need winter back advice.

The Vapor Trail might be a little small for winter use (GG says 3600 cu in, but that includes a nearly useless extension collar: the main pack body is actually about 2800 cu in). The VT does have a very comfortable framesheet if your pack weight is below 30 pounds, but a glaring negative aspect of the VT is lack of useable pockets. Even the side pockets are completely useless, as the elastic pushes out whatever is inside of them. For the same weight as the Vapor Trail, but with more volume, slightly heavier duty pack fabric, and much better quality of design, you could get a ULA Circuit. I have used both packs and am completely sold on the Circuit. Although, even it is a little small for my average winter loads.

Agreed- the Vapor Trail is too small.

I used to use a Golite Gust and now use a Golite Pinnacle which is a brilliant pack. It's all I use for winter backpacking and mountaineering these days.

Doug

Correction: the Vapor Trail volume does not include the extension collar. Here's a copy of an e-mail I received from GG a while ago asking the same question:

From linky, about 2/3 way down:

Granite Gear got back to me. Custom Service Manager Dave Johnson had this to say:

"Our pack capacity figures do not include the side pockets or the extension collar. In the case of the VT, it is just the main part of the pack."

http://crazyrunnerguy.blogspot.com/2008/05/splash-down-i-have-returned.html

I found a Pinnacle for under $80 the other day, so I'm going to give one a shot.

"Our pack capacity figures do not include the side pockets or the extension collar. In the case of the VT, it is just the main part of the pack."

At first glance, it seems that this quote contradicts itself. I would interpret this quote as meaning that, although their pack capacity figures generally don't include extension collars or pockets, they made an exception with the VT because the extension collar is part of the main body of the pack.

The first sentence states GG's rule of how they measure pack volumes. The second sentence is how that rule applies to the VT.

Also – I'm taking the VT on a two-week solo snowshoe trek this week. It's certainly big enough for winter. If you're looking for space for crampons and ice axes, check out the Alpine Vapor, which is the VT on steroids.

Linky: http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/technical/alpinevapor.html

You could also look at some of BD's packs. They are specifically built for winter applications.

I must just have bulky gear because the few times I have used my VT in winter, it was only very mild winter conditions with a low of about 20*F and I was able to get away with a 20 degree down bag and light down jacket. I don't seem to be able to fit both a 0*F bag and a suitable down jacket in a VT and have very much usable space left over for the rest of my winter gear, which is why I figure it's too small for real winter use. A 20 degree bag fits just fine though. I'd be curious about what sort of gear you're taking on your 2 week snowshoeing trip. How many re-supplies are you planning?

I'm doing the Superior Hiking Trail from the border to Two Harbors – Skurka's Icebox trip is the inspiration. I will be resupplying twice (Grand Marais and Finland) on day 4 and day 10.

Clothing linky: http://crazyrunnerguy.blogspot.com/2008/10/clothing-system-for-sht.html

As for non-clothing gear –

Pack: GG VT (medium torso, small belt)
Shelter: Integral Designs MK1 XL /w 4x SMC stakes
Sleeping: Marmot Col (-20) in GG comp sack; 2x 2/3 length closed cell foamers
Kitchen: Dragonfly, 1.3L TiPot
Emergency: FAK; repair kit; PLB; compass/maps
Hydration: 2x nalgenes in cozies; chlorine dioxide tablets or Aqua Mira
Poles: Komperdell Winter CF poles or BD Spires /w baskets

Some of the above can change (see linky). I'm going to be doing some testing this December (leaving early January) to fine-tune any adjustments.

Total base weight is going to be about 18-19 lbs, and packweight at trailhead will be about 32 lbs (2L water/5 days food). Skin-out will be Not too bad considering the tent and sleeping bag. When I initially thought about the trip, I was planning to use an OR Alpine Bivy, but decided against it as my only shelter. I also thought about doing a pyramid shelter, but there wasn't a light enough shelter out there when I purchased the MK1 (40% off from backcounry.com!). Now there is the MLD Duomid, but I'm worried about serious lake-effect snow and wind. I wanted a quick, no-fuss shelter of a reasonable weight. Also, my GF and parents are already concerned for my hide, so the more robust shelter (within reason) the better in their eyes.

On the VT: I find the side pockets very useful. Their stretch is the key. In summer, I use one side for extra clothes and food for that day, the other for navigation, FAK and TP supplies.