[pct-l] Ultra Light Backpack Pros and Cons

[Scott Bryce]

On 12/17/2011 4:14 PM, Russell Mease wrote:
> I am just curious if anybody has regretted going with an ultra-light
> pack because of these issues.  I am planning an estimated base pack
> weight of about 20 lbs (including the Aether) and expecting 35-40 lbs
> full pack weight.

If your base weight will be much over 15 pounds, and you expect to be
carrying 35 pounds often, which is realistic with a 20 pound base
weight, an utlralight pack will probably not work for you. They're not
designed to carry that much weight that often. I started the trail with
35 pounds (16 lb base, 5 lb food, 14 lb water) in a ULA Circuit, and it
carried well, but my total weight was usually in the 25 to 30 pound
range. I don't think the Circuit would have worked as well if I had been
carrying 35 pounds every day.