I had posted earlier about some frustration with not being able to try most UL backpacks in a store. Well, my bright idea now is to see if anyone in the (immediate) SF Bay Area might possess one or more of the packs I'm interested in and be kind enough to let me try them on. Perhaps in exchange for a donation of a six-pack of beer and/or a chocolate treat.
Based on my online research, below are the packs that seem like they would fit my needs. Those needs are being able to carry up to 35lbs, bear canister-compatible (so 50 to 60 liter-ish volume), hydration bladder-compatible, and with frame as I need good shoulder-to-hip weight transfer. If any of the packs I listed doesn't meet these requirements, please let me know, as well as if there is a good pack I've neglected to include.
My torso is 17", which generally puts me in the small to medium frame size, so that would be ideal for a proper evaluation.
If you also have a quilt I might check out, that would be an extra plus.
And did I mention beer and chocolate?
company: Hyperlite Mountain Gear
name: 3400 Windrider
price: $310
volume (ci): 4000
volume (l): 66
weight (oz): 32
weight (lbs): 2
rec load: 40
URL: http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/ultralight-packs/3400-series-ultralight-packs/3400-windrider.html
company: Granite Gear
name: Crown VC 60
price: $200
volume (ci): 3660
volume (l): 60
weight (oz): 34
weight (lbs): 2.1
rec load: 35
URL: http://www.granitegear.com/outdoor/backpacks/multi-day-backpacks/men-s-backpacks/crown-v-c-62.html
company: Elemental Horizons
name: Aquilo
price: $250
volume (ci): 3587
volume (l): 59
weight (oz): 34
weight (lbs): 2.1
rec load: 35
URL: http://www.elementalhorizons.com/aquilo-pack.aspx
company: Six Moons Design
name: Fusion 65
price: $230
volume (ci): 4000
volume (l): 65
weight (oz): 39
weight (lbs): 2.4
rec load: ???
URL: http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs/80-fusion-65.html
company: ULA
name: Circuit
price: $225
volume (ci): 4100
volume (l): 67
weight (oz): 41
weight (lbs): 2.6
rec load: 35
URL: http://www.ula-equipment.com/product_p/circuit.htm
company: Granite Gear
name: Blaze AC 60
price: $240
volume (ci): 3660
volume (l): 60
weight (oz): 46
weight (lbs): 2.9
rec load: 35
URL: http://www.granitegear.com/outdoor/backpacks/multi-day-backpacks/men-s-backpacks/blaze-a-c-60.html
Gene
