Big Guy UL Backpack

I'm 6'6", 280, with a 22" torso….so I'd actually say you're lucky as I had a very tough time finding something to fit me. I'm also broad with a 52XXL jacket. All the same names "should" fit you that you can find throughout the forums (i.e. Gossamer Gear, ULA-Equipment, Mountain Laurel Designs, Six Moon Designs, Granite Gear, etc.). Basically, most of these manufacturers would consider you in their normal to large range. Probably a good starting point would be for you to know your torso size as that's more important than your height and weight. You can't go wrong with any of these manufacturers.

Yes you'll need to say "no this" or "no that" to lighten your load, but lightweight backpackers can find a way to be very comfortable with smart gear choices, dual use items, and in the end, by simply picking lightweight options for things they really want to bring (i.e fishing gear in your case). You can bring everything you need and still be very comfortable. At 22 pounds, there are probably a lot of concessions out there which you'll need to make. Others I'm sure will take more time to address them, but start with the big three and consider this: pack – less than 2 pounds (see above), tent/tarp – less than 2.5 pounds (tarptent.com, Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn, MLD, SMD, etc.), sleeping system – less than 1.5 pounds (Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Montbell, GoLite, etc.). Again, there are a ton of options to meet this goal (quite easily actually) and my advice is to buy the pack LAST as you'll need to know what you're going to put in it. There are many ways to go light and leaving stuff you actually want at home may make you miserable. Start with the basics. Throw in a set of DriDucks for rain gear, a lightweight alcohol or esbit stove, a single cup cook system, a minimalized first aid kit, mini Swiss Army knife, some basic layering (i.e. merino wool, lightweight down, etc.), platys instead of Nalgene's, keychain LED instead of a flashlight, closed cell pad instead of inflatable mattress, chemical water treatment instead of a pump, posseum down gloves and beanie instead of heavier options, etc., you'll make it under 10 pounds fairly quickly.

Basically….read Ryan Jordan's book…"Lightweight Backing and Camping" or Ray Jardine's "Trail Life" or "Beyond Backpacking"…all I believe sold on this site (or Amazon.com).

thanks, i believe you gave me the heads up on the MW Alpinlite. I love it first two times out. My long term plan is to get a new pack and then a solo shelter.

i already have a light 3 man shelter (Big Agnes Copper Spur) and I rarely go by myself so splitting that weight hasn't been an issue. that being said with the fishing in the beartooths i have more motivation to take a few solo trips.

i hate to give up the canister stove, because i love trail trout. i normally wrap it in aluminum foil then cook on my snow peak 900ti pan turned upside down. i have wondered if an esbit would work to cook a couple of aluminum wrapped trout. anyone know? may eventually take the plunge and buy it just to try.

i could eliminate almost 1 1/2 pounds with the lighter rain suit, but i am afraid not knowing the weather patterns of this area as well. the rain suit is also my cold weather stuff.

a tenkara fishing pole will be in the future plans. saving me 10-12 ounces.

anyway, i am leaning toward the go-lite or plus for a pack. i easily fit my gear in a 48 liter pack now so hopefully my little girls gear won't be to much extra. most of the time my wife will handle some of my daughters stuff. although my 3 man tent is all in my pack on the family outings.

Regarding cooking trout, check out Ryan Jordan's website http://www.ryanjordan.com/ and then look at this http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/zia_fabrications_titanium_grill.html. Nothing is lighter than nothing…meaning if you can get by with natural fires, you can leave the stove at home. Or how about the Caldera Ti-Tri sold by Titanium Goat. It is ridiculously efficient for an esbit stove because it traps the heat in the cone and therefore the cup is heated both from the actual flame and from the trapped gasses. It is much easier to carry an esbit tablet than a canister.

I'm basically the same size as you and I can say that the Pinnacle is a good fit. It's large. You can fit A LOT of stuff in it. Don't. It is rated at 30 lbs but without an internal frame you carry most of that on the shoulders.

I love the Pinnacle… in fact, I ordered a Jam2 since it saved some ounces and is a more realistic volume for me.

Good Luck! I can't wait to hear more about your trout fishing :)

with that stove you use a standard esbit and just place the cone around it? correct? hmmm…if so it might be what i am looking for.

i know the fire this the lightest option, but in some case i am above treeline so fires are not a possibility. i would like to be prepared for those situations.

as far as the mini grill. i usually just throw the trout in aluminum foil and place it on hot coals, directly. seems to do the trick, the grill would offer more uniform cooking though. although i have no problem with what i have been preparing without it on hot coals.

I started with a med, then a large, and finally got an extra large and it fits. I also curved the stays more dramatically to fit my "barrel chest" and my back. (the barrel chest was a term that Casey at ula coined for me) I needed the longer shoulder straps that the extra large comes with. The catalyst will have the extra volume you will need when you have your daughters gear also.That,s my vote.