anyone with experience with both the arc’teryx altra and gregory baltoro?

Anyone?

Those are both large heavy packs designed to haul heavy loads. They're probably not the sort of packs that people on a lightweight backpacking forum would be familiar with. You might get better response on a more traditionally oriented backpacking forum.

You're more likely to get gear input from individuals here who regularly backpack with full base loads that weigh less than both of those packs alone.

Wrong forum for the feedback you're seeking.

Search the forums and find out how you can eliminate those packs from your decision making and go lighter.

Andrew,

I have Altra 75. The height of harness is adjustable. The waist belt is not soft. I do not feel they need to break in. The padding is very comfortable. I especially like the rotation of the waist belt, which can keep the center of weight shift less.

Hope it helps.

Yang

Thank you yang…. that's what I was looking for… have you found the firmness of the waist belt to cause bruising or hurt? Or does the rotating hip belt prevent this? I've been a bit torn on what to expect.

Thank you

Andrew,

You are welcome. I feel the firmness and everything is perfect. Basically it is typical craftmanship I expected from Arcteryx (if you do not mind the weight of the bag). It is very comfortable. The rotating belt helps becasue the weight will be evenly distributed on both side of the hip when you walk.

Yang

I spent a fair amount of time with the 75 loaded up (about 35 lbs) and it felt like nothing……..

I by no means am UL or SUL, I just cut weight where possible does not decrease my overall comfort….. as I frequently haul over half may packed weight in photo gear alone, a comfortable back is critical to me. I started out with a gregory baltoro 65…. and while it is very comfy/plush, it's HEAVY, more than the weight, I dislike the layout and design of the pack. I'm not crazy about sleeping bag compartments for 1 and I feel like there are a million misc pockets but very much dislike the odd shapes they were designed in. I don't feel they are useful whatsoever. I like the simplicity of the arc'teryx design, LOVE the large full length front exterior pocket (for tent body and rain gear), am very impressed with the rotating hip belt, and adore the suitcase style opening (I also very much dislike top load packs). The overall simplicity of the design with the incredible access has drawn me back to the altar 65 (was my initial 1st choice but it sold out locally when I was enroute to pick it up)….. I keep missing the orange one in size regular on ebay and as soon as I find one at a reasonable price point, I'll pull the trigger.

I bring a montbell ul ss #1, exped synmat ul7, lightweight cookset, alite monarch chair, cacoon pillow as my staples. I bring a flash 18 for day adventures away from camp when we can set up a base camp, an osprey water bladder (to give structure to the flash 18, some sandals, extra socks, a pair of shorts, silk weight or light base layer/sleep gear, a tab micorlight, rain shell, 1 spare underwear, 1 spare shirt, and a big agnes ul3 (split between my gf and dog). then you add on a pro body camera 1-2 lenses, a mountain smith monopod/hiking staff, small 1st aid kit, headlamp, and a bandana. Carefully pack food and watch weight on that end being mindful of our packed weight and tend to stick with freeze dried meals. Also a katadyn hiker is a guilty pleasure with a weight penalty…. No UL by any stretch, but I've carefully selected each item in my gear closet to maximize comfort while keeping each item at as low a possible of weight without getting as intense about the decisions as many do on this forum….. I went through a weight weenie phase in my cycling so started with a weight conscious approach since day 1. I've added "luxury items' frequently when I determined that i can't sleep in a tarp with bugs and rodents running across my face, need an actual pillow, find sitting on the ground ruins my evening relaxation and I pace around camp or lay in the tent, lack of a comfy mattress and I don't sleep (granted i'm on ambien daily as it is)…. What I don't require is clean clothes daily…. if I get dirty, I can wash them in a river and let them dry……

I take from the amazing principles of forum members and utilize their shared wealth of knowledge whenever possible…. Admittedly, I have loaded up FAR less for quick overnight solo trips and been fine….. I don't over pack…… just a bunch of non essential "essentials"…. oh and a paperback book ;)

Happy trails