Back packs - John Muir Trail

imported
#1

Hi .I’m from England .My plan is to hike the trail from mid August .Amongst other things I have 700mls experience on the AT .I normally us my Golite Breeze with an added hip belt ,this looks insufficient size for the necessary big food hauls and bear cans.Is this the case?I have managed 31 lbs before or 5 days food .I have reduced my kit a bit since then but 35lbs looks likely unless trek out to Independence for resupply but by then the weight will have dropped anyway.I have looked at the various threads on back pack options. Tho my bag is getting old,I really don’t want to buy a big bag that I am unlikely to use in this manner again.I am am looking at the GoliteJam2, GregoryZ55,or Osprey Atmos50.In particular the Jam2.Is one of these big enough?

English Stu

#2

I used the ULA Circuit last year and loved it. I fit a bearikade expedition can inside vertically and still had room in and out for all of my gear. It is a work of art and the most comfortable thing I’ve worn. It weighs 2lbs and I actually had 40 in it for a day or two and was just as comfortable as 20 lbs. The ULA Conduit is also a great pack and is slightly larger.

weez

#3

Thanks for that Weez.I am so loathe to experiment with a new bag especially as I live,for testing ,so far from the stores which import the good bags from the US.I wonder if I can get by with Breeze and just redistribute my usual packing to fit in the bear canister.I am down to 13lb without food and water.

English stu

#4

I know how you feel. I live in the middle of boring-ville USA and have no good outfitters around me. When I was looking at the ULA packs I e-mailed Brian, the owner, a few times and was confident it would work. I purchased it before I ever even saw a real ULA pack in person, but was very satisfied with it.

If you’re down to 13lbs anyway, you’ll be in good shape. I was at 14 before the bear can and food. You could always create a mock-up cylinder to the size of the bear can and see how it fits in your pack. Cardboard works well.

weez

#5

Hey English Stu- I used a breeze for the JMT a few years ago and my canister fit, (with a similar base pack weight to you). I ended up putting my sleeping pad rolled up on the top of my pack instead of as the “frame” on the inside so that the can fit inside. I dont think that a bear fits very well in the Osprey atmos or the gregory z55 very well because the frame on those packs curves into the inside of the pack and robs a lot of internal space. You really cant go wrong with a ULA as Weez pointed out, but since it sounds like you dont want to mess around with trying a new pack before the trip you would be fine with the breeze, or as you said pick up the Jam2. They are reasonably cheap and would feel similar to the breeze which you are already used to, just with a bit more space which would be nice. Have a great hike!

mat

#6

Hey Mat ,thats great information. Still thinking- but likely to go now with the Jam2.Ray Jardine must have really got into my head -it just doesn,t seem to make sense to add one and half pounds empty pack weight with the Osprey or the Gregory .No doubt it will concentrate my mind on keeping light.The lack of side pockets on the Gregory is offputting as well ,I like to put my stove and fuel bottle outside the pack.

English Stu

#7

Thanks again for the information .I have ordered a ULA Circuit to make things a bit more managable.

English stu