Lightweight Internal Frame Packs: a State of the Market Report – Part 1B: Theory and Technology

Nick,
Are you considering replacing ALL of your other packs with one custom McHale? You're a pretty minimalist packer (water issues aside) if I remember, and I'm always interested in hearing others' anecdotes on the frameless vs. framed pack pendulum.

I've only taken one desert trip, but I quickly learned about a pack being in a state of constant flux. We did the Superstitions this past December and Arizona was pretty dry at the time–even for Arizona.

Travis,

I am thinking about getting rid of everything except the Murmur. Depending upon how things go with the LBP, that could possibly go too. Often trips with my Murmur are around 4lbs base weight with a little food and water, usually topping off at around 10lbs total. So a stripped down LBP would leave me with a total weight of 12lbs, and outstanding functionality and comfort. But I am not going to sell anything until I get it and test it. Dan is going on a vacation for a month, so I will have at least a couple months to play with the demo.

Good news is that last week was my wedding anniversary, and the wife said the presents were the best I have ever given her, so she could care less what a McHale costs :)

Just not all that interested. I'm sure they're great, but if I'm carrying a sleeping pad anyway I may as well make it work for me.

Hi Mary

Odd , very odd. I am left wondering whether you have the torso length on your pack set far to short. Some side-on photos might be helpful.

Cheers

A belated answer, Roger: it's my shoulders, not the pack. I have been fighting shoulder arthritis for almost 30 years. I did experiment with a number of shoulder strap adjustments (since mine is adjustable) when I first got the pack. The configuration I use is extremely comfortable for me, removes the shoulder pressure problem and basically puts all the weight on my hips. Your Part 1C article's picture of the load lifters shows mine at exactly the same angle as those of the GoLite pack on the left!

I'm starting to remember the conversation in "Matrix" where they discuss how everything, "tastes like chicken." Here's what I mean; if it's comfortable for you (i.e. you have no discernible pain while hiking), and you can transport your kit from point a to b effectively, then you must be doing something right. The adage goes, "if it hurts, you're doing it wrong." You may not be at "maximum" comfort, but if you're not in pain, you don't have hot spots, or have some other, "I hate this pack because..", it's likely that you have a good fitting, functional piece of equipment. You may gain by going to something else, but you always have to compare the cost (I have no doubt you already know this).