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Help with pack choice…

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Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
Chris Murdock
PostedApr 11, 2013 at 7:29 pm

All,

I would love to get your input on choosing a pack. I am in the process of transitioning to LW backpacking, in fact waiting on a MLD Mid. I am extremely motivated since reading Andrew Skurka's book.

Here are my needs…

I am 6'1" 260# (body type athletic/competitive power lifter), and will begin section hiking the AT this year with my 9 y/o son. I fully understand the rational of not utilizing the largest pack, but due to additional carry requirements with my son in tow, I think I need to allow for additional space. My thoughts are having him carry no more than 10% of his body weight, about 10#'s.

Thus far I have been focused on a ULA Catalyst. After looking on the Go Lite site, I saw they had a 65L and an 80L for about half price of the ULA. I did note that there was an additional 10/12oz with the Go Lite packs.

So, any insight would be appreciated, as I want to make the best decision.

Warm Regards,

Chris

Christopher Gutwein BPL Member
PostedApr 23, 2013 at 8:10 am

Jam 70 is 31oz, Catalyst is 48oz. Jam does not have an internal frame it just has a piece of foam to help shape the pack a little. That said, I love my Jam 50 and wouldn't trade it for the world. It's the older 23oz 50L version, the new ones have more features.

I've tried several completely frameless packs that weigh between 6oz-24oz and found they are just not for me, I need to have something there and I don't want to jimmy with my sleeping pad as a removable frame, I use a CCF strapped to the outside I get out and lay down/sit on every break and love it. My daypack is now a GoLite Ion of the same Jam material, dyneema which is durable yet light.

bjc BPL Member
PostedApr 23, 2013 at 9:36 am

This from Ron Moak of Six Moon Designs:

"Remember, It's easier to carry ultralight gear in a traditional pack than traditional gear in an ultralight pack. More than one person has attempted to load 40 pounds in an ultralight pack and paid dearly for it. Make sure you're not next."

If you are planning on carrying some of your son's gear that is something to consider in terms of type of frame and main bag size.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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