starting over

I got the new Osprey Exos 58 last month and used it for a winter trip to the mountains just to see how it handled a heavy load. I carried a gallon of water so as not to have to melt water as it was storming (the reason for the trip to see how a tent would do in it) and I did not want to melt snow. I had the pack stuffed and was at 40 lb starting out. That dropped a bit as my shells had to go on immediately.

The 3700 cu in pack, which weighs 2 lb 9.8 oz for my size Large, handled the weight very well. I am looking forward to getting some long hikes with it later this year. It may work for you.

As far as tents go I have a Tarptent Squall which has the netting and floor and weighs 2 lb 2.1 oz. It has a lot of room and I have had it in a snow storm, although I do not recommend it for that. If you do not use trekking poles you will need to add for some tent poles.

As I prefer a free-standing tent I paired a BA Seedhouse SL2 with carbon fiber poles and Ti stakes to give me a 2 lb 15 oz total package weight.

Hi Don,

A shoulder reconstruction is pretty big surgery, let alone it being surgery #4. I'm sure you have probably considered this already, but have you gotten a second (or third) opinion with the shoulder specialist at the largest university hospital in your area, preferrably one that is up to date with the latest arthroscopic techniques? I am not a medical professional, but have worked with orthopedic patients and nurses in the insurance field for the past few years, and it seems that larger shoulder repairs often could be minimized and better outcomes could be had with those surgeons who have the most resources at hand.

Just a thought, and again, I'm sure you have considered all this.

Chris

>"And another thing, I did not say he HAD to use a frameless pack. If you really need one, 6-7 lbs. baseweight is not bad at all."

I am chilled out, Brad. I know that sometimes it's not about ounces and grams. That's why I said what I said up there.

I was just upset that Scott was telling him to ditch his ultralight practices for traditional heavyweight philosophy.

There is nothing wrong with attempting SUL and leaving leeway for your framed and comfy pack.

Don, certainly get a pack that is best for your back. When I suggested oyu go SUL, I assumed it would be good for you to have baseweights that low. There is nothing wrong with going SUL on all gear except your pack, because you need it.

-Evan

Me, I would be looking for a second and third medical opinion. Four attempts? Too many.

On the matter of packs, it is worth noting that while males can carry frameless UL packs, females very often have more problems. It has become clear over the years that many females need a frame on their packs, and a different frame from that used by males, because their spine and hips are different.
If you are having problems with your shoulders you should be looking at a framed pack which will take 90% of the load off your shoulders for maybe 5 years. And you should be doing some serious physio for 6 months too.

My 2c
Cheers

Homemade "rayway" pack= 8.5 oz.
HS TT-Contrail w/ 8 stakes= 29.5 oz.
20 degree quilt w/stuff sack =30 oz.
_________
68 oz=4.25 pounds

I'm taking those three next weekend and the frameless is totally comfy.

Don,
Have you considered the Tarptent Rainbow? It's a great fully enclosed tent with a 9 sq.ft. vestibule at 2#.

hey all,thank you soooo much for all the feedback so far..it has been very enlightening..I am currently checking out the McHale website..but to be honest it's a little confusing,I wanted to send Dan an email seeing as he is a member here but could not??anyway as far as the 2nd and 3rd opinions for the shoulder..well this Doctor that did my last 1 and wants to do this 1 is very well respected as being 1 of the top ortho guys on the coast..I had to be refered to him he handles problematic sports injuries..I did 3 months of intensive rehab last time,felt good and think I went back way to fast to a more then needed weight. I want to get a pack that will take most of the load off the shoulder..the McHale's appear to be an investment piece,which I have no problem with.they get great reviews and givin the quality will be worth it..I like the idea of not constantly replacing worn out light packs..but I would like to be able to explain the features I WANT and have a true fitting pack that will last and be done with it..I have looked at the ULA,MLD,GG,GOLITE lines and still have not found 1 that incorperates all that I seek.same kinda goes for the shelter system.though I do like the GG ''the one''I want a side entry,storm worthy,full bug protection,covered entry for cooking and enough storage for my pack and other gear.I want good ventalation..but don't want wind wipping under the shelter,it definetly has to be big enough to sit up in without touching top.(I am only 6ft)and wide enough that my bag doesn't touch..I don't like the coffin feel AT ALL..the bag hunts still kinda continues.I really like the WM bags..but not opposed to others.I don't anticipate taking it into deep harsh winter..but still cold enough..and of course need something for the summer months..I would rather have 1 bag that fills all needs .but I see that may be impossible..so a good fall/winter bag.such as a versalite and possibly a quilt or summer type bag.for warmer climates.I guess I am searching for "magic bullets" here..but this is the most light,quality oriented site that I know of so again I turn to "YOU" for advise..please keep suggestions coming as I do check out all your ideas out..thanks again.Don

does anyone know if you can get a MLD Duo Mid with a bathtub floor and netting in the 13.5 spinntex XP??I think that would fit my needs on the shelter front..
and on the McHale packs I like the spectra grid version of the windsauck p/g..but I want water bottle pockets AND belt pockets and do they make it with a MESH kangaroo pocket on the back for wet gear.all the kangaroo pockets appear to be solid? and I like the summit type lid over the top..can either of these be done..?

Don, as far as the DuoMid is concerned, word is that Ron (Bell, owner of MLD) will be coming out with a mesh insert with bathtub floor this spring that fits the DuoMid. If I remember correctly, he is estimating the weight at 11-12 oz. With the SpinnTex, that would make for a really versatile, stormproof, bugproof shelter at 25-26 oz. total. Personally, I would accept the 1.4 oz. weight penalty, save some money, and go with the silnylon version. For less than 2 oz. I think the gain in durability is worth it.

As for the McHale packs, you can have them set up just about anyway you would like as they are completely custom. Dan can make the frame more or less beefy, there is the P&G option, and there are options as far as the backpad material. They have some of the coolest (and biggest) belt pockets out there. Don't know about mesh for the kangaroo, but I would just ask those guys. If they won't, I'm sure they would have a good reason for it.

Sounds like we're eyeing the same pack; a Windsauk with a kangaroo, 2-layer summit flap, and belt pockets. I'll probably go with the P&G, to maximize volume/weight carrying potential (never know about water carries on desert hikes) and spectra shoulder straps (so varmints don't chew on my sweaty straps). I've done a couple long (+7 day) hikes, and really want to do a couple more over the next few years. This seems like the best pack for the job, while still keeping the weight down.

Also Don, if you aren't familiar with the "SUL", "UL", "LW" designations, don't worry. It's a bit silly really. I think we all want to carry as litle gear as we are comfortable with, and have the gear we take to be as light as possible. But if the gear is so light it fails to perform as expected, whether that be comfort, durability, versatility, whatever, then that gear is somewhat useless. I'm not saying don't worry about weight, just don't let it be your only consideration. There is something to be said for products with a long service-life in this disposable society of ours.

hey that insert for the Duomid sounds like the ticket to me I will keep an eye on his site and here to see when that hits..that setup would move into my top 1-3 choices.and your right it would proubly be smarter to go the sil-nylon route for durability and save a little$$ (MORE $$ FOR THAT McHale PACK)lol..I am talking to another member here about a new McHale pack they have for sale ..so that would be 2 major pieces of the puzzle solved..and I think the WM bag for fall/winter/spring is an easy answer..I am still open to suggestions for the summer type quilt(SYNTHETIC) .that it seems I may need..so any suggestions there..fire away everyone..something in the 1 lb range good to around 40* I suppose.thanks everyone that has given such good advice

If it were my shoulder, I would go with the LuxuryLite frame and hipbelt (and like Roger seek several more opinions before going under the knife again). You can attach any kind of sack or pack to this frame (or buy the cylinders-not to my tastes). As a female I agree that we are very much more sensitive to carrying weight on them, and so far the LuxuryLite is the only frame I have found that completely eliminates shoulder weight. The optional front pack may also be to your tastes and may help keep the load on you hips, but it didn't suit my hiking style. It's a bonus that the frame comes with a built-in seat, and you can easily attach an umbrella to the top. I currently use the LL frame with a modified GoLite Gust attached. Very very comfortable.

The other option that works for me is to up-size an internally framed pack. Make sure the torso is long enough that with a full load the load lifters will lift the shoulder strap well above your shoulders. No way would I recommend an unframed pack without load lifters.

hey Lynn,thanks for the info..but I think I have solved my pack problem with a McHale pack.but yea I had looked at the LL packs..didn't really care for the cylinder things..I agree they are nice,but I think the McHale fits the bill for what I need.thanks though..Don

Don,
Good choice! Youll never regret purchasing a McHale.

Hey Don, check with a forum member here named Tim Marshall. He has made some quilts for others; I haven't seen his work, but everyone who has stuff made him just raves about the workmanship. He also gives some great MYOG tips and advice.