Backpack question plz

[Pamhikes]

I currently have an Osprey Ariel xs 65….I know what your thinking but I like the support on my hips and it’s very comfortable.  Too heavy though I know.  Anyhow, I am starting here.  I am considering one of the zpack backpacks.  I’m 5’3 and more on the petite range.  I am doing the JMT this summer and will taking my 12yr old so I will be carrying more of the food.  Pack needs to hold a Bearvault or Bearikade.  Which pack? The Haul or Blast? Anything else I should consider?  Hard to choose when I can’t see it in person and appreciate any practical friendly advice.  I am working by trial and error on cutting weight elsewhere.

 

Thank you!

[Ken Thompson]

How light and small is the gear you want it to carry? How much of your 12yo’s gear will you carry besides food? What is you resupply plan?

[Pamhikes]

I’m working on the weight calculations but somewhere  under 35lbs…ideally under 30.   My son will carry his own gear including reel, sm tackle box and collapsable rod.  The Reel is a dilemma for me right now too…trying to figuring that one out.  Also, he will carry a small amount of food, snacks and daily lunch from the canister.  Resupply at about 5-7 days…maybe longer on some sections.

[Chad B]

Since the pack you have is comfortable for you and you have some experience with it, why not keep it and look at other places to save weight?

[Ken Thompson]

You think your 12 yo and yourself will get enough food into a canister for a week or more?

What the issue with a reel?

+1 with keeping the pack you have especially with the need for a canister. Especially if your carrying the 20+ pounds of food in it you’ll want the support.

Do you have a canister already? Which one if so?

I think with the weight you are going to need to carry the Zpacks won’t be comfortable.

[Pamhikes]

Good thought Chad but the pack is nearly 5lbs.  I was hoping I could shave down my weight here with the same comfort level different pack…possible?

[Chad B]

I’m with Ken and would question how comfortable the Zpacks would be with the weight you will likely be carrying.  5lbs is pretty heavy . . . maybe a different model Osprey or Granite Gear, Elemental Horizons, SMD Fusion 65?

[Ken Thompson]

I’m curious as to what shelter,pad, bag/quilt she’s hauling. Being petite, 35 pounds is a lot.

[Shawn Bearden]

I, and many on this forum, recommend a new pack as one of the last changes. Too much weight for any pack is a sure way to reduce enjoyment. That said, with 30-35 lbs, I’d want real load transfer to my hips and that usually means a heavier pack. My recommendation is to get the pack contents as light as you are able. Then, if the weight can be comfortably carried in a lighter pack, look for lighter packs.

If you would post your current gear list, you could get a lot of suggestions for a comprehensive solution. Include budget if that’s a concern. Ultralight need not be expensive!

So that this isn’t a non-answer to your question, and without knowing your volume needs, you might look at the ULA Circuit. I have Six Moon Designs Fusion 50 (2014 now on big sale) and like it – the 65 version might suit you. Of the two you mentioned, I’d go for the Haul because of the extra durability/longevity at the weight cost a gulp or two of water. But, I’d also look into Hyperlight Mountain Gear.

Which canister you use will also impact your choice of pack depending on how you want to carry/orient the canister.

Again, full gear list might get you better feedback overall.

 

 

[Pamhikes]

That weight included my water, 3 liters and food with canister.  Fl water sources are limited .   I currently have a Marmot 10 degree 2.9oz down bag and copper spur2 …both being replaced soon quilt,  I’m deciding on.  I dehydrate my own food.  Just wanted some suggestions on a new pack that isn’t so heavy but still comfortable with good load transfer. Considered the circuit and Mariposa but like zpack.

[Pamhikes]

Shawn,

Thank you for your input, it was very helpful.

[Todd Stough]

What about the seek outside packs?  They have a good suspension and any size pack you like.  Weigh about 3 pounds.

[Jennifer Mitol]

I know we always say to do the pack last, but 5#s for a pack really looks like easy pickings, doesn’t it?

If you are already willing to spend the cash on a zpacks, perhaps check out Katabatic Gear’s Helios line.  You may want to contact them about the size since you’re 5’3″, but FOR ME the suspension is amazing – best I’ve personally ever used.  That 55L will be more than adequate for the volume you are talking about.

Also consider ULA Circuit…that puppy is huge and easily swallows a bear can, with plenty of room to spare.  The suspension is VERY good on that one, too.

You will NOT need to carry 3L of water on the JMT.  I barely carried a single liter at a time on both of my thrus because you are ALWAYS coming up on water sources.  And *hopefully* this will be a good water year.  So that should help with weight.

I’d also question your ability to carry enough food for a 12 yo and yourself in a single canister.  Especially on that last MTR to Whitney section.  The 12yo may need his own canister to be honest.

I’d also recommend putting up a gear list and letting us have at it.  You may be able to take care of quite a few other things that are weighing you down……..

 

[Shawn Bearden]

No doubt about it, Jennifer. A lighter pack is easy pickings. My thought was only that the best choice may differ depending on what it is intended to carry…weight and volumes. It’s possible the numbers could change substantially in weight and/or volume if we see the full gear list (or maybe zero) and that might change my thinking. I just like seeing the whole picture before commenting on a pack choice. Though I gave my rec on the two the OP asked about, my gut says there might be a better choice…but then again, I always agonize over every gear choice…

[Bob Moulder]

Of your 2 Zpacks choices, I’d also go with the Arc Haul for the durability.

The new frame/waist belt design is the same on all Arcs now, and all else being equal they should carry the same. One problem I had right off the bat was pain in the lower lumbar/sacrum from the CF crossbar, which was completely eliminated with the addition of the optional lumbar pad. I still love my older style Arc Blast, but when the load starts getting much over 20 lbs I’ll be using the Haul. The updated hip belt really is a lot more supportive.

Although they’re said to carry 40 lbs comfortably, I’ve never had anything approaching that weight in mine. However I’ve read reports of people carrying up to 50 lbs.

The big caveat for Zpacks is beware the wait time if you’re ordering a new one. Last year around late summer/fall mine took 10 weeks to ship! They say they’ll try to accommodate if you’ve got a hard due date, though I’ve never put this to the test.

[Pamhikes]

Jennifer,

That was exactly my thought but of course I know I’m working backwards.  I’m taking my existing gear and replacing the heaviest first.  I don’t have a complete gear list written down but will work on it as I am replacing a few things in the next couple weeks while I have time.  Some items need 6-8 weeks to order.  I leave for the JMT in July.  Thank you for taking the time to recommend a few packs…I will definitely look into it.  I currently have the bv450 that might be an option for my son.  Looking into the Berikade for me.  You wouldn’t happen to have any photos of your Helios with you wearing it? I went to their site and they have 2 options for material…I like the idea of Cuben but durability wise? Is there a hybrid?

[Richard Lyon]

Pamela – K T is correct, 35 lb is a large load for someone 5-3. Large enough, in my opinion, that weight transfer and carrying comfort should trump saving a pound or so. After you’ve obtained all the gear for the trek, see if you can borrow some of the lighter packs mentioned above to see if you’ll be giving away too much in the way of support. Discomfort and inadequate back support usually equal much quicker fatigue and back pain. At that weight – and with a twelve-year old i doubt you can reduce it significantly – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

[Pamhikes]

Thanks Richard.  I would be hard pressed to find someone to borrow a pack from but it sweet of you to say.  I will have my pack weight down. I have a few small trips planned prior to test out gear.

I’ve narrowed my choices to a few but wanted to compare comfort.  Circuit, Fusion, Haul and Helios?

[Jennifer Mitol]

The problem is that no one can really advise you on comfort!  Of what you’ve listed, I’ve used the Circuit and the Helios, and FOR ME, hands down, the helios wins by a mile.

But I’m also 5’7″ with most of my height in my torso.  Not sure the Helios can accommodate your torso (but please ask Katabatic – they are great to work with), but I’m pretty sure ULA has an extra small size (I think they even make kids packs??)

One of my really good hiking friends is pretty close to your height and uses the Arc Blast – she really likes her pack a lot (I can’t imagine it’s that comfortable, since the top sticks out like a FOOT over her head! But she likes it, and that’s what counts)

As for your comment on Cuben vs XPac on the Helios…I went with the cuben because I wanted to try it, and I’m pretty nice to my gear and rarely go bushwhacking.  I have a custom made Zimmerbuilt pack made of XPac and I REALLY like that material.  A LOT.  I went back and forth about which to get in the Helios, and went with Cuben for no good reason at all (it is a cuben hybrid).  I hope I don’t regret it, because it was an awfully expensive pack.  We’ll see…….

I’m currently working on a pack of my own design that I want to sew – and it will be of Xpac.

I don’t envy your position – but know that everyone on your list has excellent return policies.  So my recommendation is to pull out that credit card, buy a few and try them all on with all your gear…then see which one carries the best.  Return the others.

 

[Link .]

Pamela, What is your torso length? I am 5′ tall and have a 16 1/4 inch torso.

[Mercedes Clemens]

Pamela — I’m 5’2″ (17″ torso) and have the Circuit (sz small). It carries very well, although I don’t think I’ve ever done more than 25 lbs. I think it would handle more, though, and I bought it in case I ever do a trip with a long water carry (it also handles a bear can well, although I have found that I need to be careful how I load it; a little too much weight at the top of the pack affects the lateral stability a lot for me when I’m having to negotiate blowdowns, etc). I do have an Arc Blast on order, simply because I like the idea of the mesh suspension. For some reason, a sweaty back drives me bonkers & I’m hoping (praying?) the Blast solves that for me, especially for hot summer desert hiking.

Do what Jen suggested — order some different packs from different manufacturers. Most will have them in stock and you might find a pack you really love!

[Pamhikes]

Thank you so much Mercedes!  That was so so helpful.  I appreciate you taking the time for that excellent write up!

[Pamhikes]

Thank you Jennifer! Great advice!  Looking forward to your creation.

My torso is 16.5

 

 

[Link .]

with a 16 1/2 inch torso you shouldn’t have any problem with getting any of the packs mentioned, I have an Elemental Horizon Kalais and really like it a lot, here are some reviews Will Rietveld a past writer and reviewer on BPL,  SGT. ROCKS REVIEW and VIDEO and BPL member Alex H’s review The Search for the Perfect Pack . But you really should try on a # of packs everybody is different and what works for some may not work for you (as you will see in Alex’s search)

 

[Mercedes Clemens]

Pamela — coincidentally, I just got notified that Zpacks shipped out the Arc Blast today — a week early!! Woo hoo!! Should have it by the end of the week. Since we’re a similar size, I’ll let you know my thoughts once I get it & load ‘er up.

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