Ready for a new pack…help!

@wiiawiwb

All things are never equal

We have a sage dropping wisdom? Obviously, that’s not what that expression means. It means that IF THEY WERE equal, then one would pick a lighter option.

@rockchucker30

However, our compression straps are removable.  If you remove the over the top strap, two side compression straps, the two bottom compression straps, and the cross stay the weight is 44 oz.  This is how I normally run the Divide.

What is the impact of removing the cross stay on the carry? At what weight do you add it back in?

I was happy w/ my Exped Lightning 45 on the Bailey Traverse (7 day, bear can, micro-spikes, ax).  I think I had around 30 pounds in it.  Did a stretch of class 4.  It has mesh side pockets, but they’re too small for a water bottle.  I had the tent fly and poles in them.

At first glance it may look uncomfortable, but there is actually no contact with your back between the hip belt (which is burly) and the shoulder harness.  Their suspension system gives a perfect fit.  Weighs 40oz and rated to 53 lbs.

Nathan,

My top and bottom compression straps have gatekeeper buckles but the straps are sewed on.  I just got this a few weeks ago.  Did I get the older style with upgraded buckles?

@asolthane

What is the impact of removing the cross stay on the carry? At what weight do you add it back in?

Our original pack didn’t have a cross stay at all.  With just a tiny bit of care in packing it isn’t needed.  Jam a titanium pot into your back though, and it’s nice to have.  Weight doesn’t affect when I add it back in, what I’m carrying does.  Backpacking usually not.  Backpack hunting, always.

@RobertG

The top and bottom side compression straps are part of the minimum weight, i.e. not removable.  The middle straps, bottom straps, and over the top strap are removable.  Sorry if I didn’t put that clearly.

Got it now.  Thanks Nathan!

Just an update:

I sent my Osprey in for warranty service (I had completely destroyed it in a bad fall, a huge boulder ripped it in half (if the pack hadn’t stopped it I would have needed an helicopter) and we sewed it in the field with dental floss.

Osprey sent me a new pack. Their warranty is amazing.

Anyway, I guess I will use it for another season or two. Of the packs we have been discussing, the Hanchor Marl is the most compelling. The Katabatic Onni is my favorite in terms of aesthetics, but based on my research won’t carry as much comfortably as the Marl. The Exped is another interesting option, I think I could try that one on at REI. Mesh side pockets though…

I can’t more heavily recommend the Seek Outside Divide. I’ve done the JMT over three weeks with a Circuit. Coming out of MTR with ~13 days of food (10 for me and some of my wife’s) was painful. The Circuit’s frame collapsed around 40lbs for me.

I had two front quarters of an elk plus my camp in September in a Seek Outside pack at around 100lbs though and had no problem—with the pack’s performance anyway. During the summer, I still end up wearing that pack for recliner hikes because the way the hipbelt attaches to the pack and carries weight is vastly better at every weight than other packs I’ve carried.

Just buy the Divide and have a quiver-of-one pack for all your needs. It’s a better, more functional backpack than everything else on the list and for a tiny weight penalty.

Great list. I’ve used HMG packs, Katabatic Artemis, and currently use the GG silverback. If the suspension fits you, the silverback carries quite well up to about 40lbs. It also carries a UL load really well. The belt is really comfortable and transfers loads well. The width and cushioning of the shoulder straps allow for comfortable shoulder carry too, which I find nice for switching it up on long days. HMG shoulder straps are narrow, which frees up the arms nicely, but I think their designs are pretty basic and lacking contouring for refined fit. Katabatic packs are also great. Nice shoulder straps and hipbelt. Maybe lacking a little stiffness for 40lbs.

I have an older Kalais, and a Notch should fit easily in one of the side sleeves if they are the same size.  I like to put my shelter in one side and a full Evernew 2 liter bottle on the other.  Makes for easy access for both.  Being able to get your shelter out without opening your pack is really nice in the rain.  Same with packing up in the rain, you can get everything packed up in side the shelter.

So I have a brand new Exos 48 because they replaced it this winter, and I just ordered the new MARL on sale.

I think my next purchase will be a packraft, and getting a seek outside pack might be the ticket for expedition loads w packraft gear if I can get there.

I’ll let y’all know what I think of the Marl when it arrives

How much do you think I can get for my Osprey Aether?