I am going to buy a new backpack and was planning on doing a thru hike of the AT in a couple of years. I was unsure of what size pack I should purchase for a thru hike? Thanks, any help is appreciated.
Louis P.
What size backpack to use for a thru hike of the AT?
system
#2
A wise man once told me (and I foolishly didnt listen) to get a small pack. The smaller the pack, the less you will take. The less you take, the lighter your pack and the more enjoyable your hike. I personally use a Golite Jam 50 and put my thermarest z-pad I use in my hammock in the pack for a “frame.” That’s the way I do it. The pack itself is $109.99 and you have to either buy it online or find a store. That price compared to other packs will give you more money on other light gear.
Birdog
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#4
I would read the trail journals of as many backpackers of the AT that you can. There is a lot of reasoning behind others choices. I am a 66 year old male - been backpacking for 20 years. My goal for the AT is to carry a pack that will allow me to carry a 30lb load, or lighter, comfortably. I also like the idea of carrying a little extra weigh, in the future, when grandkids or my wife want to join me. So I purchased my pack with that in mind. Best advice I can give is to read other reports.
Tim Kehoe
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#5
I would read the trail journals of as many backpackers of the AT that you can. There is a lot of reasoning behind others choices. I am a 66 year old male - been backpacking for 20 years. My goal for the AT is to carry a pack that will allow me to carry a 30lb load, or lighter, comfortably. I also like the idea of carrying a little extra weigh, in the future, when grandkids or my wife want to join me. So I purchased my pack with that in mind. Best advice I can give is to read other reports.
Tim Kehoe
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#7
Hi Louis, I agree with Birdog. I recommend you read “The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail” by Andrew Skurka. Towards the back of this book are his recommended gear lists for various trip conditions. The AT would fall under the “Eastern Forests” gear list.
After reading this book I went from carrying a Gregory Baltoro 70 to a GoLite Jam 50, with my full weight for 3 - 5 day outings dropping from 35 - 37 lbs. to 22 - 24 lbs. Your body will appreciate carrying less weight.
Happy Hiking!
Bernard
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#8
i used an osprey atmos65 for years, but sized down to a 50l last year, and it was just big enough for all my gear. before you decide, get your gear list together, decide what you must have on your hike, and then choose the pack that fits. the majority of hikers on the trail this year used between a 50l and a 65l.
i agree, though, that the larger the pack, the more crap you’ll find to fill it up.
hikerboy
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#9
Firstly, acquire all of your other gear, then you will know what size backpack you will need when you bring all of your gear in a trash bag to the backpack store and go through a “practice packing” in the store with other customers staring at you like a weirdo. Or you can order online and just have your family/friends stare at you.
+1 on the comment to pack less gear and use a smaller volume pack. Nature abhors a vacuum and if you have the space, you will use the space, so leave the space at home.
I enjoy using a pack without a frame and building the frame with the gear in my pack. A foam sleeping/sit pad, maps, and extra footbeds make a great backrest. As with your footwear, comfort is your foremost consideration and there is no “wrong” backpack. If it works for you, it works.
On the AT I used a Mountainsmith Ghost (2,200 CuIn) but I strapped some gear to the outside.
On the PCT I used a GoLite Jam 50. This is an amazing pack and I still use it often in the back country.
On the CDT I used a Zpacks Blast (2,600 CuIn). It’s a featherweight pack but I got it to fit perfectly.
space monkey
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#10
When I hiked I used my Osprey Ariel 65 which had more than enough room. When people come in to my store asking about pack size for a thru-hike I usually point them in the 50-55 Liter range. It’s big enough to hold all your gear without you having to be ultralight since most people aren’t fully ultralight. The one thing I would have changed from my hike was to make my pack smaller.
I recently went with the Osprey Exos 46 and changed out a few of my heavier pieces of gear or ultralight versions. Having just come off a 9 day trip where I had to carry 6 days of food before out resupply, it was a good size.
The one big thing to consider with pack size is that the lighter/smaller your pack the less weight you can carry comfortably. So take a look at your other gear. If it’s not on the lighter side then you’ll want more padding and a frame.
And to repeat what everyone else has been saying - if your pack is bigger you WILL carry more. It happens. (Though I usually filled my extra space with food)
Froot Loop
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#11
I currently have a Deuter Act Lite 65+10 pack. It weights 3lbs 15 oz. Too large of a pack for the trail, but I can easily carry 45 pbs without issue. Looking at Golite frame packs, I see the 50L is about equal to the Deuter. Looking at ultalight Golite 50L, but I am concerned about the frameless aspect and many reviewers indicate the pack suffers after 25 pounds. I expect to be at a cold weather trail weight of 25 to 30 pounds depending on my final equipment list. A Golite would cut this weight some. I am 59 years old and have always had a frame pack.
Patrick Bredlau
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#12
Fruit Loop is on the money.
50L, Osprey, <3lbs, carries 30lbs easily works for me.
Typical base weight is 15-17 lbs.
ex thru hiker
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#13
Thanks all for the advise. I admire anyone that can get their base weight below 20 pounds. I am studying the issue, and will likely be close to a base weight of 21 pounds. Then fuel, water, and food which will likely take me to 28 - 30. Sounds like most people like the Osprey and Golite. The Osprey only cuts about 1 pound. Any other suggestions?
patrick bredlau
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#14
take a look at ula packs too-the circuit and the catalyst.i use an osprey, but many people swear by these as well.
hikerboy