Haul bags and hiking . . .

Hello all

I would like to get some input on Haul bags with my specific question in regards to comfort for long approaches and what you would recommend/ have experienced? I have a BD Thouchstone and IMO it is not that comfortable to carry on long approaches especially with a lot of gear. Have been toying with the idea of adding some padding to the shoulder straps with a pool noodle. Would like to see what people have to say befor I do this . . . Can any one say if the BD Zion is more comfortable over the Touchstone or recommend another brand?

Thanks
And happy sending

Not trying to be a jerk. All haul bags suck for hiking in when they are full. So do double carry, or suck it up in one go. One thing I hate more than hauling a big bag is doing the approach with big haul bag.

The Zion is significantly heavier on its own than the touchstone. The lack of support in the Zion makes it even worse and with a heavy load it can crumple around you like a fat child getting a piggyback ride.

The one thing you can do for both the zion and the touchstone (though I haven't done this for the touchstone)is to get a piece of wood from the hardware store to put into the belay seat that comes with the zion. Slot this into the space behind the back where your shoulder straps go when hauling. This gives enough support that the Zion is dealable.

I have to agree with div. There ain't really a way to make 120 lbs comfy, adding padding may help, but if it's perminantly fixed to the straps then it will make them harder to pack away and the bag bulgy, (if your bag straps pack into their own outer pouch like the metolious.)

Multiple easy carries are a lot less debilitating. You can even use a pack designed for what you're doing with it!

Thanks guys for the input . . .

Divnamite, hands down I agree with you, there not fun to hike with. Double carrying . . . Could do this but not really practical for we're I am going. Planing a trip to Wind River (Cirque of the Towers) and it's about a 7mil hike to we're we are going from the trail head add to that were playing on 9 days up there so I am treating the trip like an expedition and I want my "kitchen sink" with me. All my other packs are around 60L and I don't think there going to cut it.

Kevin deweese, thanks for the info on the Zion and will see what I can do to put more support in the shoulder strap pouch, killer idea.

Dustin B, yes the Touchstone shoulder straps pack away but not planing on doing any hauling on this trip so not to worried about adding some cushion to them. It would not be permanent just a cut to fit pool noodle with some duct tape to hold them in place.

Rob Dillon, I need a pack to carry an obscene amount of weight and I don't think my GoLite is up for that Challenge. If you could recommend one that would help.

Ok sounds like I just need to man up . . .
Thanks again
And happy sending

Agree to the hipbelt over the should strap padding.

BUT if you're not going to haul the bag, you're better off using a proper pack imo.

My BD Touchstone haul bag is my favorite crag pack for Indian Creek and desert towers. It's just the right sized "bucket" to hold all the cams and other gear needed. I slipped a piece of ridge rest foam into the back panel sleeve to protect my back from the hardware. It actually caries surprisingly well.
Plus a haul bag will outlast "soft" crag packs.

I have carried obscene loads into the backcountry with my grade V Metolius bag on many occasions, and have always regretted it. The trouble with packs that size is that they allow you to do a single carry, thus carrying WAY too much. Those thin straps are positively soul crushing. Carrying a trekking pole underneath the pig can sometimes help you lift it up off your shoulders, but going uphill kind of sucks doing this.
And the Zion is even BIGGER! Why would you give yourself the opportunity to carry even more crap up there in one load?

My advise, get a big ass old Dana Designs pack, take out at least one of the bottles of tequila, and save your neck and shoulders.

Then come back with a good TR.