[pct-l] Backpacks

[David Thibault]

I've used both on long distance hikes and both worked great.   I initially
use the Catalyst on the AT and part of the PCT.  I choose the Catalyst
because I dont feel compelled to fill  pack space just because I have it and
I figured it would be nice to have the extra space if I need it.

2/3rds of the way thru the PCT may Catalyst started to show too many signs
of wear (after over 5000 trail miles) and I decided to replace it.  I wanted
the Catalyst but Brain at ULA didn't have any in stock so I reluctantly got
the Conduit.  I found, after I got it that I perfered the Conduit as I
thought it was a little more comfortable for me.

In either case they are both great packs and will do the job fine on the
PCT.

I would bet that ULA packs (of any brand) are the most prevalent pack used
by thru hikers on the PCT.

Kind of a funny story, after hiking the AT I talked to Brian at ULA (a the
PCT kick off) about my Catalyst and complained a bit about how I felt the
pack was not as comfortable at the end of my hike as at the beginning.  I
attibuted this to the fact that I lost a bit of weight and therefore padding
in my shoulders.  Brian asked to take a look at my pack and within seconds
asked me if I had fallen with the pack. On the AT I fell may times.  He then
showed me that I had broken both the stays in the pack.  He replaced them
and the pack felt great agian.  I felt so bad because I kept complaining the
pack lost all comfort with weights over 30 pounds. Once the stays were
replaced it handled 30 pounds no problem.   I did find this pack wasn't
super comfortable above 40 pounds.  I have since learned to drop my pack
weight so I rarely approach 40 pounds anymore.

I don't know what weight the Conduit gets uncomfortable because I probably
haven't had in above 30 Pounds yet.

Day-Late


.
> From: Stewart Johns <stewfjohns at att.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] Backpacks
> To: PCT list <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <376723.49102.qm at web180611.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
> .
>
> So far what I gather is that the ULA packs are pretty durable and all?
> around
> good packs as well as many PCT hikers have used them. I'm not a? minimalist
> or
> ultra-lite hiker but am weight conscious and am looking? for a more
> comfortable
> liter pack. So the big question for me is, which? one. If I get to big of a
> pack
>
> and pack less volume, or vise verse,? how? will the weight distribution
> handle??
>
> Anyone have any experience over? packing or under packing the ULA Catalyst
> or
> Circuit? Thanks.
> ?
> I had to over pack my Catalyst recently on a 10 day trip to Isle Royal
> National
> Park.? With 10 days of food, I weighed in at 42Lbs. I knew this was beyond
> the
> recommendation of the pack, and indeed, was the first time I have ever
> carried
> this much weight with it.? I bought some pipe insulation and used this as
> extra
> padding under the straps, and it helped a bit.? Honestly though, it was not
> very
> comfortable.? I can remember picking the pack up by the loop to swing it
> over my
> shoulder, and felt the threads tearing.? It was also hard on the back after
> about 8 miles.? This pack is really only for UL or at worst Light.? If you
> put
> more than 30Lbs in it, you will be uncomfortable.? Keep your weight under
> 30,
> and you will love it, just as others have said.
> Doc Holiday
>
>