3000+ cu in Front loading pack

Hi Avram,

Though I have never used them, many photographers use the Kelty Redwing packs. The one that you would be interested in is the Kelty Redwing 3100. Photobackpacker has a modified Kelty Redwing 3100 with the factory zipper replaced with a waterproof zipper. This pack weighs 3lbs 8 oz and they sell it for $129.99.

Here is the link:

http://tinyurl.com/ys7dad

Photobacker also offers the GraniteGear Nimbus Access FZ Backpack. This is a 3800 cu in 4lb 90z backpack that they sell for $249.50. Again, I have never used the pack.

Here is the link:

http://tinyurl.com/23kuvz

Personally, I normally use my custom made McHale 5000 cu in main compartment Panel Loading pack. I have specific camera cases that I load into the McHale Pack; these cases hold up to my 4 X 5 Linhof Technikardan 45S or my Toho Shimo FC-45X and lenses, etc. along with my backpacking gear. Though for shorter trips, I am in the market for a smaller pack as well.

Rich

Take a look at the new GoLite Lite-Speed.

The Nimbus Latitude or Latitude vapor by http://www.granitegear. Both panel loading, and a very comfortable suspension. I own the Nimbus ozone, and REI locations carry various models; you can search that from GGs website. None of these packs qualify as SUL packs measured in single digit ounces, but you have to try this suspension to believe it. It distributes the weight over a large surface area using conformal foam.

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Not widely available anymore, but you might be able to find the discontinued Mountainsmith Ghost on the cheap. I know Sierra Trading Post had em for around $70 for a while (no longer it appears). If you can get one at a discount, or possibly eBay, or maybe even from someone here, this would be a great panel-loading pack for you. Around 3000 c.i., great suspension, well built, 2 lbs. Again, not SUL but a quality pack with many many adherents. For a while, I think every other AT thru-hiker was using one. There's a reivew on BPL.

To follow up on my own post, there are two Ghost packs for sale here at BPL (well, posted here, one on ebay). Here are the threads:

Medium torso: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/5942/index.html

Lon torso: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/6151/index.html

I've played around with both Granite Gear Latitude Vapor (LV)and the Mountainsmith Ghost, and for me anyway, the Ghost is much quicker to pack and much easier to use. I find the LV's double zippers and myriad of side straps tedious.

The Ghost has truly usable side water bottle pockets that can easily accomodate 32L bottles or bladders — and unlike with the LV, you can easily pull out and put back water bottles without needing to take off your pack.

I really like the Ghost's bottom compression straps, because they enable me to strap my tent outside. When it's raining, it's a good thing to access the tent without needing to open up and rummage through the rest of the pack. And when striking camp, I can pack and zip up the Ghost under the protection of my tent, then take down the tent and attach it to the pack. The Ghost's bungee cord is great for storing my rain jacket. Rain jacket and tent aside, I prefer to store everything else inside my pack.

The GoLite Lite-Speed appears to be very similar to my beloved Ghost — except for the absence of bottom straps (which can be added pretty easily). However, the Lite-Speed does boast two hipbelt pockets that are actually sized to be usable. A big plus in my book.

Obviously, all the above reflect my own preferences. YMMV and in any case, whichever pack you pick, fit and comfort will be foremost.

Thanks all for the replies.

Rich, your lead to photobackpacker.com was very useful. I talked to them on the phone and am going with the Nimbus Access FZ Backpack, mainly after they confirmed that the center line buckle clips can be used to carry a tripod vertically. (I used to carry my tripod horizontally, swinging at the bottom of my pack and that was a pain.)

Photobackpacker is currently beta-testing an all inclusive system that combines a backboard, a C10115 case, and dividers that you might be interested in. I didn't get all of the details as I have already own a pelican foam insert that works for my dSLR camera and gear: (sorry for the BandH link, but their picture and info are better than Pelican's)
http://tinyurl.com/2e9ol2

Actually, there are quite a few Pelican foam inserts of various sizes:
http://tinyurl.com/257m4x

Thanks again
Avram

I just received my GoLite Lite Speed. As someone like Ben who really loves his Ghost I was delighted when GoLite came out with a pack that is very similar. In some ways even better. The Lite Speed has a robust material that, like the Ghost's, can take a little abuse. I haven't had a chance to test it out yet, but the slick surface seems like it might prove to have quite a durable water resistence. And the hip-belt pockets are one feature that I really missed on the Ghost (and which I supplemented by running bungie cords between the side pockets and ends of the hip belts and hanging OR's zipped silnylon pouches from them). I find the hip belt pockets a bit small, but they're better than nothing. Like the Ghost the font panel's zipper runs 2/3's of the length of the front, allowing enclosed storage space for the sleeping bag. The whole pack is narrower than the Ghost and a bit taller. Plus, there is a top pocket that is accessible from outside when the pack is closed. The two side pockets, while a little shallower than the Ghost's, are easily accessible and hold water bottles quite well.

Ben, one thing about the Lite Speed that might make the bottom straps unnecessary is the huge front pocket. It is big enough to hold your tent (especially if you use something like the TarpTent Rainbow or a tarp) with room to spare. I'm not sure that bottom straps would be necessary. I sewed a mesh pocket to the outside of my Ghost, and that did an adequate job for holding compact shelters, but the panel space on the front of the Ghost doesn't allow for much addition.

I'm really looking forward to trying the Lite Speed out in the field. It might actually replace my Ghost as my favorite pack. I didn't like early designs of GoLite, like the Gust, which I felt were very sloppily sewn together and used overly cheap materials. The LiteSpeed really surprised me. It's a great pack.

Hi Miguel

You know I just noticed that about a year ago you asked about Elk – you may have located them in the interim, but this is their website. Really, really good people.

http://www.elkinc.co.jp

Miguel:

Thanks for posting your initial impression of the Golite Lite-Speed. Hope you have an enjoyable field test soon!

I am most curious which pack is more comfy at 25lbs pack weight…