new backpack

[PCT1981]

I have used a ULA Catalyst for my last 2 JMT trips. With 9 days of food and a bear canister my pack weighs in at 30 lbs. I have a bad back and this pack works for me.
Mahalo

[fishmonger]

anyone got experience with the big Mystery Ranch load haulers? G6000 or G7000, or the Grizzly? I am in a bind with my Gregory Whitney 95 being at Gregory for warranty repair with no ETA, while I need to have a large pack by the end of next week... Been looking at Gregory Denali and the big Mystery Ranch packs, and from everything I can find online, the Mystery Ranch stuff is one of the higher grade choices available. The failure in the Gregory has made me look beyond the Denali, although I bet there's a big difference between the Chinese made backpacking Whitney 95 and the US made expedition Denali. Still, gotta explore my options - I buy packs for the long term.

I will have to pull the trigger today or tomorrow if I don't hear from Gregory about my Whitney pack being on its way back - tough call given these big packs don't come cheap

[Flux]

While I don't have any direct experience with the MR packs, I do know that the old Dana Designs are still sought after items and many folks still use them after decades. So basically this is Dana Gleason's company after Dana Designs. I would bet they are top notch.

My buddy has a Dana pack that looks like the G series and it has been through alot.

[maverick]

I had an old Dana Astralplane, which was stolen out of our car port closet, and
it was built like no other pack I have carried, solid, even though it was heavy, it rode
like a much lighter pack, and top of the line suspension system = very comfy.

[fishmonger]

thanks for the info on MR packs. Looks like I can take my time before having to make the final choice for a bnig winter pack - Gregory told me they goofed and sent my pack to the wrong person but will get it to me in time, even if that means sending a new one. They stand behind their stuff, so even while made in China, there's still decent support for it.

If I should not get it here in time, I will have to buy a pack on my way out west. Wilson's in Bishop also rents packs - I just hope they have some of the really big ones, too. Anyone ever been in that place? Any idea about their selection or ever rent from them before?

[fishmonger]

while looking around online for a pack I ran into this pack - don't see it mentioned here in the HST gear forum (maybe because it is priced out of this world and nobody actually ever used it?)

http://www.cilogear.com/nwd75l.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[paul]

http://www.wildsnow.com/2491/cilogear-n ... -backpack/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[maverick]

The hip belt is only 6 oz, and the strap set is 8 oz.
I may be just a skeptic, but how long is a 100 lb backpack with such a light
hip belt, and straps, really going to be comfortable?

[Clubb]

I was thinking I needed a new pack this season. Lightweight, being the key. I wasnt looking to break the bank, $200 or so.

I went into REI and tried on some packs. I tried the Flash 65 and a couple others. What I determined was, the lightweight, cheaper stuff seems, well, flimsy.

Well, I broke out my trusty ol' Camp Trails Adirondack (internal frame). It's not pretty. It's not a trendy name brand, but its got beefy zippers, big cushy shoulders and belt, plenty of room, etc.......It's built like a tank. I"ve decided to cut weight in other areas and keep the beefy pack for now. If, and when I get another, it will be of construction that will last for many seasons. I'm not willing to sacrifice durability to save a pound or two on a pack. AND, I dont wanna spend a lot of money on a pack.

[Flux]

Hey Clubb,

I am looking at a Granite Gear Escape AC60. Hearing good things about the pack and it seems like a well thought out lightweight deal that runs about 200 bucks and 3 lbs. If the Regular size fits me well, it will be my lightweight setup pack. Unless something else comes up.....