Best Backpack - Appalachian Trail

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#1

I have two backpacks. One is a Dana Glacier which is really comfortable but heavy. The other is a Mountain Smith Auspex which I can get everything in it I need but is uncomfortable due to very thin shoulder pads. Both are a few years old but in excellent condition.
My questions are:
If you had to pick a new backpack, which would you choose? I usually pack around 35 lbs fully loaded.
Also, is there someplace to take the Mountain Smith to get better pads? I realize you want the weight on the hips but the shoulder pads do carry some weight.
Thanks.

Papa Bob

#2

Bob…if you ever shed down your weight to around 20ish pounds fully loaded from 35 you may like to investigate a pack with the following design. (http://www.zpacks.com) A Z-pack with 2600cc of volume is just less than 8 ounces. A few feathers for the bag and jacket, a cuben fiber tarp, wind wear and an attitude of less is more might have you re-evaluating what is a good pack. Best of luck on the trails.:cheers

stealthblew

#3

Hi Papa Bob,

I carried the Osprey Aether 60 on my 2009 thru-hike. Saw many other Osprey Aether’s out there. Solid pack. No problems at and fit/rode well. My base weight was 30 pounds. For SMNP and 100-mile wilderness (7/8 day stretches) I left town with 50 pounds.

Many other great packs out there. My two cents!

I’ll be hiking the PCT in 2013 and plan on using the Osprey Aether 60 again. Not broken…don’t fix it, right?

Enjoy your hike!

Bison

Bison AT '09

#4

I had the Auspex and loved it. If you can remember where you bought it, maybe you can have it refitted. I don’t remeber the straps being uncomfortable so maybe there is something else going on with the fit. Alternatively you could gerry rig something for the straps or get your weight down a little.

I eventually retired my Auspex in favor of the ULA Catalyst. Tons of space, light and comfortable. My pack weight is between 25-30 without water and food and I uslaly carry lots of water. Yuo can check out ebay or hikers forums for used gear sales.

Styker

#5

I agree with Styker.The ULA Catalyst was everything I hoped for and more,Very light,2 lb 15oz.Check it out…

Bubblegum

#6

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will look into both backpacks.

I just read in the paper today where a woman hiked the entire A.T. in 46 days and averaged 47 miles a day. I wonder what pack and weight she had?

Papa Bob