Need a new pack suggestions

I have used Fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak and it's comfy. But if all you want is 2,000 c.u. and 20lbs of carrying power (or close to it) — you can go even lighter with no sacrifice in comfort (YMMV of course) by also looking at Zpacks — the Z1 in particular.

Z1 starts bare bones at under 5 ounces(!) — and there's a plethora of a la carte add on's to enhance usability.

But how well do they hold up to abrasions? I just want to make sure that the packs is still working 5-10 year down the road.

Z1 wont last 5 years, Ill tell you that. I have one.
what you want is a ULA Amp.

If you're willing to carry an extra 4-5 ounces, the Dyneema Gridstop packs from Golite and ULA are more likely to meet your durability requirements.

That is what I thought. The Amp looks okay but I would feel more safe with an extra 400 cu in of interior space. I would like to have something more to the durability of my Granite Gear Vapor Trail which this will be replacing.

If only the Ohm had panned out! Still, you'd be able to drop 11-12 with a Conduit or Jam2, and both are highly regarded. I own the slightly larger Golite Pinnacle, and I've been very happy with its performance.

Same durability for about a pound? Get the GG Virga.

Except that the Virga is about 1,6+ in a long and I am wanting to keep it under a pound.

What did you use for padding on the Thompson Peak? I will be using a BA insulated regular air core. Do you think that would work? How would you rate the Thompson Peak's durability?

I would say the material is somewhere between silnylon and Dyneema. If you hike a lot and this will be your only pack, I am not sure it will last you five years — unless you are particularly careful with your gear.

As for the Zpack, I wouldn't view it (or any other silnylon pack) as "sole workhorse pack" for the next five years either — even though Joe Valesko, the owner of Z Packs used his on his AT thru hike.

My own take: I have two packs —

(1) A reasonably robust and reasonably light weight pack for most uses — mine is the discontinued Mountainsmith Ghost — weighing similar to your Vapor Trail.

(2) An insanely light silnylon Z Pack — for trips like hiking up Mt. Whitney — where I am more focused on getting all my gear light — versus demanding 5 or 10 year longevity out of them — and hauling the extra poundage!

The same goes for my tents and other major gear pieces as well — I have two tents — one comfy / reasonably light and durable, and one that's super light.

Golite Jam2 will be very durable. Backcountry.com has a 20% off sale now so you can get a good deal.

The Jam2 will be a little over 1 lb but you can lighten it by removing the foam backpanel, hydration bladder, etc.

The Jam2 is more in the 3000 cubic inch range but a lot of that is in the extension collar so a 2000 cubic inch load will fit nicely.

About two weeks ago I heard from Brian at ULA that the OHM project is not dead, just on-hold until some specialized pack materials become available. If Brian can get his hands on the raw materials (I don't know what the hard-to-get commodity is), then OHM will rise again.

But… if you need a pack now that's not much consolation. Brian thinks 2008 is a longshot, but it all depends on material availability.

I think that is the way I am going to have to go. Just keep the Vapor Trail for the long and cold treks and use the little day pack I have for the short or warm hikes.

It's not the lightest nor the most durable… but given what you wrote above, I think it's a great balance between the two and should complement your Vapor Trail — similar to my "two sets of gear" approach as described. I think you'll like the Thompson Peak.

Don't forget the MLD Zip! It's only 10 oz, and made of tougher silnylon than most other packs.

Brett,

Durability, Weight, Price & Capacity are important but don’t forget Comfort.

Most pack sizing can be as personal as buying a pair of good shoes. What fits one may not work for another.

If possible try on what ever pack (loaded) your interested in before purchasing.

Regards,

Roger

Just to let you know, I had to special order the Vapor Trail where I live now on just what I have read because I couldn't find one or anything even remotely close within a two hour drive.

I think I will ask the Fanatic Fringe guy if it is okay with him if I can try the pack out for a day or two and if not satisfied, return it.

But I thank everyone for their help so far

You might want to take a look at the Six Moon Designs Essence Pack. 13-17 ozs. 2000 ci in the main bag plus several pockets and expansion room if you need it.
It comes in 3 sizes.
Tom

The Thompson Peak is a great pack; it is very simple, but is my pack of choice for medium capacity loads between 12-18 pounds. I use a MLD Revelation for smaller loads and a GG Miniposa for heavier loads, but this pack is my most commonly used one. I agree with Ben; the pack is between silnylon and Dyneema in terms of durability. I have had mine for almost three years and hiked several hundred of miles with it, and it looks totally fine. Mine has the hipbelt (which transfers the weight to my hips effectively), and I would say seventeen or eighteen pounds is the limit for me. While I would like a little wider and more padded shoulder straps, they get the job done well for the loads I described. Like I said, it is pretty cheap, weighs 10.5 oz. with the hipbelt, has 3600 cu. in. of space, and carries a sub-20 pound load with few problems. Great light pack with plenty of durability for most users. I really like mine.:)

If youwant to stillbe using your pack in 10 years then you should go out of your way to find a pack made from Dyneema. That is amazingly tough stuff for the weight.

I agree with Allison. If you want light weight Durability go with packs constructed of Dyneema. I have had a GoLite Gust past for three years and it has held up great. And I am hard on gear. GoLite has replaced the Gust with the Pinnicle. I have been waiting to wear out my Gust so I can justify buying the improved Pinnacle but it may be a while….the down side to Dyneema.