Light expedition pack

Going on an expedition, Ryan?

I’ve used an Andinista for years and years and have had loads up in that area. Not the most comfortable carry, but doable. I have been known to put my tent poles along w/ the foam pad in the pad sleeve. This helps somewhat. Alpinists are known masochists, I must warn you.

I know that Ryan Jordan speaks glowingly of the British-made Crux packs–ProLite Gear sells them in the U.S. They do look impressive.

The largest ULA pack, the Catalyst, might do the trick. I would talk to Brian, the proprietor, about ways to beef up a couple areas (like the bottom) to carry 50 w/ assurance.

I would look for ways to get that 5500 cu. in. volume down to size. Bulky loads get in the way of serious mtneering.

These days, I try not to carry 50 #’s. Bad form for those in the SUL movement! ;-)> We must set a good example.

All spectra Kelty Cloud – close to 5500 cu. in.

>>Going on an expedition, Ryan?

I am not sure what sparked my interests in high altitude mountaineering, but I now have another life goal. the seven summits. In addition to the triple crown. I am not sure if you noticed But I havent posted very much here lately, I have devoted my extra time to Rock climbing and expedition research.

I have looked into some mountaineering courses, That I will take mabey next year, And switched my patagonia trip to an aconcagua expedition, Quite a trip for a young guy but, I will be 15 or 16 then and will have been cross country running, swimming and backpacking for several years. plenty of exercise, I will be fit enough. And between now and then, I will go backpacking and snow shoeing in the winter as much as possible, and go on some easier trips like rainer and other mtns in the cascades, so I will hope fully have enough experience for the big mountains.

I have been looking for the lightest gear possible, I am still an ultralighter, but am trying to get the recomended gear and that is 5500 cu.in. I am sure with the gear I will have, I wont need this large of a pack, what size would you recomend, for mountains like Denali, Vinson, and aconcagua? all other 7 summits dont require a large pack and other mountaineering trips, that I will not need a guided expedition, I will judge myself.

thanks

Maybe http://www.cilogear.com could be of interest. They’ve got a pack that may be large and light enough: 60 liter worksack expanding to 90 liters.

Maybe one of the best “big (80 lts) expedition classical (bombproof and comfortable) technical (minimalist design) pack” is the BERGHAUS EXTREM EXPEDITION.

This pack is a very, very, specific design (one big, high altitude, expedition pack) relatively light (less than 4 lbs ;-), really simple design, and comfortable with heavy loads.

http://www.berghaus.com/the_gear/view_product.asp?product_id=626&product_hierarchy_id=31#

to find in the berghaus page check … http://www.berghaus.com —-rucsacs —-load carrying—men’s— extrem expedition

http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1031

I think Is exactly the pack that you are looking for …..

the bad news is …. Is a really difficult to find pack …. And check carefully the back sizes….

The CRUX ak 57 is a good pack (but smaller)

Check POD sacs too (pod xpod)

http://www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_POD_56.html

I recommend you read this three excellent articles about alpine packs

http://www.planetfear.com/article_detail.asp?a_id=444

and this one about this topic specifically

http://www.psychovertical.com/?hybridexpedition

http://www.psychovertical.com/?perfectsack

carlos Fernandez
spain