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RE: [at-l] Pack Preferences

> From: 	Valerie Henderson
> Sent: 	Thursday, June 25, 1998 12:10 PM
> Subject: 	[at-l] Pack Preferences
> 
> Hi all!
> 
> I've been told by the equipment gods that there's a good chance of a new 
> pack for Christmas (provided I keep the price reasonable).  I generally 
> prefer externals, but have been keeping an open mind and looking at 
> internals too.  Having never used an internal before, I'd like everyone's 
> opinion on panel vs. top loading packs.  Advantages, disadvantages, 
> gripes, etc?  The pack that's caught my eye (not only because it's in the 
> equipment gods price range, but also for the weight) is the Mountainsmith 
> Mountainlight 4000.  Advertised as 4000 cu in. and a weight of only 3 lbs 
> 2 oz.  I don't know how to compare internal pack measurements to external 
> packs.  Obviously 4000 cu in. isn't going to be the same on an internal 
> pack as it is on an external.  Can anybody help me out?
> 
> Thanks,
> Val
> 
Just a few words on the Mountainlight.  This pack caught my eye at one
point, so I spent some time searching the 'net for any reviews or write ups.
Naturally I found a variety of overall opinions, but there seemed to be a
consensus that this is a pack for light loads only.  The following links
will take you the web pages of two guys who seem satisfied with their
Mountainlight 4000's, but note carefully that they are both ultralight
backpackers.

http://www.monmouth.com/~mconnick/
http://www.backpacking.net/

There have been several reports that indicate that Mountainsmith sometimes
has problems with their scales.  Specifically, Backpacker magazine in a
recent review found that the Antero's actual weight was 50% over the
advertised weight.  Also, I'm not sure whether the 3 lb. 2 oz weight claimed
is with the standard aluminum stays, or with the optional ( and I think
expensive ) carbon fiber stays.  

As for sizing for an internal vs. an external, I just went through this.  I
started from the premise that my old external seemed to be about the right
size.  I measured the dimensions of every compartment and pocket.  Then I
measured the dimensions of my sleeping bag stuff sack.  I calculated the
volumes of all these spaces and summed them up.  If you plan on carrying a
tent or a sleeping pad _inside_ your pack, you'll have to factor these in as
well.  This will give you a ballpark figure that you can use to narrow your
search.  In my case, it turned out that my ballpark figure was very close to
the advertised volume of the pack I decided on.  But as with pack weights,
advertised pack volumes should be taken with a grain of salt.

Good luck, and have fun,
	Peter
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