Help picking a pack

3000 ci main compartment or total including mesh pockets?

If the latter I highly recommend the ULA Conduit at 20 ounces or the Golite Jam2. If you want a bigger main compartment look into the Six Moon Designs Comet at 24 ounces.

Those are just a few suggestions, there are many other packs that would serve you well.

Hi Ken, I will assume by your Vapor Trail that you are looking for a framed pack.

Frameless packs opens up a whole bunch of sub 22ox options, depending on if you are willing to go under approx 20 lbs and want to deal with using your pad as a frame. Is that something you are willing to consider?

Frameless is actually what I am looking for. Sorry for not adding that in. I have a Conduit and sold it due to thinking that my Vapor Trail was the equilivant. Actually I might think about purchasing one again, when Brian opens shop again in Dec. Been thinking about a Go Lite Jam2 also.
Thanks for the replies!

I just got back from a 2 week trek with our scouts. We all had some sort of lighter packs.
4 Go Lite Pinnacle
1 REI UL 45
2 Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus
1 Gossamer Gear G-4 (sewn by the scout)
1 Go Lite Jam 2
1 Granite Gear Vapor Trail
1 Gregory Z-Pack (The older one) that weighs about 3 lbs.

I personally use the Mariposa Plus. I like the exterior pockets. The ability to stuff Platypus bottles, fishing pole, rain gear, cups, etc. on the outside was really nice. One adult said I looked like an itinerant salesman at times. I never got close to using all of the space (even with the bulky food given to us at Philmont Scout Ranch). I use a Torso Lite pad for support. It also has carbon stays inside the pack. Funny, it seemed to fit a bit different each morning, but after a bit of hiking it found it's sweet spot and I never thought of the pack again.

The Go Lite packs were nice, however, everything had to fit inside. I don't think they had the capacity of the Mariposa Plus. The adults and 1 kid that have them liked the fit. They had no capacity problems. It does have 2 pockets on the outside that water bottles can fit into for easy access.

The Vapor Trail was nice. Just a big pocket. I bought this for my nephew. He said he like it. It was way better than the external frame pack he used on his last hike. The draft collar goes quite high for addl. storage.

The Gossamer Gear G-4 could have taken on much more gear than the 12 pound base weight that was in the pack. He used an REI 1.5" short pad.

The REI UL 45 was a bit small. Just enough room for his stuff.

I don't know if that helps. I like my Mariposa Plus due to it's storage capabilities.

Scott

I'd like to get a really light pack, but would like stays and a supportive (not necessarily heavily padded) hipbelt due to a bad lower back.

How well do the add-in stays for the Mariposa (etc) work ? Are they straight – and uncomfortable against your shoulder blade tips ? Do they carry a heavy load without sagging any better than a polyethene frame sheet, or rolled foam pad ?

Also, a lot of people mention they use their pack as insulation under their legs when sleeping. Do you need a pack with a foam back for this to work well ? (

Thanks.

The Mariposa Plus has straight stays. I know one of the earlier reviews stated it would be better if the stays were curved. I don't know if the newer packs will have that option. The stays are inserted in separate pockets on each side of the pack on the inside. There is also a pocket for a 2L bladder.

I use a TorsoLite as my pad. The pad makes up the frame of the pack. It works for me. Early in the morning I notice the pack fits against my back from top to bottom. However, after wearing it a bit and adjusting straps a bit, I find the pack rests on my shoulder blades and my lower back not really touching my back. That is a comfortable pack for me. I was carrying a heavier load than normal last time I was out. I probably had 28 lbs. on my back the days I got food resupply.

I typically use the pack under my legs since the TorsoLite is so short and I can feel the cold on my heels. I sometimes put it under my knees and it seems to work well. It lays pretty flat since there isn't much there. Philmont does not allow us to take a pack into a tent. Respecting their rules, I bought a 1/8" Thinlite pad from Gossamer Gear. That was enough to insulate my legs. The only problem is the pad tended to bunch up so I didn't always have the pad where I wanted it. I think I may have to add some silicone to the bottom the keep it from slipping.

I really don't have issues with packs not fitting. At the end of the day my pack was the least of my worries. Most of the time when the group stopped I just left it on since it felt so comfortable. The hip belt is wide enough, but, unless you add padding there is not much there. With the loads I carried it wasn't a problem. I usually carry a pair of thin glove liners there. They got wet in a rain storm so I took them out. Didn't really notice a difference. I think heavily padded hip belts are overrated.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Do you plan on being on trails most or all of the time? Or will you be off-trail some?

The sil packs are not as durable as some of the other UL packs from ULA, GoLite, or Six Moon. I tried a Mariposa as my first UL pack and it carried great with around 18 lbs but I had some small tears in it from the first trip I took it on that were stress related. I carried a ULA Conduit on my last trip and find it much more durable for the minor weight increase. Of course, it doesn't use or need stays for the weight I typically carry.

I'll mostly be on overgrown trails or bushwacking through "open" forest. I anticipate regular contact with deciduous tree branches, but not with evergreens, brambles, or rocks.

I purchased a Golite Pinacle for myself and a Jam2 W for my wife. We chose these because they had a foam back that could be used under our feet when using our short pads. We are both very happy with them. They are quite durable as well.