PCT // Reviewing the Backpacks I Used
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
- The 4 backpacks I used on the Pacific Crest Trail and everything I thought about them. Backpacks discussed: ULA Ohm 2.0, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest, and REI Flash 55.
Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored by any of the brands/companies mentioned, however ULA did gift me the Ohm backpack. All opinions remain unbiased, honest, and my own.
Find out all the gear I carried: • PCT // All the Gear I ...
What's in my food bag: • PCT // What's in My Fo...
Watch the rest of this series: • PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
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ABOUT ME
Californian exploring the world. Here to share adventures and give you tips about travel, culture, language, and life.
With a lot of pleasure I've seen your video's of the adventure of the PCT last year. It's such a nice adventure to look to these video's in a time of lock down.
It gives in these times that I can't travel an idea to travel with you in the fantastic surroundings of the West states of the USA. What a challenge you and Nic did.
It is so cool to get a comparative review of multiple packs from one person. I'll use your name when I call ULA to order my Circuit pack. Thanks for an awesome video!!!
Yay! I hope you like it! 😊
I agree this is probably one of the better reviews for backpacks I've seen in a while. Was great to hear how it felt over multiple days, what started out well and ended up being annoying etc. It took me ages to find a pack that worked for me and I still think I haven't got it completely correct.
Awesome video comparison and explanations. I just used the REI Flash 55 for a 5-day trip and I noticed the hip belt loosening constantly as well. That was definitely my biggest complaint also, along with my shoulders taking too much of the weight on many occasions because the hip belt wouldn't get any tighter. Cheers!
Granite gear has a refit hip belt system, that I think all packs should have . I have the Circuit also, I like their dual strap on their hip belt system . And Osprey seem to have the most comfortable shoulder straps. 🤔😁 Maybe there’s no such things as a perfect pack . But whatever you made it 2000 + 👍👏
I have a Gossamer Gear Kumo and Osprey Exos 58 and love both...The Exos has a mesh back and is great...Really enjoy your adventures Cheers
It’s so important to get the right fitting pack. That’s the reason I got my pack from an actual store. I’m a big girl with a short torso. So when I shopped every pack hurt except one that was super comfy. Not the lightest weight and didn’t have all the features I wanted but comfort was the biggest thing. I could make it work it doesn’t have a hip belt which I added externally. But everything else about it is awesome. But yeah the struggle is real. Thanks for posting
Hi Kelly! Which pack do you use?
The osprey eja 58 L. It fit me like a glove and fully loaded felt like a feather on me and I felt super stable. It was more liters than I wanted but I don’t have to overstuff it. But super easy to adjust and comfortable on my hips and shoulders.
Glad you found one that works for you!
Just finished watching your PCT adventure Mari it was very entertaining,i plan on watching all your videos you're a nice lady
I don't think the cottage companies put enough thought into if their designs or recommended fits work for women. I can understand them not making packs specifically for women, if it doesn't make sense for them financially, but they should be cautious in advertising and recommending what they do have. Packs are where sex specific designs really shine IMO.
I also think ultralight packs are overrated. Comfier packs weigh more, full stop. It's easier to carry that weight cause you're properly supported.
I agree, however, with the first pack Mari didn't listen to the pack company expert opinion. Also, peeps body change over time on the trail. I remember having a convo with an Osprey sales rep who said expect to replace your pack half way through the AT not just due to wear and tear but because of physiological changes.
Thanks for the good info.
I have the osprey renn 65 and put bungee paracord through the daisy chains on the front and also bleached the straps to customize it more lol. I LOVE it and keep checking online for ultralight packs i would switch it out with and cant justify changing it. The back panel has so much air flow, its so comfy all around and is one of their lighter packs (3.3lbs). Idk, packs are personal, there is no "perfect" pack but there is one thats perfect for you, your body, and what your comfortable with carrying as far as weight. I wouldnt get a 4lbs+ pack but i also wouldnt do an ultralight pack if it didnt have a breathable back panel. Everyones different! Thanks for sharing ❤
Thanks for the info! I have an Ohm and like it but did you feel like the load lifters would squeak? It's was noisy for me. Still like it though!
Looks like you already got a lot of good recommendations, but I thought I'd offer one too;) from what you said you may like the Gossamer gear mariposa. Very comfortable padded shoulder straps...and the most comfortable hip belt padding I've ever found. , and various hip belt sizes to choose from. But it's definitely a very comfortable pack with lots of pockets all over the pack. , which since you said you like organization, that I can see being another positive for you:) maybe something to check out for your next adventure:)
If your shoulder straps felt like they were carrying too much weight on the ULA OHM 2.0 in medium size, I would think you would want to go UP in size not down. Example you said you have a 19 inch torso measurement, so you should try the large size in the ULA OHM 2.0 to see how that felt on your shoulders after adjusting the hip belt to the shortest torso length setting. What is great about the ULA packs is the removable hip belt that you can dial in to your exact waist size no matter what torso size you have. Thanks for your informative video.
Good review. Checkout the Gossamer Gear Silverback 55 (on sale now) or their Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60.
My wife and I just got ourselves some Circuits after meeting up with Chris to ensure sizing. My wife has had Gregory Jade and Osprey Aura and couldn't get either of those to stay comfortable. I have an older REI pack and Osprey Atmos which is pretty comfortable but wanted to try something lighter so got a Granite Gear in medium because my torso measures between 19 and 21, closer to 21. But the load lifters always ended up being at shoulder level and weight was always pulling down on my shoulders instead of staying on my hips. I did some more torso measurements and reading up on it and found that different companies employ slightly different methods in how they measure and manufacture their packs for torsos, so one company's medium can fit right on me like Osprey, but for Granite Gear, I probably should have gotten their large. With the Circuit, I ended up going with their large too and have loaded it up to play around with it and seems like it's going to do really well. With the help belts secure where they should be, the shoulder straps curve an inch or two below the top of my shoulders and the load lifters are snug right at the ideal 45 degree angle, so I'm confident it's going to ride really well on trail.
Long story short: One company's "medium" may not fit as well as another company's "medium", even when they are both sized for the same torso range. Be interesting to see if you end up with a small Circuit in the future and whether it rides any better on you. Or perhaps a medium would still do well with the extra firmness the aluminum stay gives to the frame and thus allow the load lifters to be a little more functional at relieving the tension on the shoulders.
I like my REI flash a lot. I agree with the hip belt slippage and sizing. I use triglides to keep mine from slipping.
Ah cool I’ll look into those!
What is a triglide?
So basically, always try it on with weight before you purchase. Also, you might want to get your torso measured again. Some companies, like Osprey, have their own measuring device that gives a more accurate measure for their packs.
I'm Asian, slightly longer torso, often bumping up against the top end of medium for torso but I can't go large because the hip belt would be too big on the large for me. If you travel to Japan, you might want to look in at Montbell as they make their packs for their demographic.
Hi Mari,
You should try the Gregory Octal 55; it's super comfy and really underrated! Love your vids!
I think I tried that one on at REI! I liked it and almost got it but then went with the REI one because it seemed to fit a little better on me
Sounds like you had the same issue many people have with kit & did the right thing by swapping out to preserve your own health & mental well-being on trail, so well done for that. After 30ish years of hiking I definitely don't think there's a perfect pack, just the best one each individual finds up to that point in time, so I find any manufacturer recommendations are purely a personal thing that may not be for me. Unfortunately the 'ultralight' boom has muddied the water slightly too as people are seemingly willing to compromise on many more things as long as it saves even a fraction of an ounce & many items are chosen off a specification list rather than experience. There's still some amazing kit out there though & I'm personally really happy things have gotten lighter over the years, so you'll definitely find the right pack eventually. Keep going Mari, & enjoy hiking in NZ as it's amazing!!
Thanks, I’ll keep looking!
You should check out the Gossamer Gear Gorilla. You can choose your hip belt size for even if you need a medium pack you can get a small hip belt which is nice for people with smaller waists. I have a lot of problems with hip belts rubbing and I love that I can size up or down depending on what I need.
I just got the REI Flash for the PCT because I loved my trail 40 so much but needed more space. I just think they design excellent packs. The waist on the XS goes smaller than the S I think, still with leeway for me at 91 lbs (super petite). But I felt a little pressure point where the internal frame landed against the base of my back, so I used one of the flex straps and clipped my foam sit pad (folded in half) to the inside of the waist back. This made it even more comfortable and back vented (similar to Osprey), and would give you more leeway to tighten the hip belt. I’ll see how this works out on my shakedown hike soon.
I'm trying out the osprey eja. Like it so far. i have the 58L in a small. I'm 5'8
Backpacks:
Maby look at the LiteAF 40L CURVE - FULL SUSPENSION CUSTOM PACK for an ultralight alternative for the future.
A more traditional pack with a lot of good organisation that are still fairly light are the RAB Women's AirZone Trek ND43:50L Hiking Backpack. Think you woild like that one 😊
Have a great day, cheers from Sweden
Love all your vids! :) Now this might sound silly but how does one return\exchange a bag whilst on the trail? Do most company pay for shipping and returns?
Most companies jump through hoops to help those who are having difficulty with their packs on the trail. Especially companies who make backpacks. It is the most crucial piece of gear and the last thing companies want is to be unreliable in that context. You would have to research the specific company you're looking at of course, but I would be suprised if any pack manufacturer (cottage or larger), wouldn't go out of their way to overnight a new pack.
I have had trouble with my pack and have had Aarn shorten the hip belt, this has meant I can now really tighten the belt. Still have problems with my hips rubbing but I think this is just bony hips, am going to try adding some padding. Having a small frame seems to make it difficult to get a pack to fit and still have enough room to use it for multi day hikes!
It’s such a struggle! Hope it works out!
Hi Mari, interesting video, as always. Glad to hear that you are safe and sound after mastering he PCT. Are you back in Christchurch now? Wishing you the very best. Robert.
Thanks Robert. I’m in Wellington now!
Ah! You are living in my favourite NZ city. Well done. I used to have relatives living at Island Bay and also a cousin living in Holloway Road, near Aro Street years ago. Incidentally, have you ridden any of the new double deck buses there yet?
Kia ora Mari. When you were using the REI Flash 55, what did your pack weigh in at?
I have had problems in the past with hip belts slipping (like the problem you has with the Rei flash 55) - my way to fix it was wrap some ductape around the webbing so it creates more friction and prevents slippage
Thanks for your video. Good luck finding a pack and I hope you make a video if you either: find one you love, choose a ULA Circuit in small size, or end up getting a customized pack. I'm on pack #4 now as well and still looking for an ultralight pack that fits me. I'm investigating Gregory packs now. They have a lot of women-specific 38-55L choices, adjustable torso capability (not all women's packs), and a variety of neat hip suspension systems - some with a free float technology for comfort and to conserve energy. Jade 38 and higher volume have free float hip and adjustable torso. Octal 45 women's pack but doesn't have free float or adjustable torso. They have other women's packs in 38-55 L volume but Jade and Octal maybe better for thru or section hiking. Gregory's site mentions they also customize packs. REI sells Gregory packs online, and Gregory has a solid guarantee policy. I have a Red Fox 25L Racerwire day pack that fits perfectly, but not enough volume for thru or section hiking. I tried 3 larger Red Fox, packs but fit not the same and not configured for long distance hiking, too bad.
Sounds like Gregory has some good options!
@@mari.johnson The lumbar padding on the REI Flash 55 was comfortable but pretty stiff when I tried it on. Did the foam on your Flash 55 stay stiff for the rest of your trip? Otherwise, the Flash 55 seems nice. It would be interesting to see if a small ULA Circuit shifts from side to side like the medium does. I have a medium ULA Circuit and that movement was the thing that bothered me about the pack. Plus, the frame seemed a bit long for me. Thanks again for your videos!
I'm new to backpacking, but I've been a day hiker for over a decade. I used a Gregory Jade for over a decade (and it's still great; only the material is naturally wearing out since I got it in 2010), and it's so comfortable. Gregory makes stellar suspension systems that work perfectly for transferring weight as you like. I can fully load it out with water, food, and a big pro camera, and it can be heavy to lift, but once it's on it doesn't feel heavy at all. I had such a great experience with my Gregory day pack that when I decided to start backpacking I was naturally leaning toward Gregory. I was, however, open to other brands. Like Mari, I enjoy researching the heck out of anything, so that's what I did. I even considered, of course, ultralight backpacks. After all the research, and then spending a few hours at REI fitting on backpacks, I ended up with the Deva 60. So far it has worked perfectly, and it is super comfortable fully loaded out bear can and all. Also, both the hip belt and the straps come in different sizes, and you can have REI swap it out for free even after you purchase it and use it for up to a year. The pack is designed specifically for women, and both the hip belt and the shoulder straps move independently, so your pack doesn't shift around when you walk even on uneven ground. Even though it's double the weight of a typical ultralight pack, I think it's worth it for the comfort. It is rated to carry 50 lbs, but I pack it out relatively light..... About 30 to 35 lb with all my food and water (that's including the pack). When I was debating back and forth between this heavier pack and an ultralight pack I figured I would always be maxing out the suggested weight for the ultralight. Underpacking the heavier pack results in more comfort. The other thing I love about Gregory packs is how the pack doesn't touch your back and you can literally feel air flowing through and cooling your back. Anyway, even though I'm super happy with it of course I keep asking myself if I should have gone with a different pack, but listening to your review and also watching all the PCT vlogs I think I would have had the same discomfort problems. I think more comfortable suspension and padding (as well as ventilation!) is worth more than its weight in gold. If you're interested in learning more about the pack I think the review on it from Enwild is pretty good. All that said, I am interested in trying out the Gregory Octal, their first offering in the ultralight category!
Hi Mari, I would be interested to know what your boyfriend thought of his Aarn backpack? Thanks 😊
if you liked the REI one you could always order a different hip buckle replacement and see if it holds better - Osprey sent me one for free in case mine broke!
I love my ULA Circuit. I agree with you about their great service... before and after placing the order. My waist is between belt sizes. ULA Recommended the larger size belt. Thinking (wishing?) that I would lose a couple of inches, I ordered the smaller size. It works, but the belt pockets are too far back on my hip. I ordered the larger belt & easily replaced it within a few minutes. Very comfortable for me, even at 30 lbs. The standard pack comes with a single strap at the top, going over the top to strap things on the top. I'm glad that I asked for a custom "Y" strap so it would better handle top-mounted gear, such as a bear can... hope not to lose it down a steep slope. 😜
Glad you like it! The Y strap should definitely help! Though I'll probably always put mine in my pack from now on! :)
Mari...Froggy here. Check out seek outside divide 4500. It is a large pack but it is the most comfortable I have used after a granite gear, a ula circuit, a hyperlight wind rider 3400 and a zpack arc blast. So join the club with many packs. The seek outside is great for a bear vault and I modified mine to make it lighter... the balance between weight and comfort. With that pack I am at 15.5 for base weight with all the comforts I need....hope things are good for you. Thx for doing this video. Your knowledge and incites will be helpful to those who watch this video. Getting ready for the new season have a hike planned every month from April to September. Take care I will have a new movie film out soon. Froggy.’s top ten redux the top ten lessons learned hiking the PCT and more....
Later my fellow Marin county friend.
Hi Froggy! Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check it out 😊 Cool that you have so many hikes lined up!
It’s x pack too
yeah FROGGY!
It would be nice if you would add links of those backpacks in to the description :)
New to your channel, what do you use the talenti jar for?
As a bowl / cup!
You might have an inaccurate measurement of your torso size. When I was taking my initial measurement I was measuring beyond the top of my hips.
Had no idea how much adjustments are needed for a comfortable pack.
most likely medium is too big for you. I'm 5`9 and in most things my torso fits small (except my shoulders), I know that back length and height do not always correlate, but I highly doubt your back is longer than mine.
Taco Salad, good to see your video.
Thanks
My waymark was outstanding for me.
My opinion: Try Atompacks. Top quality, top service, customisation possible.
You might want to put the model names in the title to make it easier for people to find the video.
Never like online purchase, would like to try it before purchasing, hassle-free return. Don't like frame, uncomfortable in the neck area. So far I like Osprey, it comes in 3 different sizes meant for female.
Mari Johnson
Love my Gregory backpacks... I had a few defective REI brand products...don't recommend those.
I love all my REI packs, definitely made with everything in mind. Plan on buying the flash 55. Also love my Gregory Deva 60l but not practical for long hikes. I also have Osprey packs. I found REI brand is my go to, they think of everything! Great quality.
Forget it... UL have to be ALL the gear that goes INTO the TOOL that we all use to carry stuff called "backpack" and not the backpack ITSELF. So... in my opinion a rucksack that it's well done prepared, designed and built to carry heavy weight with all UL gear inside, it's the perfect combination because as it's so much over prepared to carry HW, all the UL gear shall be a peace of cake to walk with it Aaalll the way... And I mean an ILBE (as a reference), Granite, Seek Outside, Gregory, or an Osprey... yeah big cushioned hipbelt and straps it's the real McCoy in this...
PD: If you go to Europe and you wanna get a backpack that it's expensiver in USA, fjallraven kanken or Lowe Alpine are the ones I would pick.
UL is the things you carry, minus consumables.
You may not like it, and there is no official UL weight limit, but the backpack is one of the things you carry on your back.
Don't get me wrong, I will rather have a comfortable backpack than reach an arbitrary weight measurement, so if I have to carry many days of food, I will surely rather have a bit heavier and more comfortable backpack.
And I don't care if I go from UL to LW in that process.
But for a few days worth of food and a UL equipment, a 1-2 lbs backpack is comfortable.
Light loads on heavy weight backpacks are uncomfortable. Why use a 4lb Kelty to Carry 9lb base weight. It’s like putting your cell phone alone in a briefcase.
@@bonnevillebagger9147 NO WAY... I disagree... CONFORT it's the name of the game... How much weight do you save by using an UL backpack instead of Granite Gear, Osprey, Gregory, Lowe Alpine...etc... That bit of weight gets redeemed by the comfort that those backpacks provides. Tha base weight varies when you carry food, any gear that you may incorporate or change (during tha hike), a bottle of champagne to celebrate to get to point B, etc... That is why I consider to have extra room, and as much resources as posible to carrying any weight starting by a big cushioned comfortable waist belt it's the KEY...
PD: Extra room it's also relative... as the sleeping bad gets uncompressed and starts to expand it can full fill all that extra room...
@@shofarox4037 you ignored my first sentence. Heavy duty backpacks with light loads are uncomfortable. They feel weird and flop around.
@@shofarox4037 the brands you referenced all offer low weight options. So it’s possible you are misconstruing what a UL back pack is. They all don’t have to be neros or way marks made out of dyneema. My ULA circuit weighs 2 lbs and can carry 35lbs. While my ULA cdt weighs 1 lbs and carries 15-20.
You need to use the correct tool for the job.
What monstrosity was your partner using? What was he carrying in that thing he had on his front side?
It’s an Aarn pack, not a monstrosity. 😊It’s actually pretty cool because it balances the weight better by not putting it all on your back. He wasn’t carrying anything more than most people.
@@mari.johnson would love a video of Nick reviewing his pack and gear!