Hi ED,
You have a lot of differing thoughts. Basically, UL packs are not
heavy duty, like the Gregory packs. Lighter material, mesh pouches instead
of pockets, no adjustable straps, little or no structure, stitching is lighter, etc.
Once you get your gear down in size, and light enough to be called light
weight, it should all fit into an 1500ci pack or less. This is generally OK
for most hiking around the ADKs in summer. Or, a medium sized book bag
for comparison purposes. Food takes about 200-250ci per day, depending
on what you like to eat. All dehydrated stuff or high density (high calorie)
foods, of course. (Fresh fruits, vegtables, etc I will often forage for, soo,
I also bring a bit extra salt in the ADK's. Small green apples, make a
breakfast bits in oatmeal. Blueberries,
mustard greens, etc.) Soo, beyond the trails you mention, what else will you
be using the pack for? Often, I use mine for airline flights. Or overnight trips.
I use a 15oz Miniposa pack (old style, I think one of the first batches)
from Gossamer Gear. I have had it about three years, but it also has a few
holes in it. I also have the old G5 pack(look at the Gorilla), mostly for short
winter overnight trips (about 10oz after some modifications.
more...My daughter has the larger Gregory (I think it is the Boltoro) you are
looking at. When she goes, carrying comfort is her utmost concern, damn
the size and weight of the thing. We go UL for a weekend with me carrying
15# (including food and water) and her carrying 12# (including food and water.)
But, most of mine is gear. Almost half of hers is the pack, itself. Go figure...she
is happy with it. This is quite personal, soo, I cannot say. If it fits perfectly with
a 30# load after walking around the store for half an hour, buy it. You can't go
very wrong if your pack is under loaded, but fits *well*, as my daughters does.
I have a couple external frame packs, good for heavy loads. When I was
packing for the family, I used one or the other a lot. Also, I use them for long
duration trips on the order of two weeks out without resupply. Now days, they
almost never get used, though. For 7-8 days? The Miniposa will work. But,
you are reaching it's maximum capacity; I may have to drop something, say
the tarp, to get the extra food in.
Anyway, get your gear together, but this will probably not be the total
solution at the store. With any new pack, a rearrangement of where you put
things will happen. Soo, skip the small stuff. Generally, this will go in a ditty
bag (leave room for the bag,) or, stuff small items somewhere different that
you have been used to. Take it to the store. Load it up with 10-15# of extra
weight, to simulate food. Put it on and have someone knowledgeable adjust
it for you. Just fitting and adjusting a pack may take some time. Price doesn't
really matter, time doesn't really matter. What will matter is carrying the thing
120mi along some trail.
Again, someone mentioned thinking of your pack as part of a "system."
This is a very accurate statement. Going light IS a system of compromises
and making do with less than the perfect piece of equipment. A couple
examples:
1) A tarp with screening sown around the perimeter works well. A
hiking staff will hold it up, the screen should hang to the ground and
a bit more. This is an example of a compromise. It isn't a 6# tent. It
does allow wind blown mist to get through, it will not keep every bug
out. But, it will give you a dry place to sleep for one night, without being
eaten by mosquitoes. And it will weigh about 1#4. (I have been using
a Stephensons 2s for the past 3 trips for two people, at 2#14.)
2) A sleeping pad makes an OK pack structure. It just is not full sized
for sleeping. Nor, is it a rigid frame on your back. But it serves two
purposes, and increasing its value by much reducing overall pack
weight, increasing its overall usefulness. (With a few duct tape loops,
it makes a passable camp chair. It weighs about 8oz.)
Kind of easy to see what I am driving at. But, using tarp stakes for the stove
pot rest doesn't work for me. If it is raining (about 30-40% of the time it
seems these days) I set up the tarp, then do my cooking under it. Soo, where
are the stakes? Too much duplication can be as bad as single purpose
gear. For heavy duty hiking, you need load lifters, but, for UL hiking? They
are mostly useless, except at the start of a trip. Needed or not?
The system approach also works with two people. Why take two tents?
One will do. Split your gear, food, fuel, water, etc among 2 or 3 hikers. All will
benefit from the reduced need to take their own gear.
Solo is a difficult way to travel. Generally, you should have good
knowledge of the terrain, and environment. Do you need a full tent? Do
you have to have a full sleeping bag? Will the temperature vary a lot over the
course of the day? Will you be in forest? Can you light a camp fire? Are there
wildlife restrictions? What do you like to eat? And so on....All will effect your
pack load and all will effect which pack you choose. A solo hiker will need
to carry everything he thinks he needs.
Save size and save weight. You will be happier on the trail.
Soo, why do I have a variety of packs? Why are they different sized?
Why are some heavy framed packs? Why're some UL packs? Well, I am
sure you can answer those questions. Please, forgive the long winded
reply. I believe you can catch my meaning, though.
My thoughts only . . .
jdm
At 02:28 PM 7/15/2009, you wrote:
>Hello All, I am going to buy a new Gregory backpack. I be using this when I hike the JMT, PCT or the AT trail. In my JMT looks like there will be about 7 to 8 days on the trial before I get resupply my self. The Gregory Baltoro 70 weight in at 5lb 9 oz and holds 4,471 cu. in.(70 l) and the Gregory Whitney 95 wight in at 6lb 9 oz.and holds 5,797 cu.in.(95 l). What my fear is if I get the Baltoro there might not be enought space to hold all my food I will need. What I would like to know from all of your for those of you that goes out for 4 to 5 days and 7 to 8 day trips what is your pack capacity. Thank you for all the help you could pass my way. ED
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