Larger Volume Pack Recommendations/Advice

I'm sure you've already thought of it but what about the Fusion 65? I was thinking of this before I read you already have the Fusion 50. Do you not like how the 50 carries a load?

Hi Don,

I like the Fusion 50 and find it carries incredibly well but the pack volume is misleading. Both the 50 and 65 are sized optimistically and include the front, side, and hipbelt pockets in the total volume…..so based on that and most reviews regarding the 65L here on BPL, though a BV500 or Bearvault Weekender will fit vertically, it doesn't seem to leave much room for remaining gear (especially when hiking with family).
SMD is apparently tweaking the next version and when I contacted Ron he said it would be more true to size (more main pack volume)….but most likely won't be available to early fall which is too far off for me.

Cheers

Thanks for the heads up.

I know this isn't UL but a friend of mine has an Osprey Exos 58. I think the Med is 2lb 8oz but you can remove the top "lid" which save about 6 oz. It seems to haul well and looks HUGE to me. They sell them at REI. Although, since coming over to the dark side I purchase less and less from Rei I will still buy from there every chance I get because of convenience and return policy. Just a thought.

Hey Christopher, not my own experience but…

Last summer on the JMT we talked to a Catalyst user who was almost finished a JMT yo-yo, and he was very enthused about its carrying abilities. Capacity is HUGE (a BV 500 fits sideways), and he did some very long periods between re-supplies and seemed really happy with it.

Another choice with good capacity would be the brand new Seek Outside Divide 4200. Although the packbag is "only" 68L, you can put the bear canister outside, giving you all 68L for other gear. The bag is rated to 50lbs, and is built on a variation of the Unaweep frame.

I remember those days of carrying for the family. I had a Gregory Shasta that weighed over six pounds empty. 4-person car camping tent, huge Coleman white gas stove, giant first aid kit, etc. 65+ pounds. Still gives me hives just thinking about it….

OK, so these days I would get a Catayst. I did try that Exos 58 hoping for a lightweight high volume winter pack, but the external frame dig into my hips in a most painful way — I think it's designed for much skinnier people than I.

Good luck and have fun.

Thanks for the insight……I'm really leaning towards the Catalyst as I prefer to carry the canister horizontally. Per Chris at ULA, the width of the Catalyst is 13" (BV500 is 12.7") so should work nicely.
If I pull the trigger, will probably ask for an additional side compression strap to cinch down/reduce volume when needed.

I was in the same boat last year. I first tried a Fusion 65 but it wasn't large or comfortable enough. Then I tried Unaweep 3900 which could both handle the all the extra gear and weight family hiking involves. The Unaweep is not only comfortable with 40+ lbs but also with 20- lbs loads. I am now down to two packs the Unweep and a day pack.

Cheers,

ck

I have been most happy with a MYOG pack using an Unaweep frame and belt. Limited experience so far but so far I like it.

Of course it depends on how old your kids are, and how far you are going. If the trips are short you might just buy a $50 pack off ebay to haul group gear. This is what I did in 2012 when I was taking kids on very short backpacking trips. The weight savings weren't worth the money because the kids got tired way before I did even with a heavy pack.

Look at the medium to larger Osprey packs.

Their newer suspension systems are very comfortable – the best I've found to date. REI carries most Osprey models.

I'm really happy with my Catalyst. I have used it with a BV 500 carried sideways comfortably. Volume is plenty for me but I'm not carrying for the family. I've not gone beyond 25 pounds with mine. I do like how the pack works with smaller loads.

Thanks so much for all the recommendations…..

@ Luke: "Of course it depends on how old your kids are, and how far you are going. If the trips are short you might just buy a $50 pack off ebay to haul group gear."

My kids are 12 and 14 so the larger volume pack is more for carrying a BV500ish size canister horizontally in the pack. For the most part our gear is rather light so it really is not weight that is the concern but volume. We normally are in areas where a canister isn't required but dislike the idea of a 4lb-5lb pack (though there is a good deal now with 35% off at STP on a Gregory 60L pack that takes the price to under $130 w/ free shipping).

@ Eric: Planning on an REI trip this weekend to check out the Osprey Packs.

Cheers & Thanks again

OK, based on another thread here, I've been looking at the new Zpacks Arc Blast. 60 liters, 24 ounces, supposedly will carry 40 pounds in some comfort. Might be worth a look.

Ken, I think you mean the Zpack Arc Haul, the Blast has been around for a number of years.

What? No one recommending this pack? I have many posts here touting its large loadheavy weight abilities if you search. I have no affiliation with the company, but highly recommend their gear.

Derrick

HMG Porter……many good reviews. Though I'm a fan of cuben tarps, I prefer a more abrasion resistant fabric for packs. With the heavier cuben hybrid material, the weight savings is pretty minimal over dyneema and living in SoCal the increased water resistance/proofness isn't a selling point for me.

Along with the Paradox Unaweep, ULA Catalyst, and HMG Porter mentioned above, you might look at the Exped Lightning 60, Cilogear Worksack, or a McHale if you can swing the dough.

"you might look at the Exped Lightning 60, Cilogear Worksack, or a McHale if you can swing the dough."

@Bradford: Tried the Exped Lightning 60 and though a nice pack, it just didn't fit me well. As this larger volume pack will be used only when a BV500ish size canister is needed (which is occasionally), I will forego the McHale route. If this were to be my go-to pack, I'd strongly consider McHale.

Thanks

I took the 60L Arc Blast to Philmont last summer. I carried up into low 40's without any issues whatsoever.

If it's the right volume for you, I highly recommend it (assuming it fits you well. Like shoes, many packs sold these days may or may not fit you well. Try it on a shorter trip first, just to make sure you are satisfied with it.)

I haven't carried it yet, but have heard and read nothing but great things about the Elmental Horizons Aquilo, which is supposed to be about 68L and a great load hauler.

Though the Aquilo is a 68L pack it has a narrow profile so a BV500ish size canister will not fit horizontally (At 13" wide, the Catalyst will).

Thanks, Link, you're right – it's the Arc Haul. Had a brain lapse.

Thanks for the heads up. Surprised it's not wide enough to hold a BV500. Going to check how wide it is compared to a Bearikade.

@ E J: The Bearikade Weekender is 10.5" in length as compared to 12.7" for the BV500. The Weekender would most likely fit horizontally in the Aquilo….but as I only use a bear canister occasionally, the cost vs weight savings over the BV500 isn't justified.

exped thunder 70 Trying one out and so far feels v good Excellent write up on sectionhiker about the pack for questions. I cannot comment on the feel of the pack vs the Lightning