Favorite Packs?

Kullaberg63 said:
I use 500d Cordura in the double bottom layout also shown above. For the rest of the pack the UltraGrid or Gridstop or whatever is fine
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I like the idea of a replaceable bottom panel (and other areas that tend to get thrashed). Are your water bottle holders also modular?
 
futurafree said:
I'm trying out a UltraGrid 200 pack from Seek Outside that has two recycled 210d panels woven together, so it's different and cheaper than UltraWeave. Also uses UltraStretch for the big mesh pocket (not really see-through). Supposed to be the strongest Ultra version for the weight. I read that in rain it holds a little more water than other versions, but the main point for this pack is the desert so I could carry more water bags comfortably. Trying it out later this month and probably on one very abusive trip, so will report back.
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How did you like the UltraGrid 200 from Seek on your trip?
 
Diane Greer said:
How did you like the UltraGrid 200 from Seek on your trip?
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The trips weren't nearly as rough on my new backpack as I was expecting, so I can't say with confidence how well the fabric held up. I think it got some superficial scuffs that probably would've been small tears in my old DCF Zpacks bags. What I really like is the pockets/pouches are a new stretchy material that seem bomber. Can't really see through the tiny holes like the wide netting in my other bags so I'm sure wet items won't dry as quickly, but it's worth the trade-off.
 
Jackson said:
Another vote for Granite Gear. Changed the game for me when I switched over from Osprey. Lightweight, comfortable, and very durable. I use the Crown, which may be slightly larger than you're looking for.
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For those of you using a Granite Gear packs, has the material held up to abusive conditions? Do a lot of backpacking with off trail routes in Canyon country and the Winds. Need a comfortable pack, capable of carrying a weeks worth of food/gear. Really want a pack with a good, padded hip belt and shoulder straps with load stablizers. Willing to tradeoff weight for comfort, but would love to lose a couple of pounds the off the weight of my backpack. Right now use both gregory and arcteryx packs. Amazingly rugged but very old and heavy.
 
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The one I use is old, but only 2 years new for me (found a new one on ebay to replace the one i had for about 15 years). I cant drag it across the sandstone though. The newer ones I have no idea, im sure they are a different material now. The one I use is a front loader, frameless.... Havent seen a new frontloader in many years, they so much easier to pack and retrieve things. I've always gone for the lesser advertised brands in equipment, quite a few brands are as good as the "pushed" brands but less expensive.
 
Diane Greer said:
For those of you using a Granite Gear packs, has the material held up to abusive conditions? Do a lot of backpacking with off trail routes in Canyon country and the Winds. Need a comfortable pack, capable of carrying a weeks worth of food/gear. Really want a pack with a good, padded hip belt and shoulder straps with load stablizers. Willing to tradeoff weight for comfort, but would love to lose a couple of pounds the off the weight of my backpack. Right now use both gregory and arcteryx packs. Amazingly rugged but very old and heavy.
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Mine have held up well in all environments, desert and mountain. I haven't been to the Colorado Plateau or other desert places in 5 years, but I had about 3 years of doing a couple trips per year down there with my first GG pack. And 4-6 mountain trips per year as well, all in various MT, WY, and UT ranges.

The only thing that wore out after 8 years was the water bottle pockets, since they used a stretchy mesh that was fairly easily torn by brush. The holes never made either pocket unusable though, so the material was at least ok in that the holes never expanded after they were torn. The rest of the pack is in fantastic shape. The material they use for the water bottle pockets is different now (I got another one), and it hasn't torn on me yet despite some brushy encounters this season.
 
Jackson said:
Mine have held up well in all environments, desert and mountain. I haven't been to the Colorado Plateau or other desert places in 5 years, but I had about 3 years of doing a couple trips per year down there with my first GG pack. And 4-6 mountain trips per year as well, all in various MT, WY, and UT ranges.

The only thing that wore out after 8 years was the water bottle pockets, since they used a stretchy mesh that was fairly easily torn by brush. The holes never made either pocket unusable though, so the material was at least ok in that the holes never expanded after they were torn. The rest of the pack is in fantastic shape. The material they use for the water bottle pockets is different now (I got another one), and it hasn't torn on me yet despite some brushy encounters this season.
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Thanks, that is very helpful.
 
The Crown 3 is 100D, 210D at the base. As stated in my previous comment in this thread, it was comfortable (20 lb on my test hikes). Didn't care for thinner webbing. Weight came in almost 4 oz over advertised. Overall good value. Just bought a lightly used (2022 version with 6 nights on it) SWD Rugged Long Haul. 50L internal + 10L external. Ultra 400. Bombproof as it gets. Highly rated but not cheap.
 
I used an Osprey Levity, 60 L, which is no longer in production, on the PCT and the AZT. I like the lightwire frame from Osprey as the pack is off your back, keeping you cooler and not soaking your shirt in warmer weather. The lightwire frame does a great job transferring load to the hips. Many pack work for Thru hiking where pack weights are typically less than 20 lbs thanks to frequent re-supplying The Osprey does well Thru-Hiking and outperforms when you are carrying 10+ days of food. I recently bought a Exos Pro, 55 l, and am pleased with the pack.

I always make a new pack waterpoof by coating the fabric with a seam sealer. It makes the fabric waterproof and stronger (more abrasioin resistant) thereby providing packing flexibility. i have no issues with longevity of the Osprey Packs. The Exos Pro has an adjustable harness helping with a great fit and it seems to work great. I think my new pack is just about 2 lbs on the nose for a medium.

I always like to buy and try a variety of packs. Here are a few insights on some packs I have owned....

I have used Zpacks Arc Series but find the lumbar area not as comfordable as the Osprey design. It does not pack as easily as it is a bit narrower at the bottom and also at the mid-point, nor does it carry loads over 25 lbs as easily.

I have seen quite a few Hyperlites fail on the PCT. After a few months on the trail, the stays seem to tear through the bottom of the pack. A little more wear and tear thru hiking than most people normally would do. The Hyperlite carries a load well but I find very hot on warm days as the pack is pressed against one's back.

I have used ULA's. The previous owner lives in our town here in Utah. Great pack but like the Zpacks, was not a fan for load carrying above 20 lbs.
 
My go-to is a Gregory Baltoro, it's a bit bigger than 50L but super comfy for long hauls. I've overloaded that thing too, haha. For something closer to 50L, I've heard good things about the Osprey Atmos AG. Lots of folks swear by those cottage brands, but I haven't tried any myself.
 
For around 50 liters, I really like my Osprey Atmos AG 65 (though it's a bit bigger). The Anti-Gravity suspension is a game changer for comfort on long hikes, even when loaded up.
 
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