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Equipment Debate – Part 2
Backpacks
In the beginning….
Our first few overnight long hikes were memorable. Max invested in a big old Osprey with tons of nooks and crannies. It’s a sight to behold when full. I think there are corners and pockets he hasn’t even discovered yet. Maureen, though, continued to haul what equated to a daypack. Barely held a sleeping bag and food for a few days. Things changed when a thru-hiker in Shenandoah National Park (“OB”) said to Maureen, “How come you get to carry such a small pack?” He didn’t say the word “slacker” but he meant it.
That was it. Max insisted on equality from that point on.
Maureen’s Pack – Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
Hours and hours of research (way too much, truth be told), resulted in Maureen settling on the Gossamer Gear ultralight pack after carrying a functional, but kinda bulky, Osprey for a few years. Took some getting used to as the hip belt sits a bit higher, but once on and tightened up, there is no need to adjust or even remove for a break – it’s comfy. Need to find a better solution than the internal water bladder (Camelback). I don’t like the unexpected running out and having to try to refill with a full pack. Love the large external pocket, though. Means not having to disturb the main compartment during the day. A compactor bag works well for keeping stuff dry. Holds lots of stuff but somehow stays pretty light – around 25 pounds with food.
Max’s Pack – Osprey
I’ve had my Osprey pack for over ten years and one of the external zippers is broken. Maureen tells me I can get a new one for free, but this one has a decade of hiking karma already, and that is something that is hard to buy at an outdoor store. So I’m keeping it, warts and all. Nothing I have ever carried has fallen out! I might change it in at some point but only if I can save a pound or more of weight. I like this pack also because it is bigger, and I don’t have to shove my stuff in it as much to get everything to fit.
Next up – Sleeping Bag or Quilt? Sleep your own sleep….
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