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Post by nstone on Jul 18, 2016 7:50:10 GMT -8
I'm looking for a backpack in the 55-65 liter range that splits the the difference between load-bearing and ultralight features. I've carrying a Baltoro 65. It's extremely comfortable, but heavy and out of step with the rest of my gear (which tends lighter). I'm looking for something that saves weight without compromising too much on suspension and padding. I do have to carry around 40 pounds on occasion. Already looked at the Atmos and some Granite Gear packs, but hoping for other suggestions. Thanks!
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 18, 2016 8:04:19 GMT -8
Look at ULA packs. The Catalyst will haul 40 & under. The Circuit is good for 35 and under. Both wonderful packs.
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Post by Coolkat on Jul 18, 2016 8:29:06 GMT -8
I use an REI Flash 65 and I've had 40lb loads in it before with no problems. However, mine is several years old now and I'm sure some things have changed on it.
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Post by dirthurts on Jul 18, 2016 8:44:57 GMT -8
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Post by wacissakid on Jul 18, 2016 9:28:53 GMT -8
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Post by trinity on Jul 18, 2016 10:03:20 GMT -8
I just ordered a 2014 Fusion 50 from Six Moon Designs. I won't receive it until later this week, so I can't yet offer anything from personal experience. It is a bit smaller than your specs (and some have reported that it is even smaller than 50L), but most reviewers have said that it has a great suspension system, and can haul a pretty serious load. This pack is a design collaboration between Ron Moak and Brian Frankle, founder of ULA. At 36 ounces, this is a very light pack, though not in the same class as the (very expensive) cuben packs from ZPacks, HMG, etc. Best of all, this pack is being closed out, and is selling for $100, a pretty unbelievable price. I hate buying a pack without trying it on, but as spec'ed, this pack fills a need for me, and I feel the cost makes it worth the risk. Might be worth your consideration. |
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talus
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Post by talus on Jul 18, 2016 10:38:08 GMT -8
I hope your torso is on the shorter side. I tried one and it wouldn't adjust out enough to be comfortable for me. I got an Elemental Horizons Aquillo to replace it. I absolutely love it. I've never had more than about 30 pounds in it, but it is very comfortable and weighs in at about 2 1/2 pounds. |
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Jul 18, 2016 12:38:08 GMT -8
Have one of these and found it to be very satisfactory. The issue with the older version is access and durability of the side pockets. It's a fine pack and extremely cost effective. On the upside, the capacity seems more like a larger pack. The hip belt sticks to the Greater Trochanter like glue. Is somewhat of a fiddle-factor setting it up for fit but worth the fine tuning. In the end I converted to the Hyperlight Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest. Both packs are "no brainers" which is a major factor in weight reduction. The advantage of the HMG is the material, Dyneema formerly known as Cuben Fiber, which is waterproof. I sacrificed a bit of comfort in favor of waterproof material and the associated higher price We have an Atmos and no longer use it due to discomfort on multi-day treks and more features than needed. A friend purchased a Granite Gear pack. However on his first trip with me in the Grand Canyon, some stitching unraveled and it was subsequently returned. This is likely not representative of the product line. Many are loyal to GG. I recommended the Fusion 50 as a replacement and he is pleased with it. ULA packs are the most common among long distance hikers followed by the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. The optimal choice is to select and purchase (3) packs from different OEM's. Go for best fit and what appeals to your likes and matches your gear and budget. Return the (2) unused packs for credit. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2016 17:32:59 GMT -8
I just got a Granite Gear Blaze ac60 for the same reason. Less than 3 lbs. I deliberately loaded it up for a 4 day trek in WV with about 35 lbs of junk just to see how it carried. VERY comfortable and workable. At one point I added 4 liters of water to handle a long walk to a dry campsite. It was heavy, but very workable.
EDIT - something to consider if moving to a smaller volume pack, is how you tend to pack things. The GG Blaze is a top loader, one big compartment, with three big stretchy outside panels. I always had the tendency to pack my goods in stuff sacks as small as possible to save on volume, but that didn't work well with this pack. I ended up stuffing items such as sleeping bag, clothing, (the items that usually took up the most volume) in much larger stuff sacks, so they would compress flat in the bottom of the bag. I kinda figured this out in the middle of my 4 day trip, and was amazed how much space it 'added' to the inside of my pack. The mesh panels easiy handled my tent, rain gear, and anything else I would need during the day. It rained 2 out of the 4 days on this trip, so it was nice to not have to open the pack to get whatever I needed.
Point is - there are some great choices out there, and whatever brand or style you choose will involve some compromises, and some new skills to work for you.
Kinda the fun part of gear madness eh?
Oh yeah, I had just purchased a Gregory Baltoro to replace my older pack. but returned it for the Blaze because it was lighter. For me, it was an excellent decision.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Jul 31, 2016 0:21:25 GMT -8
Have you gotten it yet? If so, what do you think of it? |
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Post by trinity on Aug 8, 2016 5:01:51 GMT -8
Have you gotten it yet? If so, what do you think of it? Sorry I haven't replied, been away on a family camping trip. I haven't gotten to field test the pack yet, but I've loaded it up with some weight and walked around a bit and I like it quite well. I agree with the reviewers on BPL who have said it is a bit on the small side for a 50L pack. Also, I have a pretty thin waist (I usually wear 31 inch pants), but the medium hipbelt fits me well. It is well built, and the harness is very comfortable. I think it is going to be perfect for short warmer weather trips, and you can't beat the price. I live in Round Mountain and work in Marble Falls, so if you'd ever like to check it out in person, let me know, I could meet you somewhere between here and Austin if you like. |
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Aug 10, 2016 8:56:06 GMT -8
 I was thinking more along the lines of "comparing notes"...I already bought one. (Shame on you for posting a link!) Anyway, you're right about its being somewhat "smallish" for a 50L pack. The pocket on the front is sorta small too, but I don't usually carry much more than rain gear or windshirt in there anyway. I've only stuffed a pillow in mine to check for volume (it's small), and walked around with it on for a very short while. I need to check it out for fit with my "hammock kit" in it. I think it'll be sufficient for most of the short trips I usually take. |
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Post by trinity on Aug 11, 2016 9:05:27 GMT -8
Ha, I should have known! Sorry to have been an enabler. But it really is a sweet pack for the price. Like you, I will mainly be using it with my hammock kit for shorter trips. I'm really looking forward to getting out with it--after we get past this beastly weather!
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Aug 12, 2016 6:51:02 GMT -8
There's also some new lightwt pack offerings for late '16-early'17 from the outdoor show in SLC: News include Granite gear is updating their Crown Vic with the Crown2 (same wt./more support) and Sierra Designs is coming out with their "Flex" pack that can go from 60L to 40L designed with input from professional guide/thru hiker Andrew Skurka (has a lot of straps, but it may be perfect for light winter/bringing snow stuff ... hmmmm).
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Post by mocs123 on Aug 19, 2016 15:01:58 GMT -8
Seek Outside Divide Under 3lbs but has the frame to carry 100lbs if your legs can handle it. Made in Colorado  Honorable Mention HMG Porter |
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