your lid for the ULA Catalyst? I don't see any listed on their web site. pinner, you have to order it as a custom add-on at the time of mfg. My Catalyst is completely custom to my specs, right down to frame size (in between a L and XL). I've owned a number and tried a number of different alterations to their basic design. Thanks - that was the reply I got from ULA. they can't do any custom work now because they say 'it's thru hiker season" but said to contact them later this summer. In the meantime, I'm going to work on changing my old routine to fit the new pack.
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