Best Lightweight Packs

imported
#1

I’m trying to gain a consensus on the top 2-3 lightweight packs from all of you JMT or Sierra Nevada hiking vetrans. For a pack under 2 lbs, what is your favorite and what makes it great? Fameless opinions?

Thanks a lot!

Weez

#2

My own favorite (and current) pack is the Golite Gust, now sadly discontinued but still occasionally available on eBay. My own is somewhat modified, with added hip-belt padding, a breast band, mesh jam pockets on the sides and four extra compression straps on the sides above the pockets (two each). It’s a sweet pack, extremely light for the capacity and carrying ability (over 4000ci and only 20oz. in the original configuration, though my modifications have pushed it up to 24oz. and with a max weight of 35lbs.) The best feature is an extremely lightweight removable foam frame-sheet. I use a Max-Thermo pad so it doesn’t quite do the same frame job as a closed cell pad does (but boy is it comfy!) and the frame-sheet takes care of that. It would be an excellent choice for anyone who doesn’t use a standard closed cell pad, like hammock hangers or arthritic geezers like me. If you do carry a pad, you can use you own in pace of the original. I’d suggest it if you’re likely to have long treks between resupply. As a section hiker I don’t use resupply the way thru-hikers do, since I’m unwilling to leave the trail in the limited time I always have. I’ll carry a full week’s food or more rather than get off-trail. There’s nothing like a pack that can take some volume for that.

Strategic

#3

Try looking at the ULA line of packs. I have one that I wouldn’t trade the world for. My internal frame has a place for your Platy and your wallet, not to mention hip pockets for a camera, map, etc. It weighs right at 2 lbs. empty.

Trekking Trav

#4

I too agree that the Gust is a great pack for any trip - long or short. It is extremely light, very spacious and very simple in design. I too like to removable foam pad frame sheet and use it as extra padding for my hips and back when sleeping. I am very sorry to hear it has been discontinued, but then again the simple design would make it easy to sew on your own. One thing that I enjoy about the Gust that others may not is that the majority of the pack weight rides on your shoulders and not on your hips. I prefer weight on my shoulders as it allows me to walk easier.

jym beam

#5

I also really like my Gust, great lightweight comfortable paragliding pack which is why I originally got it. For hiking I wish the gust had side pockets & I also added a sternum strap to it. I am hoping the new golite pinnicle (which I think replaced the gust) has all the good of the gust with some added improvements.

For my PCT 2007, I am looking at using my existing golite speed (lots of handy pockets etc which are all great for adventure racing but some of which I would cut off for the PCT) or golite gust (big light simple).

Or I may buy a new golite jam2, golite pinnicle, or G4 pack.

Inertia

#6

I hiked the JMT last summer. I used a ULA Curcuit and absolutly loved it. It was the perfect size, only 2 pounds and very comfortable. I also loved the hipbelt pockets, the were great for my camera, chapstick, bugjuice, voicerecorder and such.

Paul Walker

#7

I purchased a G4 pack and really loved the design. Problem is when I loaded it with over 25 lbs it gave me back problems on long hikes. Major problem is I am an old long dist runner. So I got a Vapor Trail at 2 lbs which for me was the mos comfortable pack I ever had. Much smaller pack and not many outside pockets but is very comfortable. I sure would like to try the G4 or something similar again. There are people who add a structure using aluminum arrows but it did not help much.

Steady On

#8

Used the Gust on our 2005 sobo thru hike of the PCT with absolutely no problems. Rarely did I overload the pack, with the exception of leaving Mammoth (Red’s Meadow) with two weeks of food to get through the High Sierra’s to Kennedy Meadows. Side pockets would be a great addition to the gust, but I just loaded all the stuff I needed throughout the day on top. Anyways, good luck on the PCT

jym beam

#9

i too love the vapor and used in 05. it is a VERY comfy pack and i think more sturdy then the golites. You could add the small pockets on the hip belt which would difinitely come in handy. i will be using it on the Jmt too this year. have a blast !!!..:slight_smile:

yappy

#10

All,

I’ve uploaded a couple of pictures of my Gust with most of the modifications to my journal (Strategic, section hiker, AT07) along with a description of materials and technique as my latest journal entry. The only thing not in these pictures is the side compression straps, but those are easy to do and I’ve included a description of them in the journal entry. If you’re considering the Gust, Weez, you might want to think about doing these. They’re all simple and done with hand stitching. Good luck with your thru and happy hiking.

Strategic

#11

I used a Jam for my JMT and couldn’t have been much more unhappy with it. All sorts of little things broke on it, it is hard to load, and it rode low and still dug into my shoulders. I have a 5+ lb. Kelty external frame that i’ve been happier with, carrying the same 25-35 lbs. I’m looking to try a ULA Catalyst…wish i could test-drive it somehow…

markv

#12

This may go without saying, but there is a tremendous difference in packs with stays and without. I have always found the stays to be very worth the weight. But my opinion doesn’t matter so much as trying out either style with the weight you will be hiking with. Best, Aes.

Aeschylus

#13

I’ve been doing a lot of research on light packs as I’m also gearing up for a JMT thru-hike this summer. I have a Jam2 and for the most part I’m happy with it but after only a total of about 6 days of trail use it started falling apart at some of the seems. No major break downs but I just think it’s wearing out faster than it should. And I also always made sure I wasn’t packing a heavier load than I should. I think a Granite Gear Virga would make an excellent pack. I don’t have one but from what I hear it’s a really great pack coming in at only 1 lb. 3oz. and you can get it online for only $70.

Zach