6000cubic inch bag

I have an Osprey Exposure 66. It's a size large and actually has a volume of 69 liters (4200 cu.in.). I can't imagine taking more gear than what would fit in it. It has a very strong frame. I bought it for an extended ski trip that called for strapping the skis onto the pack at times. That's what makes the 4.3 lbs. worthwhile. I guess it's a specialty pack but it worked for it's intended purpose.

If it weren't for having to carry the skis, I would go with a lighter pack. I have a 3 lb. Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone (3700 cu.in.) that's great for carrying lots of high volume winter type gear but IMO is not durable enough for strapping on skis.

Golite has the 5500 cubic inch Odyssey, which is listed at 3lb 8oz

That's an incredibly large pack for anyone but Mountain Rescue….I only know of 4 packs that large (besides the GoLite already mentioned).

Mountainsmith Phoenix…………..5675 cubic inches
Granite Gear Stratus Access……..5500
Jansport Klamath 85…………….5200
Jansport Big Bear 82……………5000

Addendum: An expensive thought, but you could go to the Master, Tom McHale, and have him custom make one for you.
http://www.mchalepacks.com

The gear guide also lists several packs by Serratus of Canada who no longer exist but whose pack designs are still made by MEC. I have a 5000+ CU Alpineguide that I got specifically for long self supported ski touring and mountaineerring trips in the Andes. I suspect the course you will be taking is not going to be SUL and you will be setting up a basecamp. In that scenario each student is usually required to carry a great deal of group gearincluding ropes, climbing equipment ( not necessarily low bulk or UL), food, fuel so you can easily get up to 5000 CU especially if carrying a pair of plastic double boots instead of hiking in in them. They usually assume high volume, but you can probably get away with less.

The serratus packs are very good for the weight.

Martin's right- you'll be carrying group gear such as heavy tents, some kind of group shelter, cooking stuff, pickets, rope, etc… not only can that easily up the volume requirements, but you may well be hauling over 50 pounds. I highly recommend trying on any pack that you might be taking with that kind of weight before buying.

On my week-long mountaineering course in the Cascades, one trip member had a very low quality pack and was in so much pain they refused to go on. They only way we could continue was to divide his gear- so I had 75 pounds (half my body weight), and all of my personal kit was lightweight. So, don't be that guy, but maybe be prepared if something like that occurs.

For what it's worth, the Osprey Aether 70 and 85 are some of the lightest true load-haulers out there. Otherwise, I really like vintage Dana Design Arcflex (Ebay). It all depends on what works for you- but really, try the packs on with real weight.

I have and used the Osprey Aether 70 and love it. although i do not think i carried more than 40lbs with it. I was hoping to use it for the course with Alpine accents, but they had the 5500 to 6000. So in the end I will have to end up renting what they have. Given that my goal is getting up Denali someday I will likely invest in a larger bag.

Bora 95 and old dana packs come to mind. I would check ebay out…

Oh yeah, the Cilogear 75 is supposed to be way bigger than its official 75 liters. It should be a great pack for what you are going to be doing.

http://www.cilogear.com/7511.html

I had a Bora 80 for a few years, replaced it with previously mentioned Serratus. Definitely prefer the weight of the Serratus but the Bora was very comfortable with big loads. But heavy!

Cilo Gear packs get the nodd from now defunct Alpinist magazine. (see alpine standards), have never seen one but they seem well built. You may also want to consider Wild Things Andinista.

If I was in the market I would get a McHale pack custom built.

I'm taking a mountaineering class later this year, but I can easily see myself filling my 5500ci Greogry Shasta. Big sleeping bag, thick pad, down booties, down belay jacket, lots of layers, a helmet, rope, pickets, slings, stove, extra fuel, 4 season tent….it all adds up.

I HIGHLY recommend the Cilogear 75L. The extension collar brings it up around 6000ci. If it's not big enough for the amount of equipment you'll be carrying then I don't think it would be a company I would want to do such a trip with.

I had a Denali Pro for just over 3 years and was not too impressed and I have had and do have a lot of packs. I would second the suggestion to try to find a Dana Design from Bozeman Arcflex as I had one and it was superb.

I would get a 6000 cu. in. pack as you will find that it handles what you need better and can be compressed down to be OK to carry. Smaller packs in winter mountain use are often a real pita.

My suggestion for this is to buy a Mystery Ranch G-6000 or get Dan McHale to build you a pack to suit. Packs of this quality and I have five MRs and one older Dana to judge from plus direct experience seeing McH.'s in action, simply work so well and are so durable that they are the best option, IMO.

Have a good time!

You might like to check Gear Swap. Jonathon Boozer is emptying his magic gear closet and has a Wild Things Andinista (Large) for sale at $115. I've bought stuff from him before and it's always been in as new condition.

Let's be realistic, it would be almost impossible for a non-professional to wear out all that gear. :^)

Rod

Another pack to consider would be the Osprey Argon 110 at ~6500 cubic inches, relatively lighter at 6# 5oz. I would definitely plan on carrying that additional climbing and group gear plenty of extra fuel and food, etc. Just because you're carrying the huge pack doesn't mean you need to fill it–stack it higher and closer to your back. Those Mystery Ranch packs (G6000) are pretty bomber reiterations of the old Dana Design Arcflex packs. I still have my Arcflex, and despite its weight it's still my favorite pack anytime I have to carry weight or bulk.

I'll backup all those suggesting Mystery Ranch packs. I used to lead 2-3 week self-sufficient ski tours in places like Greenland, Spitsbergen and the Yukon and found the Dana Designs Astralplane the most comfortable and stable pack for the heavy loads I carried. The Mystery Ranch G5000 and G7000 have the same excellent suspension system.

For loads that are merely heavy rather than extreme (40-50lbs) I like the GoLite Odyssey, which is much lighter than the Mystery Ranch packs.

If you don't mind the weight Mystery Ranch is the best I've found for carrying heavy loads. I still have my BDSB, now called the Kodiak, for expeditions. It now comes in a 6000 ci version called the Grizzly. I've also been pleased with my Wild Things Andinista, recommended above, which is much lighter than the BDSB. If you can get away with slightly less capacity, a ULA Catalyst might work; mine (XL frame with double framesheet) has let me carry 50 lb in relative comfort.

My trekking packs are my MR-BDSB and Futura Deluxe, now replaced with a slightly larger model called the "Glacier". I find that these two packs, complete with paired Longpockets and Fliptop Boxes plus a couple other acessories not of MR make will do everything I can even attempt in BC, Yukon, NWT.

I also am VERY fond of the MR NICE system and have both regular and "Overkill" frames, fitted with a 6500 bag, Crew Cab with Daypack Lid and Load Sling plus pockets as above. I have a "Three Day Assault pack for using on horseback to keep a little emerg. gear on me as I am not a great horseman. These are for hunting and fishing and I am totally happy with them.

The number of positive comments here on MR does not surprise me, they are that good. I will add that I have bought some Wildthings gear and it is great plus they are excellent to deal with.