[at-l] Backpack recs

[Amy Skowronek]

On Nov 9, 2007, at 11:45 PM, JPL wrote:

> Went to the local (sort of) REI today, tried out the Osprey Atmos  
> 50 and the Gregory Z55.  The sales guy filled them up with about  
> 25# (28# total) and I spent a few minutes walking around the  
> store.  Both of them were pretty good.  One of them (I think it was  
> the Gregory) had a lumbar pad that was new to me.  Not bad, just a  
> different feel than what I'm used to.  They both weighed an ounce  
> or so over 3#.  They seemed pretty similar.  I'll keep looking and  
> thinking.  Don't need to make up my mind until the first of the  
> year.  I'd still like to try some of the others (ULA, Go Lite,  
> Equinox).

I like the ULA P1 and P2.  I'm a big fan of ULA's hipbelt pockets.  I  
can fit most everything I need during the day in them, which  
minimizes my fiddling with the pack.  Frame is very comfy.  Love the  
outside mesh pockets.  Kinda heavy though.  Also he doesn't make them  
anymore.  I haven't seen the newer ULA models to compare them.

If you can sacrifice the hip pockets (I use a small fanny pack  
instead) I also like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa.  It has two internal  
stays.  The rest of the frame and padding are provided by your  
sleeping pad in a back pocket, or by a foam pad they provide.  The  
stays provided a lot of frame support for very little weight.  I  
found it to be very comfortable when I took it out on the trail.  It  
weighs around a pound.  There's also a slightly heavier version with  
more durable ripstop nylon which adds three ounces, called the  
Mariposa Plus.

-amy