[pct-l] "Unquestionably the most comfortable UL backpacks"

[Dan Engleman]

I used both the ULA Circuit and Catalyst on my thru hike in 2012; both are good packs; I ended up buying a Catalyst for the Sierras because a bear can does not fit inside the Circuit (horizontally) and and I prefer having my bear can on the inside of my backpack.
 
Not sure if I am unique in that both packs rubbed my hips raw and I fixed that by adding a panel of a thermarest Z-pad to the inside of my hipbelt to give me a bit more cushion (worked well) ... 
 
I have since taken some of the "innards" out of the pack and carved a couple inches off the bottom portion.  I added a Gossamer Gear hip belt and find it to be really great.  My pack is lighter and I no longer need the Z-pad for extra cushion.
 
Dan (7-11)
 

________________________________
 From: Justin West <cjustinwest at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 11:35 AM
Subject: [pct-l] "Unquestionably the most comfortable UL backpacks"
  
I have nothing against ULA whatsoever, and have not had the pleasure of
using their backpacks yet , but I just wanted to put a strong plug out
there for the new and VASTLY improved Gossamer Gear packs.  I have used the
Mariposa now for two summers.  Last year I used the old version, this year
I got the new one.  This pack is AWESOME.  There is a lot I could say about
how they have improved it, but in essence they have made it
More durable
Very comfortable
Spacious
Still extremely light

I think Gossamer Gear is starting to really hit its stride as a company in
their design and manufacturing
Worth checking out for those shopping!
Like I said, I haven't used ULA yet so I could not do a comparison review.

Disclaimer: GG gear sponsored my hike and research of a field guide of the
PCT (http://www.storythewalk.wordpress.com/), however, they *never* asked me to say
anything about their packs to anyone.  I take this initiative on my own
because I was so happy with the new Mariposa, and with the way they seem to
operate as a company (good people!)

Justin West
www.storythewalk.wordpress.com
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