Backpacks

Jason,

Believe it or not, a month ago I was exactly where you are.

I was looking for something with a minimal frame but enough support for approx 25 lbs.

I settled for the Atmos 50 cause the Vapor didn't provide me with enough support (however, at 20 lbs it was fantastic). It may also have had something to do with the actual fit and body type.

You can try the Vapor at your local REI, cause it seems to be a natural choice that fits in between the Golite and Atmos. However, you should check out the ULA packs with optional stays… they might provide a little more support than your Golite with less weight than the Atmos.

Jason,
You get no sympathy from me if you don't like a 3# 1 oz. pack. My REI Cruise UL 60 weighs 3# 6 oz. W/ 2 add on side pockets. I love this pack. Sometimes ya gota have a decent amount of padding, stays and space and that will weigh a BIT more tham a d@mn fremless lump made of the most gossamer ripstop.

But my much older, former "state of the art" Dana Designs Terraplane weighs SEVEN POUNDS EIGHT OUNCES!

So just cowboy up and tote yer puny 3# 1 oz. pack!

Eric
P.S. See the McHale site for some perspective on pack weight vs functionality & comfort.
"It's all relative."

Jason:

Six Moon Designs – Starlight (30 oz with dual stays, 4200 cubic inches, top loader) or Traveller (31 oz with dual stays, 3800 cubic inch, panel loader)

ULA Equipment – Circuit (32 oz 3750 cubic inches with delrin and CF hoop)

I've taken a similar path as you and ended up at the reality that I could go lighter with my pack. After looking at a ton of manufacturers, and then getting realistic that some frills are necessary unless I planned on replacing my pack every year or so, I ended up purchasing two ULA-Equipment packs. The quality in the workmanship and fabrics is outstanding – something I can't say for all manufacturers. The weight of each (depending on what you pick) is also signficantly less than other lightweight manufacturers and and a long distance distance from the mainstream. For example, ULA's heaviest pack, the Catalyst, holds 4,600 cu/in and is only 43 ounces. Their lightest, the Amp, holds 2,600 cu/in and weighs a scant 10.6 ounces. Check them out, it was worth all of my research and waiting…. http://www.ula-equipment.com/

Jason,

I've been using the Atmos 50 for over a year now, these tips maybe stating the obvious but I'll toss them out there anyway.

I always slide my 3L bladder in the open space behind the mesh backing, freeing up alot of room in the main compartment. If you do this I recommend getting a quick coupler attachment for your reservoir hose, allowing you to pump water into the reservoir without digging it out of the pack. On trips when the pack is going to be jam packed with gear, load the outside pockets before the main compartment puts tension on them. Unfortunately, the Atmos along with all other top loading packs will always be a bit restricted in easy access.

But the real good question to ask yourself is why do you have 22lbs of core gear? Find some ways to shed the extra weight and then the frameless packs won't be so rough on your back.

I use to have the atmos 65. It was a great pack but a little too heavy. I was able to shave about 10 oz of weight off the pack by removing extra webbing and the top pocket. I'd think that you would be able to get the weight down close to 2.5 lbs.

Well here's what I did since I really like the Jam and I wanted more interior space than the Atmos. I took an old Z-Lite pad I had around here and using the padded frame from the Jam as a pattern I cut basically an extra framesheet if that's what one could call it and put them both in there. Then I dropped the 3L bladder and put a 1L platypus in each side pocket. A few extra small things out of the pack that I didn't need and this pack is very comfortable. I need to weigh this as I think it's probably a lot lighter than 22#. I also rolled up my prolite inside as extra rigidity and that really helps. With the bulge of the bladder gone and the extra padding and rigidity I'm much happier.

I'd like to add a few things though; does anyone know if the hipbelt pockets and UL toplid from granite gear will fit this pack? I'd like a place to store my camera and gps at fingertips reach. I prolly don't need the toplid but I'd still like to know if it fits. Thanks.

I made a light frame sheet for my jam2 out of a campaign sign. It works great and weighs 2.5 ounces. Just an idea.