I have been saying this forever, and I will say it until I die: The additional weight added to a pack, so long as it goes into the suspension, a suspension, which will effectively transfer the weight of your pack from your shoulders to your hips, in full or in part (go for as close to full as possible–some say full is impossible), is well worth the added weight. It will be one of the best gifts you can give yourself; it will be something which will increase your daily enjoyment in hiking; and, if your goal is to travel the entire trail, it will increase your chances of doing so.
Its a simple truth, and applies to many areas. For example, your boots must give you and your feet the proper protection and support, in order to maximize your comfort, and thereby your endurance and good health. You seek lightness, yes, but only to a point; after which the lightness is costing you other things more important, more essential. Similarly, the object of your pack, beyond being something to put your belongings in, is to be of such design and construction as to make the load, whatever it is, as easy as is humanly possible to carry, by distributing the weight primarily to the hips, your center of gravity, and absolutely minimizing to the greatest degree possible, the weight carried on your shoulders. I kid you not, this is the way it works, and don’t let anybody tell you differently.
Another example. Thirty pound primarily suspended from your shoulders is not going to be an enjoyable experience for you. But, with a few more pounds (1-3) added to the total weight in a proper suspension, directing the weight to your hips, the experience of the 31-33 pounds born primarily by your hips would be an effortless joy. The same with 25 pounds, or 20, or as low as you wish to go.
Have you played baseball with a too small glove, where you are forced to catch fastballs in the thinly padded palm of your hand all day? Do you remember the pain and lack of enjoyment, of wanting to switch gloves with someone, of ending your participation earlier than you otherwise would have? Have you then had experiences where you found and used a better glove with longer fingers, a large web, and suddenly found you could catch everything, anything, the hardest thrown balls, the hardest and fastest line drives, lightning bolts and laser beams even, in the web of the glove rather than in the palm of your hand, and all without the slightest exertion, concern, or discomfort?
The difference is similar with respect to backpacks, its that dramatic. You can have aching shoulders, or no discomfort at all, anywhere. You choose, its that simple, direct and straightforward.
Get the better suspension. And then, fear nothing.
And, when you feel like it, carry a little extra food, or beer, or whatever suits you, and surpise whomever you please.
Sincerely–Conan.
Conan
