[at-l] Lightweight packs

[thornel@attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

A good resource to check out gear reviews in very detailed for is the 
Yahoogroups BackpackGearTest forum.

I have the Kelty Flight I bought after Christmas 2000 and have hiked with 
it several times. Initially, I did not like it even though it is very light 
and easily either loaded up or down. Kelty support is done through a 
company that sells gear and tends to be a bit competitive, and advised me 
that the pack should only be used for summitting and not for backpacking. 
I've heard much different advise and disagree with Kelty support. BTW, EMS 
offered to exchange the bag I bought on sale when asked about this information.

I have found that the key to the Flight is loading the thing up and begin 
climbing a 2000 foot incline. Midway up you will find where the stays do 
not fit your back. Unload and start bending and adjusting to your back, 
until your load fits you like a mamma's hand to a baby's butt. You will 
know instantly when this occurs, as all movement and shifting stops and 
walking becomes pretty efficient. In my opinion, either of the belts that 
come with it (simple web belt or biggy padded thing) work equally well 
distributing weight to my hips. If you weight about 200 pounds, do not try 
to use the web belt as a tree hugger for your Hennessey Hammock. The clips 
will hold but certain stitching pops in the most inconvenient and 
embarrassing way. You can often find this pack around $100, which is a steal.

Mountainsmith has a terrific reputation, and I will stand back and let one 
of their fans get you up to speed.

OrangeBug

At 09:29 AM 4/16/2002 -0500, Dan Myers wrote:
>I'm looking to replace my stole Gregory Forrester w/ something a
>little lighter.  I've been looking at the MtnSmith Auspex or Kelty
>Flight.