[pct-l] Packs & Base Weight

[Scott Williams]

I started the PCT with an Osprey Exos which began seriously breaking down
500 miles into the deserts.  I bought an Osprey Aptos which did me through
the Sierra and all the way to Ashland but was heavier than I wanted and
caused me to stoop forward due to the mesh back that is so great for air
flow, but pushes the center of gravity back just enough to cause me to have
to stoop forward to compensate.  I tried on a friends ULA Circuit the first
day out of Ashland and stood straight up!  It has proved to be the most
comfortable and rugged pack I've ever owned.  I just finished the CDT with
it and counting other trips it's got about 5,000 miles on it and I'll be
using it next year again.  On the CDT I hiked 1,800 miles with Eric Bow who
has hiked the PCT, FLT, AZT, AT and CDT all in just over two years and all
with the same circuit.  They are built to last.  He still loves his as
well.

As for weights, my base is 15lbs or so and with water weight sometime
carrying a full gallon over New Mexico and a computer (which I don't add
into my base as I jetisoned it at the beginning of the San Juans), and
food, I'd bet my I topped 35lbs at times, maybe 40 for a first day after a
resupply.  That's overpacked and over weight for a Circuit, yet it did well
and was always comfortable.  Don't just buy what you find at REI.  Check
out the Ultra light companies first.  They will mail you items to try and
take them back if you don't find them comfortable.  Read Yogi's guide for a
list of them and lots of critiques.

Good luck,

Shroomer

On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 1:45 AM, patrick griffith <
patrickjgriffith at hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>
>  Dear all,
>
> I am planning my PCT adventure for 2013 and am in the kit buying stage. I
> have done a lot of camping/hiking in some pretty arduous places in my time
> but not over 5 months, so some kit is new to me, the ultralight backpack
> being a prime example. I am leaning toward an osprey kestrel 66-68 weighing
> in at about 1.7kg, I know this is heavy from an ultralight standpoint
> however i would prefer something more rugged and robust that I know is up
> to the job. Also, given as the LNT philosophy is one that I believe in, I
> will not be hacking and killing my way up the trail as some threads in the
> mailing list seem to be trending, so obviously need something that can take
> the weight. So for all you PCTers and long distance hikers what packs did
> you use and with what base weight ie without food and water?
>
> Thanks
>
> Patrick
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