[pct-l] backpacks

[Randy Godfrey]

Thanks Walljito,

I hadn't considered the Bear Vault with the 50 liter volume size packs. That's a good point. I've been going to lighter packs, with less volume over the years and can fit all I need for 9 day trips in the North Cascades in a 50 liter pack now, but the Bear Vault would be another matter.

When testing out the Atmos 50, I did my best in the store to keep those sandbag weights close to my back with the compression straps but I'll admit, it's not the kind of weight you carry on the trail. With the same weight, the GG Blaze AC 60 felt very stable to me, like it was a part of my body.

When I tested the Exos 58, I thought that it felt much more stable and comfortable than the Atmos 50, but the suspension felt a bit overloaded with the 30# I put in it. something about the Atmos 50 just felt unwieldy, but maybe I should give it a second chance.

Randy




________________________________
 From: Wally Neal <wallyneal at gmail.com>
To: 'Randy Godfrey' <randy3833 at yahoo.com>; dm at quixnet.net; pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 5:46 AM
Subject: RE: [pct-l] backpacks
 
I have an Osprey Atmos 65 that feels like I'm wearing it like clothing,
rather than carrying a backpack. The mesh  panel provides a VERY small
space, seems like none when wearing it, for ventilation. The displacement of
the load CG due to this is quite insignificant. With any of the popular
internal frame packs, Randy, if the load is pulling you backwards, it's
because of where you have the CG of the load, not the design of the pack.

The Atmos packs are the lightest rated by the manufacturers to carry the
loads needed for some Sierra sections of the PCT. I, too, looked at an Atmos
50, but there is just no way to get a Bear Vault plus the other stuff that's
needed for the Sierra sections in a pack that size.

Walljito

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Randy Godfrey
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2013 12:00 AM
To: dm at quixnet.net; pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] backpacks

You know, I was sure that the Osprey Atmos 50 was going to be my upgrade
pack until I tested it at REI with 30# in it. The trampoline suspension on
the pack shifted the center of gravity out far enough to make me feel like I
was being pulled over backwards. It just didn't work for me, but it may for
you. 

On the other hand, I was very impressed with the Granite Gear Blaze 60. It's
a very light pack and the suspension feels great with 30#. There are some
other Granite Gear packs that I'm interested in as well. I'm waiting to see
what comes out in 2013 to make my final choice.

Randy




________________________________
From: "dm at quixnet.net" <dm at quixnet.net>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2012 6:44 AM
Subject: [pct-l] backpacks

I am new to backpacking, altho I have day-hiked for years.  Looking for a
backpack for the PCT next year, I think either an Osprey Aether 60 or Atmos
65 will meet my needs (solo hiking, so I carry everything).  Any comments on
these packs from you experienced backpackers would be appreciated.

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