Best Pack from REI

Not to sound like a cop-out, but there is no best pack. They've all got their pros and cons, and your personal needs will differ from everyone else. If they're all at REI, then plan a day or two, and go load them up and walk around the store for awhile in with each pack on. You'll find out quickly which one suits you best!

My best pack is not your best pack, is not Ryan Jordan's best pack, is not Andrew Skurka's best pack. The best pack for you is the one that fits you best, and is most comfortable and functional for your needs. Good luck!

Plus, you're comparing 4 very different packs.

Maybe not apples to oranges, but certainly different varieties of apples.

Also, I'll say this, consider carefully your pack volume for you go-to pack. I honestly have a very hard time filling my SMD Starlite, even with 7+ days worth of food. Therefore, my much smaller capacity Gorilla, is currently my "go-to" pack.

That being said, if you're interested in the Exos series, I'd consider the Exos 48 (assuming it fits you nicely), as a great pack to get you moved into the lighter weight packs. As you acquire more UL gear, your necessary pack volume will probably decrease alot, as you a) leave crap behind that you don't need, and b) buy UL gear that generally seems to take up less space.

>That being said, if you're interested in the Exos series, I'd consider the Exos 48 (assuming it fits you nicely), as a great pack to get you moved into the lighter weight packs.

+1

I filled an exos 34 with "traditional" gear in a store and still had room for food.(freaked the staff out they thought for 4 day trips I would need a 70L.) lots of factors on picking a pack.

Matt, I have a new GoLite Quest used maybe 1 or 2 times that I'll sell you for $95 and you can use your dividend for something else like a SteriPen or Smartwool stuff, etc.

I really liked my Flash 65 and youd probably love it too. With the REI 'lightweight' gear I used before learning from this site I had too much space in the 65. Try out the Flash 50 because it might fit you better. Both of these have excellent reviews on REI.com from many people who will be putting more weight in their packs than you will. I used mine with a 27lb base weight (not including 10 days of food) to hike the JMT and I was very happy with it.

I tried out the Exos and the straps and hipbelt were a little flimsy for my liking.

The Vapor Trail's problematic points are that it has no hipbelt pockets, the extension collar is un-usefully long and makes it hard to get in the bag, and the pack straps go over the side water bottle pockets.

Hope this helps!

"I'm new to ultralight backpacking, and I'm gradually exchanging my regular gear for ultralight alternatives."

Given you are still making changes — the pack that you need to carry your current gear "today" may well become the wrong pack for you "tomorrow" in terms of size, carrying capacity, and weight!

If I were you, I would devote the money to swapping out other gear pieces (particularly your sleeping bag if yours is still on the heavy/bulky side). Once you have settled down to an overall "system" that you are happy with — you can then shop for a pack appropriate to that "system".

Finally, no worries if you don't spend your "dividends". Come July, you can always get them back in cash.

+1 Ben

I have to agree with the above statement. I purchased the Vapor Trial from REI when I first joined this site. I was buying UL gear left and right. I thought for sure the VT would be the right pack for me… but I quickly realized that the pack volume was way more than what I currently need. I can literally fit all of my gear in about 1/3 of the pack. With a current base weight of about 5 or 6 pounds, there is no need for a 2lb+ pack. It's now sitting in my gear closet. I've modified it the best I can to remove excess weight, and will be used for higher volume trips during the winter months.

Save your money, focus on refining your gear list, and then buy a pack that will do the job for you.

That said, if you don't mind losing a little money… buy and resell it at a later date if that better suits your needs. You might find a good used pack here on BPL.

I have the REI Flash 65 and I love it. I bought it when i first started lightening up and I still like which surprises me. It's not too heavy, packs really well with smaller volumes and is very handy for other family outings as well.

I would plan carefully and mirror the opions of many others. Your big 3 (pack, shelter, sleep system) are going to be your largest investment in money and weight.

For the most part, REI does not have the best offerings in these three categories. I would resist the temptation to spend your dividend on these items. You might be better served to take the cash and purchase from one of the excellent UL manufacturers. If you really end up going ultralight, these items purchased from REI are going to end up in your gear closet.

You would be better off to send the money to me for my sage advise :)

Or you could use the dividend to swaddle yourself in some sweet merino wool. I would advise against buying a pack before you have everything else worked out. I would also suggest picking up a real UL pack from one of the many cottage companies, as opposed to a 4 lbs pack that says UL on it. Or are you the kind of guy that gets racing stripes on his car for the 5 HP boost?

Adam

Thanks for the advice guys! There are some great suggestions here. I still have some ounces and volume I can shave off my cooking and water purification systems. I will give serious consideration to getting the SteriPen or a couple of other items and wait on changing out my pack. My REI Mars 85 pack is heavy, but it fits me well.