PCT section pack decision

[Jared & Jean]

I'll be doing a section hike starting in Campo and ending near redding starting at the beginning of May this year.
I'm in the process of purchasing a new pack and having some trouble deciding when it comes to volume. I'm currently
torn between:

GG Mariposa
Elemental Horizons Aquilo
ULA Circuit

I see a lot of folks carrying the circuit and the mariposa. I definitely really like what I see/read about the Aquilo and the
EH packs in general, but I'm concerned about the somewhat smaller volume as compared to the others.

My big volume items:

Big Agnes seedhouse SL2 tent
BV450
Western Mountaineering UL down bag

My last experience was on the AT with an Osprey Aether 60 and it all packed up pretty nicely, but this is my first really
long haul and I'd love some feedback on this decision.

[michael levi]

There is no magic answer, but it sounds like you have done some research and have a few in mind.

Be prepared to order one and send it back, and order anyother and send it back… I would say support cottage companies! Check out Zpacks and MLD as well.

[Miner]

Put all your gear in a box and see what the volume is. That and your expected baseweight and total weight will give you your answer to which packs you should be considering. That said, I was well served on the PCT by the ULA Circuit in 2009.

[Author]

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