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Need recommendations on a roughly 50L pack

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Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
Jason Green
PostedMay 27, 2012 at 8:57 pm

Hi all,

I've been reading thread after thread about this and decided to finally post my questions. I'm currently in the process of thinning out my gear, minimalizing weight and reducing bulk. I'm at a baseweight of 14lbs and looking at an ideal of 10. I hammock camp and my longest trip at this point would be 14 days. With that I'm looking at roughly 35 lbs with food.

I recently bought a 62L Flash from REI and love the fit but just can't justify the space. I'm really looking for a REI flash 50 but have yet to come across one (except on Ebay). With that said I'm still open to other ideas. I'd like a pack in the ballpark of 2 lbs but while being comfortable at 30 lbs +/- 5 lbs. Oh and here's the kicker: I'm in college and very frugal. Looking for sales and used gear.

Now I'll sit back in awe of all of your wisdom and experience!

Thanks.

Steven Paris BPL Member
PostedMay 27, 2012 at 9:10 pm

My first thought is a Granite Gear Vapor Trail. This was a mainstay pack for UL'ers as a good 50+L load carrier. I still have one as a back-up or loaner pack b/c I didn't want to get rid of it. GG doesn't make this anymore, replaced by the A. C. Crown 60. However, you can still get them, including at Next Adventure, a local store here in Portland (but only short + long torsos). Here:

http://nextadventure.net/granite-gear-vapor-trail-backpack-en.html

I think a search on ebay should turn up some more.

James holden BPL Member
PostedMay 29, 2012 at 9:30 am

whatever fits best and is reasonably light and cheap …

it doesnt matter how perfect it is on BPL if it doesnt fit you … try on as many packs as you can and then decide … with weight and for hours, a hike if you can

Don A. BPL Member
PostedMay 29, 2012 at 9:30 am

GoLite Jam 50L. I don't have the new model but I've been using the old one for Sierra trips where I need to carry a bear canister. You can't beat the sale price.

Jason Green
PostedMay 29, 2012 at 11:14 am

Thanks for all of the tips and suggestions. I ended up going with a Osprey Exos 46 based on a lot of recommendations elsewhere. I'll comment with my impression once I get it.

Doug Wolfe BPL Member
PostedMay 30, 2012 at 3:17 am

+1 golite jam!
I use my jam during the shoulder season for trips up to 4 for days.. Its a mean mother of a pack.. An for me its pretty comfortable up to 35lbs… An as said before the price cant be beat..jam loaded down

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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