Re: [at-l] MountainTools FlexFrame: Any Experience?

[mlowell <csrm@pdrpip.com>]

Tom:
  Thanks for the informative response.  This is the type of information I can
use.
  Step to the head of the class!  (I'll dehydrate the apple and take it for a
hike.)

Mike
csrm@pdrpip.com

Tom Griffiths wrote:

> It will not be based on spelling,
> >punctuation or grammar.
> >    Begin now.
> >    tick, tick, tick...
>
> Okay. Imayhave been alittleroughonthis pack initially when
> Ifirstboughtthispack (breeeeath) ButsinceI'venowhaditfora while...
>
> Actually, a wild train ran through the parking lot here and missed my
> car. Destroyed several vehicles. No one hurt. Also, my dog ate my
> homework. Did I miss anything?
>
> >about the hood (detachable, etc.?),
>
> The 1998 model I have (Mountainlight 5200) doesn't have a detachable
> hood unless you want rain coming in via the top of the pack. The 1998
> Mountainlight 4000 may have had a removeable hood.
>
> >the harnessing system,
>
> The pack is very light weight so it's not going to carry more than 35
> lbs of total pack weight including pack, food, water and everything
> inside the pack. Anything more than 35 lbs and it's going to start
> sagging on you, particularly the hipbelt. The load leveler straps at the
> top of the shoulder straps twist easily and come out of the buckle that
> allows them to be pulled tight. Reason: to save weight. What I have done
> is to put the straps in the position I want them to be in permanently
> and just leave them there. I adjust the other straps as necessary. It
> works fine this way for me.
>
> >is the best way to load/pack it.
>
> Since the 1998 model of the MLight 5200 is a top loader (the 1998 MLight
> 4000 is a panel loader), I put my sleeping bag in a plastic bag at the
> bottom with the Thermarest Ultralight adjacent to it (this creates a
> base for setting your pack down). Then I pile the other stuff on top of
> it. With a top loader, when you get to the shelter you're going to be
> pretty much unpacking everything and then repacking the next morning
> whether you want to or not. The panel loader allows you to lift out and
> insert much easier but with any panel loader you'll need to watch all
> the side zippers (strength and watertightness) to make sure they don't
> start coming apart.
>
> >comments about the durability, ruggedness choice
> >of material and overall quality and applicability of the pack.
>
> There probably aren't many (any?) other packs out there this light per
> 1000 ci. The 5200 size large after trimming and with carbon fiber stays
> should weigh in at 47oz (my scale).
>
> Durability/ruggedness -- initially I was harsh on this pack because the
> surface marred easily. After more months, the pack is actually holding
> up very well (I still don't like the twisting of the load leveler straps
> but it's a compromise to get the weight down). It still gets marked up
> easily on the outside but that doesn't really have anything to do with
> the durability of the pack.
>
> Applicability of the pack to a thruhike -- I think the Mlight 4000 or if
> the 1999 model year has a Mlight 3500 ci pack would be a better choice,
> even though the 4000 is a panel loader. Limits you to the amount of junk
> you can take with you and it weighs even less as far as empty pack
> weight. 1998 GA-ME Thruhiker Monadnok used a MLight 4000 beginning at
> Damascus that he got from Mt. Rogers Outfitters. I only saw him for the
> first 25 miles or so (he was, you might say, ha, a bit faster hiker than
> I) but you might want to track him down and ask him. Also, the MSmith
> home page has a hiker picture & name of a person who'd thruhiked with a
> Mlight 4000.
>
> >why Mountainsmith makes the worst product catalogue in the market
>
> You might want to get out your own scale and weigh things. The
> Mountainlight line of products are relatively close to the weights in
> the catalog but I think there must have been a furlong to ounces
> conversion error on some other Mountainsmith product weight listings.
>
> >customer support
>
> Ahhh...I tried to word this in a manner that would be acceptable to the
> sensitive people on the list. I failed so I deleted my comment.
>
> >Your grade will be based on areas covered,
> >presentation of the facts,
>
> I've left the apple on your desk.
>
> Datto
>
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