[at-l] RE: AT-L compression bags

[TRich@FDIC.gov (Rich, Timothy D.)]

Good Morning,

I believe compression bags are useful gear because they allow you to save
weight through the weight of the backpack itself.  If you can compress your
bag and clothing, you can squeeze your gear into a smaller (and lighter)
pack.  That being said, I'm also a big fan of cheaper internal frame
backpacks because they're usually lighter.  After sectioning over half of
the trail in a large Jansport external frame pack, I decided (well it was
decided for me - see bad back thread) to reduce what I carried, so I went
shopping for smaller packs.  I was shocked to see the pack weights of many
of the top flight internal frame brands.  My Peak 1 pack is a couple or
several pounds lighter than most of them, has served me well, and cost me
less than $100 on sale.  For shorter or lighter trips, I have a Kelty
Redwing 2900 cubic inch pack.  It's not terribly light at 3-3, but it's
tough and has a better suspension and hip belt than most packs in the 3000
c.i. range.  I also got it for $75 with an in-store coupon at Sports
Authority.

If you reduce volume, you can reduce weight with a smaller pack.

FYI, it seems that Coleman is phasing out their Peak 1 packs in favor of an
identical pack with the Exponent brand.  If you're in the cheaper, lighter
pack market, you might want to check out their Camp Coleman stores at an
outlet near you.

Disclaimer:  I have no financial interest in Coleman's parent company,
Sunbeam Corporation.  In fact, if did I have a financial interest in
Sunbeam, today's amended bankruptcy plan announcment would mean I wouldn't.
And I mean that in a Felixic sort of way.

Does that make me a Felixist?

Take Care,

Tim
--__--__--

Message: 2
Reply-To: <jd.stewart@gte.net>
From: "Jim Stewart" <jd.stewart@gte.net>
To: "AT-l Mail List \(E-mail\)" <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Date: Sun, 8 Sep 2002 13:31:46 -0400
Subject: [at-l] compression bags

I've been using a light nylon stuff sack for my synthetic sleeping bag, and
have been using a pack with the lower compartment for storing it.  Looking
at down the road going with a lighter pack with less room has got me looking
at compression bags to squish things down.  I also use the nylon stuff sack
as a pillow and put whatever clothes I'm not wearing (well, not the really
stinky stuff....) into it.

I am looking at the Compression Caps at Camphor but am a little put off by
the 6.5 oz weight.  REI has the Silcoat compression bags at around 4 oz.,
but they are $30 - 35 bucks, which is a little steep.

Any suggestions?  What are ya'll doing for compressing sleeping bags?  I
know the down bags will compress more than the synthetic, but - well, I
can't put another sleeping bag in the budget...

Thanks.

WhoAh