Low cost Pack options?

Rasty · May 27th 2014, 8:37pm

max.patch wrote:

Astro wrote:

MP, while you are waiting to schedule a trip to Neels Gap, below is ULA's website. Even have videos (a little goofy, but still informative).

http://www.ula-equipment.com/default.asp

thanks. i like the looks of the side pockets on both ula's. actually look big enough to be functional.

The circuit can fit two 32 ounce bottles in each side pocket if needed. It will also fit a 64 ounce Oceanspray bottle.

OzJacko · May 27th 2014, 9:46pm

I have both Circuit and Catalyst.
Very little between them.
The Catalyst apparently can take a bear canister sideways.
Other than that, I would recommend the Circuit.
Both can take good amounts of gear.
I can take water bottle from side pockets and return without taking pack off (It's difficult when I shove two bottles in a pocket which I often do).
Big back mesh pocket great for lots of stuff.
Hip belt pockets take cameras, phones - lots of stuff.

odd man out · May 28th 2014, 12:27pm

I have an Elemental Horizons Kalais. Specs are similar to a ULA Circuit. Also carried by Mtn Crossings (as per their web page). It's a newer company so you don't see so many of them. Also made in the USA.

Wise Old Owl · May 28th 2014, 8:51pm

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

Drybones · May 28th 2014, 9:01pm

I love my Granite Gear Crown 60 but if money were an issue I'd look at the Golite Jam.

Rasty · May 28th 2014, 9:12pm

Gregory Z55 for $120 - Solid 55 liter pack

http://www.campsaver.com/gregory-z55

WaxQueen · May 29th 2014, 9:23am

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

I like them all!!! 2.gif For now I think I'm mostly gleaning information and ideas. There seems to be so many options!! I'm undecided on what would be best for me. And mixed in to that is what price I can afford/save up. I definitely lean towards the $130 price.. But I like the REI Venus quite a bit as it is.
Now I have a friend who wants to go, but the best time for them is winter. :blink: Is that a BAD IDEA??? He's very confident about it, and very adventurous. :ohmy:

Rasty · May 29th 2014, 9:37am

WaxQueen wrote:

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

I like them all!!! 2.gif For now I think I'm mostly gleaning information and ideas. There seems to be so many options!! I'm undecided on what would be best for me. And mixed in to that is what price I can afford/save up. I definitely lean towards the $130 price.. But I like the REI Venus quite a bit as it is.
Now I have a friend who wants to go, but the best time for them is winter. :blink: Is that a BAD IDEA??? He's very confident about it, and very adventurous. :ohmy:

Winter where?

WaxQueen · May 29th 2014, 9:45am

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

I like them all!!! 2.gif For now I think I'm mostly gleaning information and ideas. There seems to be so many options!! I'm undecided on what would be best for me. And mixed in to that is what price I can afford/save up. I definitely lean towards the $130 price.. But I like the REI Venus quite a bit as it is.
Now I have a friend who wants to go, but the best time for them is winter. :blink: Is that a BAD IDEA??? He's very confident about it, and very adventurous. :ohmy:

Winter where?

Hike the AT during winter. Like January. Starting at the south end. ...Too crazy?? Apparently people do it. Or so I've heard.

Astro · May 29th 2014, 9:54am

WaxQueen wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

I like them all!!! 2.gif For now I think I'm mostly gleaning information and ideas. There seems to be so many options!! I'm undecided on what would be best for me. And mixed in to that is what price I can afford/save up. I definitely lean towards the $130 price.. But I like the REI Venus quite a bit as it is.
Now I have a friend who wants to go, but the best time for them is winter. :blink: Is that a BAD IDEA??? He's very confident about it, and very adventurous. :ohmy:

Winter where?

Hike the AT during winter. Like January. Starting at the south end. ...Too crazy?? Apparently people do it. Or so I've heard.

I would recommend Fall or Spring first. My first few section hikes were Thanksgiving and Spring Break. Pleasant weather both times.

Of course the next spring break I did in GSMNP and the temps got down in the teens with snow and ice. But in the first 150 miles you will probably have better luck.

AnotherKevin · May 29th 2014, 10:07am

If you haven't built some winter experience with lesser trips, then it probably is crazy. I think I could most likely manage, but it would be a tremendous effort and I'd have to be prepared both to hole up for a few days and to escape to a town for a few days. That, together with the needed winter gear, would make for a tremendously heavy load and short mileage. The later starters would catch up with me.

And FWIW, I've done sections of New England on snowshoes.

WaxQueen · May 31st 2014, 12:29am

Call me crazy then. :blink: Er, us, cause it wasn't my idea to go in winter.. gif.010

We'll see!!!! We're going to prepare as much as we can, and I think if we end up postponing it 'til later in the spring that'll be fine!!! Or even bail out when we freeze our tushies off. I'll be going to Minnesota this summer, so I hope to hunt down general winter gear there(clothing, etc). I'm guessing they have an abundance.

Wise Old Owl · May 31st 2014, 8:55pm

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

I like them all!!! 2.gif For now I think I'm mostly gleaning information and ideas. There seems to be so many options!! I'm undecided on what would be best for me. And mixed in to that is what price I can afford/save up. I definitely lean towards the $130 price.. But I like the REI Venus quite a bit as it is.
Now I have a friend who wants to go, but the best time for them is winter. :blink: Is that a BAD IDEA??? He's very confident about it, and very adventurous. :ohmy:

Winter where?

It so hard to be helpful ... can I jump from pest control to saucier?

Rasty · May 31st 2014, 9:08pm

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WiseOldOwl wrote:

Wax Queen - what direction were you pondering on? $130 or $230? what do you like so far?

I like them all!!! 2.gif For now I think I'm mostly gleaning information and ideas. There seems to be so many options!! I'm undecided on what would be best for me. And mixed in to that is what price I can afford/save up. I definitely lean towards the $130 price.. But I like the REI Venus quite a bit as it is.
Now I have a friend who wants to go, but the best time for them is winter. :blink: Is that a BAD IDEA??? He's very confident about it, and very adventurous. :ohmy:

Winter where?

It so hard to be helpful ... can I jump from pest control to saucier?

Isn't that the same thing?

WaxQueen · May 31st 2014, 9:59pm

WHA???? I don't get it..

Rasty · May 31st 2014, 10:48pm

WaxQueen wrote:

WHA???? I don't get it..

Post control and Sauciers both mix ingredients to create something. One kills bugs the other is sauce.

Astro · May 31st 2014, 10:50pm

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WHA???? I don't get it..

Post control and Sauciers both mix ingredients to create something. One kills bugs the other is sauce.

I think you meant "Pest" not "Post" control.

Unless Big Brother is taking over with the new software and you going to try to control our post. :ohmy:

WaxQueen · Jun 1st 2014, 2:50pm

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WHA???? I don't get it..

Post control and Sauciers both mix ingredients to create something. One kills bugs the other is sauce.

Still don't get how that relates.. :blink: :blush:

Rasty · Jun 1st 2014, 3:11pm

WaxQueen wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

WHA???? I don't get it..

Post control and Sauciers both mix ingredients to create something. One kills bugs the other is sauce.

Still don't get how that relates.. :blink: :blush:

It doesn't.

WaxQueen · Jun 1st 2014, 3:27pm

Oh.

Now I think I've even more confused!!! :side: :blink: Thats okay though..

Never mind me!! :lol:

jimmyjam · Jun 1st 2014, 4:11pm

FWIW most of the thru hikers I saw yesterday had either ULA or SMD packs.

Rasty · Jun 1st 2014, 4:18pm

jimmyjam wrote:

FWIW most of the thru hikers I saw yesterday had either ULA or SMD packs.

ULA are almost perfect in my opinion.

jimmyjam · Jun 1st 2014, 4:43pm

And now the guy from ula works with smd

Rasty · Jun 1st 2014, 6:21pm

jimmyjam wrote:

And now the guy from ula works with smd

Interesting new packs. Not sure I like the colors.

jimmyjam · Jun 1st 2014, 6:40pm

Rasty wrote:

jimmyjam wrote:

And now the guy from ula works with smd

Interesting new packs. Not sure I like the colors.

I agree. I actually like the older SMD packs- I use a SMD Starlite.

Astro · Jun 1st 2014, 11:43pm

Rasty wrote:

jimmyjam wrote:

FWIW most of the thru hikers I saw yesterday had either ULA or SMD packs.

ULA are almost perfect in my opinion.

I am very happy with mine. Even experience some gear envy last summer on the AT from other hikers who said they wanted one.

Astro · Jun 1st 2014, 11:44pm

jimmyjam wrote:

And now the guy from ula works with smd

What is smd?
Is the guy they moved Chris? Or someone else?

Rasty · Jun 2nd 2014, 12:45am

Astro wrote:

jimmyjam wrote:

And now the guy from ula works with smd

What is smd?
Is the guy they moved Chris? Or someone else?

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs.html

Trebor · Jun 2nd 2014, 10:35pm

You can also look at the REI Outlet. I picked up a REI Flash 65 that was discontinued for 92 bucks. It may not be one of the popular packs but it's everything I need and more. Point is they have some good deals if you don't need to have this years latest and greatest.

AnotherKevin · Jun 2nd 2014, 11:07pm

Trebor wrote:

You can also look at the REI Outlet. I picked up a REI Flash 65 that was discontinued for 92 bucks. It may not be one of the popular packs but it's everything I need and more. Point is they have some good deals if you don't need to have this years latest and greatest.

Indeed. I picked up an ALPS Mountaineering Orizaba 3900 at REI Outlet about three years ago. I'm still using it. It's not as light as it could be. The tall, narrow form factor is somewhat awkward to load - but I sort of like it when I'm doing more technical hiking/mountaineering, when I appreciate how it fits in narrow places. (I've been through the Harriman Lemon Squeezer without taking it off.) I'm looking to replace it with something better, but not urgently. And the $85 price tag was hard to beat.

DakotaJoe · Jun 4th 2014, 12:38am

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

WaxQueen · Jun 4th 2014, 4:11pm

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that.

Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Rasty · Jun 4th 2014, 4:18pm

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months! :rolleyes:

Traffic Jam · Jun 4th 2014, 5:38pm

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months!

If he deducts $1 for stench and .50 for wear and tear, Waxy might get it for free. :woohoo:

DakotaJoe · Jun 4th 2014, 6:42pm

TrafficJam wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months!

If he deducts $1 for stench and .50 for wear and tear, Waxy might get it for free. :woohoo:

That pack is gonna have a yo yo on it. Im not selling it ever! Lol

WaxQueen · Jun 4th 2014, 6:48pm

DakotaJoe wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months!

If he deducts $1 for stench and .50 for wear and tear, Waxy might get it for free. :woohoo:

That pack is gonna have a yo yo on it. Im not selling it ever! Lol

Lol! gif.004

Drybones · Jun 4th 2014, 10:02pm

DakotaJoe wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months!

If he deducts $1 for stench and .50 for wear and tear, Waxy might get it for free. :woohoo:

That pack is gonna have a yo yo on it. Im not selling it ever! Lol

When the pack I now use has become unusable I'm going to mount it on the office wall with the hiking poles that already need replacing...kinda like a pack and crosspoles.

Traffic Jam · Jun 4th 2014, 10:46pm

Drybones wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months!

If he deducts $1 for stench and .50 for wear and tear, Waxy might get it for free. :woohoo:

That pack is gonna have a yo yo on it. Im not selling it ever! Lol

When the pack I now use has become unusable I'm going to mount it on the office wall with the hiking poles that already need replacing...kinda like a pack and crosspoles.

My pack may not get a chance to get worn out. It may have to be replaced because of the smell. gif.002

DakotaJoe · Jun 4th 2014, 11:03pm

I like the pack and crossbones just as much as I like stirring the privy up at TOS

Drybones · Jun 5th 2014, 3:32pm

TrafficJam wrote:

Drybones wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

Rasty wrote:

WaxQueen wrote:

DakotaJoe wrote:

I use an antique north face pack bought at goodwill for $1.50

Thats what I'm talking about!! 49.gif Haha! I'm hoping I come across a sweet deal like that. Though I know I can't count on it.. 2.gif :pinch:

Joe might have a slightly used pack he will sell you in five months!

If he deducts $1 for stench and .50 for wear and tear, Waxy might get it for free. :woohoo:

That pack is gonna have a yo yo on it. Im not selling it ever! Lol

When the pack I now use has become unusable I'm going to mount it on the office wall with the hiking poles that already need replacing...kinda like a pack and crosspoles.

My pack may not get a chance to get worn out. It may have to be replaced because of the smell. gif.002

A 5-gallon bucket of water with a heavy dose of Clorox will take care of it, did wonders for the trail runners with mildew you smell up wind.