[pct-l] packs

[metam01 at earthlink.net (Monty Tam)]

Carl
I saw you win last year.  Unbelievable.  Weren't you closer to 6 or 7 lbs?
I came in last place, but in so many ways I won.
At least 5 people gave me advise for changes.  Your winning gear comination
was part of that.  I dropped to nine by 
Sonora Pass.  I'll be less this year for most on the trail.  

The questions:

I'm about to order the G-5, I think.  (Also the Glen's sleeping pad and the
spectra line)
How durable did you find it? I know it has no warranty and Glen's
disclaimer is only 1000 miles.   I plan to be easy on it and use another
pack for the High Sierras.

How easy would it be to repair with dental floss and spinaker cloth?

Do you have a list of your gear combo or suggested gear?  How does it
change for the different sections and weather?

Hope you can help and Thank You

Warner Springs Monty


> [Original Message]
> From: Carl & Judy Rush <elisenme2@gmail.com>
> To: Eric Lee (GAMES) <elee@microsoft.com>
> Cc: <metam01@earthlink.net>; Shamli Tarbell <galletamonster@hotmail.com>;
<pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
> Date: 2/1/2005 7:53:20 AM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] packs
>
> I don't think you can beat Gossamer Gear I used an old G-4 on the
> entire AT in 2000 it was only 12 oz. and an 8 oz G-5 on a total of
> 1100 miles of the PCT they are extremely comfortable but you have to
> go ultralight to keep them that way. My pack weight without food fuel
> and water is 9 lb 4 oz . I won last years gear contest at the kickoff
> party, and I think the pack had a lot to do with me winning.
>
>                                     Carl
>
>
> On Mon, 31 Jan 2005 23:00:42 -0800, Eric Lee (GAMES) <elee@microsoft.com>
wrote:
> > Like a lot of other people, the Granite Gear Vapor Trail is my current
> > favorite pack.  My back and shoulders won't let me get away with a
> > beltless rucksack; I have to have a decent suspension system.  The Vapor
> > Trail has a great suspension system (for light loads) and still weighs
> > only 2 pounds.  I should note that I have NOT tried to use a canister
> > with this pack yet.
> > 
> > My two quibbles:
> > 
> > One, the outside pockets aren't cut generously enough for my taste.
> > When the main bag is full, the pockets are already tight and it's hard
> > to put anything more bulky than a map into them.
> > 
> > Two, I've noticed (like Monty) that the front tension straps slowly slip
> > through the buckles over time.  Not a big deal but a minor annoyance
> > that could probably be fixed if I ever get motivated enough to do
> > something about it.
> > 
> > I also own a Mountainsmith Ghost (older model before the redesign) and
> > Gregory Reality.  They're both fine packs in their own way.
> > 
> > The Ghost is a decent pack that has a very nice hipbelt but the overall
> > feel of the suspension system isn't quite as good as the Vapor Trail.  I
> > keep this pack around as a loaner for when friends hike with me.
> > Mountainsmith redesigned this pack last year and it might be worth a
> > look.
> > 
> > The Reality is my large-volume winter pack.  It's very comfortable but
> > it's really heavy compared to the Vapor Trail.  Every time I go to empty
> > it after a trip I keep searching all the pockets thinking I must have
> > left something in there because it still feels so heavy, but nope, it's
> > just the pack itself.  I don't recommend it for an ultralight-style
> > thru-hike.
> > 
> > I looked carefully at the Gregory G Pack before I bought the Vapor Trail
> > but passed because I didn't like a few things about it.  Gregory has
> > recently redesigned this pack (not sure if it's even in stores yet) and
> > may be worth another look.
> > 
> > Eric
> > 
> > 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
> > 
> > [mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Monty Tam
> > Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 7:52 PM
> > To: Shamli Tarbell; pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> > Subject: RE: [pct-l] packs
> > 
> > I used the Vaportrail from Cabazon to Sonora pass.
> > Excellent up to about 20-25+ pounds.  After
> > that..................alkward.
> > Not my favorite for a  Bear Vault bear canister, but doable.
> > The front straps got slippery and wouldn't hold after a month or so.
> > Probably from oil and sweat. I'm sure washing would handle this.
> > I loved having my Z-rest strapped to the back.  Easy access for breaks.
> > Biggest advantage was two pounds or should I say the pounds it didn't
> > have.
> > 
> > REI shipped one to me while on the trail.  They normally didn't carry it
> > in
> > a store.  Our nearest REI at home is about 60 miles away.  We get stuff
> > shipped to the store to avoid shipping charges and give us a chance to
> > check it out.  If it doesn't look good, we're already there to return
> > it.
> > 1.800.426.4840  Tell them to send me a commission.
> > 
> > Warner Springs Monty
> > 
> > > [Original Message]
> > > From: Shamli Tarbell <galletamonster@hotmail.com>
> > > To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
> > > Date: 1/31/2005 6:52:57 PM
> > > Subject: [pct-l] packs
> > >
> > > I'm trying to make a decision on a backpack...so far my favorite is
> > the 
> > > granite gear vapor trail that weighs 2lbs. and seems to have some
> > > cushyness/suspension. has anyone had any experiences, good or bad,
> > with
> > this 
> > > pack. unfortunately they don't carry it in stores here in Tucson so
> > all
> > my
> > > research has been online.
> > > also, have any couples used the nanatek backcountry blanket at rated
> > at
> > 20
> > > degrees? the weight is nice at 1lb.10oz. but it looks kinda thin with
> > only
> > > 2.5" of baffle height.
> > > thanks, shamli
> > >
> > >
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