Looking for a new backpacking pack

Hey all,

I've been using the Granite Gear Vapor Trail for years now and will, most likely go with something similar. I'd probably use the pack for 2-7 day trips. I'm just curious if there are other things out there that people really like that maybe I should look at. Does anyone use their backpack for multiday alpine climbing trips? What size do people like? 

Thanks,

Sean

PS- I debated whether to put this question here or under "Other Sports". When I looked at the posts under "Other Sports" one of the posts was entitled "Dating". That made me chuckle.

1 am very happy with my Zpacks pack.

Zpacks.com

I got a 62L one, but I don't think they offer that specific size anymore. That's about the perfect volume for my trips.

I have a Hyperlite 3400 Southwest (55L) and I absolutely love it. It fits my back length really well and doesn’t really stress any part of with 35lbs in it. I also like that it’s basically an enormous sack. My plan is to use it for 1-2 day, ultralight alpine objectives and general backpacking.

Complete opposite to that is my Osprey Aura 65 which weighs 5lbs but is ridiculously comfortable. It hauled 50lbs up to the Bugaboos nicely.

The PCTers like the ULA Catalyst and ULA Circuit. It is most similar to your old backpack. Hyperlite’s “Unbound” is also similar to yours.

Also this is Amy from Nomads. 

That's for the recommendations. Looks like I've got some research to do. Amy, I'm sure I'll be in Nomads shortly to ask about that new shipment of Nomad Ventures t-shirts. 

If you're expecting to carry your new pack on 7 day trips in such places as the John Muir Wilderness, be sure to load it with a full-sized bear canister when you try it on. Some packs simply aren't shaped right for this load. Best pack I own is my old Osprey Ceres 70, but it just won't accommodate that container in a way that carries comfortably and fits other necessary gear. It's not a matter of the load in terms of weight, which the pack will let me haul easily; it's the volumes and shapes. When I'm under food storage requirements I use one of my Osprey 85L packs.

That's a great point, Paul. Also one that fills me with anger. Hate those bear kegs!

Ry C wrote:

I have a Hyperlite 3400 Southwest (55L) and I absolutely love it. It fits my back length really well and doesn’t really stress any part of with 35lbs in it. I also like that it’s basically an enormous sack. My plan is to use it for 1-2 day, ultralight alpine objectives and general backpacking.

Complete opposite to that is my Osprey Aura 65 which weighs 5lbs but is ridiculously comfortable. It hauled 50lbs up to the Bugaboos nicely.

The PCTers like the ULA Catalyst and ULA Circuit. It is most similar to your old backpack. Hyperlite’s “Unbound” is also similar to yours.

Also this is Amy from Nomads. 

• I keep thinking I’ll get a dedicated crag bag, but my Hyperlite 3400 SW that I bought for UL backpacking never fails me. Some need the zipper for access to whatever when carrying a rope on top; as a backpacker, I remember to put my snacks in the hip/rear pouches, that way when I throw up my oatmeal on the approach to Tahquitz, I can refuel on the go. Hi Amy! 

Another vote for Ospreys. 

Regarding bear kegs, my pack is just wide enough to fit one of the black cans sideways. Makes packing much less of a headache, rather than trying to fit things around the can to keep weight balanced. 

I use Mystery Ranch terraframe 65 quite happily. Big fan of modern external frames for backpacking, especially if you plan to haul any extra gear eg for Backcountry climbs. I find having a good support system more than makes up for the extra weight for me, but then I'm not breaking any speed records on my hikes.