[at-l] Backpack? Gregory Whitney?

[nealb at midlandstech.edu (William Neal)]

RENT!!!  A lot of places will rent equipment.  You just have to find them.
Your backpack is as personal as your style of hiking.  

I bought a highly compartmentalized backpack.  Ended up uncompartmentalizing
it: I did such things as tying on my sleeping bag.  Next major hike I intend
to lean towards open bags because it drives me crazy putting my "x" in my
"A" pocket.  Yesterday "x" worked in "A", but tomorrow, "q" might work
better in "A".  So I probably will compartmentilize in seperate sturdy bags
and boxes.

Also, I need lots of space.  First I am a reader and will not leave home my
books.  And I like to have one nice outfit for town: I hate to offend the
people whose town, church, library, etc. that I am visiting.  Plus, I use to
carry a big 35mm camera with a tele-lens and lots of film.  So I go for the
big boys and girls of backpacks.  

But, some people love compartments.  And some love small compact bags.

One guy I met hiked the AT.  His bag was an old Army rucksack with stuff
tied to it and three old GI blankets tied to the top.

Again, rent and see how you like it.  Unless you are rich it's hard to
change your mind once you've bought it.

William, The Turtle



-----Original Message-----
From: David Jessop [mailto:David.Jessop@oberlin.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 10:28 AM
To: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] Backpack? Gregory Whitney?


Hi,

I am new on this list and am considering thru-hiking the trail northbound
in March 04. I have done quite a bit of hiking but little overnight
backpacking. Furthermore, when I've backpacked, I've used friends' packs.
I am planning on a 5-day solo trip in August as a trial run for the AT. I
was at REI this weekend looking at packs. I checked out the Gregory
Whitney which I liked a lot. What concerns me, other than its exorbitant
cost, is the fact that it is almost eight pounds and 6000 cubic inches. In
your experience thru-hiking, do I really need a 6000 cubic inch pack? What
would you recommend as the best size? I like the features it has such as
the contoured suspension system, easily accessible water bottle holder,
multiple external pockets. Thoughts? Other packs you would recommend?

Thanks!

-David Jessop



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