[at-l] Backpacks

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

>>I always recommend getting the lightest framed pack
>>that is COMFORTABLE with the most gear and weight
you >>will be carrying.

That sentence succinctly sums up all the advice I can
think of when purchasing a backpack. Great job Cliff!

One thing I will note though that going lite is a
process. For most beginner backpackers I suggest a
more traditional, but still light pack (say 3-4 lbs at
the most). You really don't want to use an ultralight
pack if you do not the  have gear (and knowledge to go
with the gear) to use the pack. THese ultra-lite packs
are really not comfortable when you push the 30-35 lb
range total. My base packweight is around the 10 lbs
range so even if I have 20 lbs of food (oof!) the pack
is relatively comfortable..but it took me a while to
get to that point! (About 6000 miles or so of long
distance hiking. My Long Trail base pack weight in
1997 was probably around 30 lbs!)

So, look into a a pack that may not be the lightest,
but will manage the weight you are going to more than
likely be carrying. Do not get a 8lb monster, but you
may not be ready for a 1lb pack ethier.




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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.magnanti.com