[pct-l] Internal frame pack with bear canister

[Brandon McGinnity]

Don't get the heavier pack. If you're tying to go "down the light-load
path," you'll want a lightweight pack. It's one of the Big Three; pack,
sleeping bag, and shelter. These tend to be expensive, so it's best to wait
till you need a new one to go light. Since you are in just that situation,
might as well buy a light one.

I don't know anything about the packs you mentioned, and will leave that to
someone else to say. All I know is I love my ULA Catalyst pack, very comfy,
plenty of space, i like how it carries, etc. Weighs 2.5 lbs, or so. I could
probably downsize to the Circuit but don't have the funds just now. The
Catalyst carries best at under 40lbs, I'll admit; but for a weekender guy
like you, with the occasional week on the PCT, I'm sure with the help of
this list and other resources, you could easily shave some more weight
without much if any pain.

Having a lightweight pack will help "force" you to pack lighter. I used to
be an external frame guy, did the AT with a cheap, heavy external frame
pack, and all I can say is I'll never look back, never use a heavy pack
again.

On Sun, Apr 10, 2011 at 12:40 PM, Rob Solorio <robsolorio at sbcglobal.net>wrote:

> I have been using an REI Wonderland Trekker (external frame) for the last
> 10+
> years and am looking for a new pack this season.  The bulk of my trips are
> weekenders but once a year I do a weeklong PCT section hike (Yosemite to
> Shasta
> is our 10-year cumulative goal).  My full pack weight last year was about
> 45 lb
> but hope to start down the light-load path.  I carry a BV500 bear canister
> which
> hung nicely to the bottom of my external so I want to find a comfortable,
> lightweight, can-handle-40-lb and a bear canister internal frame pack.
>
> Backpacker has heaped praise on the REI Flash 65 as the greatest all-around
> pack
> but the guy at my local REI said that he much prefers the Osprey Aether
> 70.  It
> weighs almost 2 lb more but he said the comfort of it would more than
> compensate.
>
> So, REI Flash 65 or Osprey 70 for my non-ultralight but hoping to get
> lighter
> needs?  Can either or both handle the BV500?  Or another recommendation?
> Thanks.
>
> -LoneRiver
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-- 
~ Moccasin