why choose a ul backpack?

[irrationalsolutions]

ok i recently had the opertunity to try out a ul backpack. just for a little back ground, i have a med. alice pack, a kelty redcloud 5000 and redwing 3100. this ul backpack had no padding on the back (even my bookbag while in school had that). it didnt fit right and kept moving around on me (it had 20# in it). i didnt really like it. i know its very light but i still dont get it. my packs are heavy i know so i cut weight else where. i like a rugged ridgid pack and i dont see myself changing soon but i would like to know what the appeal of them is. i just dont get it.

[hoz]

With an UL pack, you have to have an UL load. Sacrifices are necessary.

Sometimes I think the ul philosophy overloads common sense.

[irrationalsolutions]

i tried it on with only 20# in it. with food, water and everythig else i dont see how you can get any lighter than that for a long hike.

[russb]

I use a fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak pack which starts to be uncomfortable at 20#. The only time I come close to that weight is in the winter and with 3 days worth of food (like this weekend). I do not need to carry much water (0.5L at a time) due to where I go (Adirondacks mostly) and my food weight is about 1.5# per day. In the other 3 seasons my weight drops off significantly (approaches 10# before food/water) and I can thus carry more food ie. longer trip. I don't sacrifice comfort, I just don't need as much "stuff".

[SSDD]

Well I like not having to hump a ton of gear with me as I find it much better and I can cover more ground with less effort and right now my 3 season 2-3 day pack weight is at 14.5 lbs with everything and that is with my old Kelty it is like a redwing but only 2100ci. I do have a ULA Fusion but I gave it to my son and I just can't find a backpack made/set up the way I like it. After years of a Allice pack and then to the high speed stuff I still like my small things and snacks in outside pockets so I will be making my own and it will not be a sub 20oz but it should be around 25-30oz and good to 25-30lbs if I ever needed it for some reason. Soon I should have my 3 season 3 day load down to 12-13 lbs with 20-32oz of water

[dlarson]

I use a ULA Conduit and I like it a lot. I put my foam sleeping pad folded up against the back of the pack (inside) so there's plenty of padding. It also offers some stiffening to the pack since it has no frame. My base pack weight is about 11lbs and then goes up with food and water included. I haven't measured the weight with food and water but I estimate it is not over 20lbs.

I guess it's a personal preference thing. However you like your pack is your preference. For myself, I am very happy with my setup. I am aiming to drop my base weight to about 7lbs if I can and I will be even happier.

[irrationalsolutions]

i think i am going to try a ul pack for atleast a week before i do my thru. i just like to keep all my stuff too much. it will take me a while to used to going lighter than i already am.

[dlarson]

Do you have a gear list put together with weights and all that? Can you post it here?
I'd like to see what kind of gear you're using. It's fun to look at other people's gear lists!

[irrationalsolutions]

i dont have a real gear list together yet. i am still working on everything to see what i want to change and what i want to carry. i have a list of some of my gear in another post i'll get the link. the list doesnt have weights but it will give you an idea. i know to go to a ul pack i need to shave a lot more weight but i have three years to work on that.

http://bplite.dreamhosters.com/viewtopi ... =38&t=1640

[dlarson]

It looks like you have a pretty good list going there.
There are a few items I would drop off the list or replace, like the hatchet.
But you also have some nice stuff on there like the hammock.

Your list reminds me of my brother's. He just got a hammock, likes fishing, and had a hatchet he carried. I think he found some sort of mini tool to replace the leatherman so he can still get those fishhooks out and he replaced his hatchet with some sort of survival saw.