35+ LB capacity pack recommendation

What precisely are you reasons for looking into 60+ liters pack volume and not into a 45-50 liters?

Because I have a 50L that I can fill with 25lbs.

Its also flexibility, the extra fabric for that volume is not a big deal for that day I need to carry 8L of water (ask me how I know).

I think this is where the seek outside external frame packs come into play, right?

Check out David Chenault's reviews/write ups on the Paradox unaweep and its various iterations. Looks like a pretty sweet set up for those who have to haul heavy/bulky things.

I would look at McHale pack. I have a Super Sarc for winter trips
and its well able to handle 40-45lbs.

I purchased my Unaweep 4800 for that reason. 35 pounds carries very comfortably, although it took some fiddlin' to get it fit right.

A couple packs to consider:

SMD Fusion 65 (worth ordering and trying on – I think my Flight 40 would be capable of 35-40 lbs if it had a larger volume)

Exped Lightning 60 (excellent weight transfer to hipbelt)

Deuter ACT Zero 50+15 or similar model (some Deuter packs are decently light, affordable, and comfortable; you can trim stuff to save a few ounces and find one at REI to try on)

Well it's not quite too late to get a Golite Quest, depending on what size you are. That's what I have, and it's served me very well. They're going for $100, give or take, in the clearance sale.

Ive written extensively on it in this forum. Have carried 60plus pounds comfortably and durably. Search posts here for more details.

Derrick

I recently got a Quest for carrying heavier loads and I am really happy with the pack. And you cant beat the price…

+1 for the Porter.

2014 version with the frame sheet can handle big loads. Also love the fact I can compress it to the size of an HMG Summit Pack

It depends on your discomfort tolerance. I love my mchale s sarc +1…but if big or bulky loads are only once a year it may be too much. I'd look for a cheap terraplane or a used external on craigslist. Or,you could go with a mchale and never look back. I would not go with a ul pack.

You've already received some good suggestion above, but in the interest of being different, I'll suggest the Osprey Volt 60

I've got one that I've stripped down (taken off the lid, cut down extra straps, etc.) that weighs right around 3lbs. It carries 35 lbs easily, and could probably go up to about 45 lbs before I'd worry about frame collapse. I've put 40 lbs in it and it was no problem getting the weight on my hips.

The other nice feature about these packs is that they are cheap (can be had right now for $144 at a certain three letter outdoor store if you are a member), and they are super adjustable, both in terms of torso length and hipbelt size.

I highly recommend this pack, even though it is admittedly a little heavier than some of the other good options mentioned above.

I have not tried the Unaweep or any of the McHale packs, but I really like my 2014 HMG Windrider 4400 for loads in that range.

I've used all of the packs mentioned apart from the Unaweep. By far, and I mean by FAR, the Mchale out carries all of these at those weights with the P & G system. Because these are custom packs, you can also get varying sizes so what you end up with is up to you.

The only knock on McHale packs over the years has always been the price, but it's amazing how many off the packs coming out now days aren't too far off. 5 more years and we'll have a lot more packs in that price range. I may just have to bite the bullet and go McHale.

Ryan

I second the vote for the Deuter ACT Zero 50+15.
Very light & comfortable for it's capacity.

Mystery Ranch packs are not lightweight but offer awesome support for carrying heavy and/or awkward loads.

I've been hiking with a 3-day assault pack for years, it weigh's 5lb's but carries 45lb's comfortably where the same load in a simpler frameless pack was unbearable except short distances.

I've been eying the granite gear blaze AC60 to shed some pounds for my ULish pursuits, but also eying a mystery Ranch NICE frame with load sling, for carrying very large loads. $360, under 5lb's, carries 75lb's or more… Well at least the pack can!

Used MR packs as well. The issue is with the load lifters that do not reach high enough above the shoulders with heavy loads. In fact, the criticism was so widespread with their NICE frame that they now offer a frame extension for truly workable load lifters. Regardless, they seem archaic to the bypass system that Mchale uses (of course his system is patented for a reason).

“Regardless, they seem archaic [compared] to the bypass system that McHale uses …”

Dave,
Can you point me to an image or a description?

thanks.

Never Mind. Easy to find…

Hi Greg,

do you mean the Mchale system? Here: http://www.mchalepacks.com/sarc/04.htm

In essence, the load lifter straps are not attached to the shoulder harness so that when you pull to lift the load, the straps bypass to the bottom of the pack and actually lift the load without putting pressure on the shoulder straps and lifting those as well. Does this make sense? The load lifters are set at about a 45 degree angle as well. For lighter loads, the additional frame length can be removed as can the load lifters.

Got It.

Thanks.

Rick, the Paradox packs are worth looking at. I'd recommend the Unaweep 4800 (extra diameter for your bear can) with a dual pocket Talon. The Talon is a very secure and balanced way to carry snowshoes.

This is such a great community, less than 24 hours and a dozen viable options suggested.

If I had to click buy today the HMG Porter 4400 would win, but I just spent a few minutes on each one and need to analyze further for sure.

The Unaweep is a close second and seems like unique modern take on the external frame pack. I want to like it.

The SMD Flight 60 was the only one I expressly knew about and have been considering (SMD makes my current pack, shelter/cape).

McHale is not in my budget, starting at twice any other plus shipping/extras etc. I get that you "get what you pay for" and all, but you still have to pay.

I think the Granite Gear and Dueter are welcome budget options, but heavier than the others.

I wouldn't buy a pack from GoLite, even $100, given they won't be around next week if I want to exchange/warranty it.

Sometimes you can find McHale packs on eBay, just need to get the sizing right.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/McHale-Company-Backpack-USA-/251719944742?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a9bad8a26