Re: Backpacks
jay.thal (jay.thal@TCS.WAP.ORG)
Fri, 23 Jul 1999 10:01:35 -0400
Steve Hoar wrote:
> ... Technology changes yearly and my internal of 3 years
> ago might not be the best design on the market now.
>
> I/we would like to hear comments from this years campers;
Well, here's my cut on the matter.
The U.S. Army has developed a new frame pack which will be everything
for all types of missions - sort of the "Humvee" of personal carriers.
It also weighs in at over 12 lbs., empty. That's the "technological"
edge, and you can mount a GPS antenna on the top.
>
> 2. What works best at Philmont.
Obviously (even if one could get one without joining up), the Army pack
is ill-suited for a Philmont trek because of weight alone - the six plus
extra pounds are better devoted to provisions. What works "best" for
Philmont, IMO, or any other trek is a moderate sized pack capable of
carrying your gear and a share of 3-4 day's provisions (you'll be
reprovisioned several times along the way). Philmont is not the
equivalent of an Everest assault, and sherpas are not available. My
idea is pack and gear (personal and shared) that nets out at no more
than 25 - 30 lbs (plus space for water and provisions). I like external
frames, so cubic inch internal capacity can be smaller with "things".
lashed externally. No kitchen sinks - so moderate size 4-5000 cu. in.
capacity really will do.
I also like panel loaders over top loaders - though color coded
stuff-sacks for different types of gear work with both. There are
several new designs that open like "tacos" so that you can get to
everything at once. This can be nice if you keep you pack with you in
the tent so that you can reach everything. HOWEVER, YOU WILL NOT KEEP
YOUR PACK IN YOUR TENT!!! - you'll strap it to a tree, or hang it from a
bear cable, since it has been carrying "smellables".
>
> 3. What to look for in a replacement pack.
You may not want a new pack anymore than a new pair of boots when
heading out on a "serious" trip. If you're current pack works for you,
don't fix (replace) it. The first answer that comes to mind is a very
good hip belt - that's where you want the weight to ride. The not so
simple answer is "fit". That is not easily tested in the outfitter's
store, but on the trail. You're lucky to find an outfitter which will
rent out a pack so that you can test the design and suitability first.
> 1. What they see as best for new scouts.
My view is that most Scouting trips are weekend events. There are "day
and a half" packs with a 3000 cu. in. capacity and a good waistbelt that
will meet 80% of anyone's needs. It may look little bigger than a
bookbag but it will usually suffice through seven years of Scouting.
Usually one of these is sized small enough for the 11-12 year old, and
the older Scouts will have found out how they can travel light (So, I
subscribe to a two-pack philosophy - using the right one for the right
occasion.) Of course this leaves out "specialty" packs - like
waterproof ones for on-the-water adventures.
>
> 5. How do you plan packs for fast growing young scouts?
There are packs that grow with you. Usually they have numerous points
where the suspension system (straps and belt) can be readily adjusted
for growth. These use to be similar to the Coleman composite external
frames, but several internal frame packs have integrated such suspension
systems.
> 4. What works best for females on high
> adventure treks like Philmont?
Other than being physiologically different, I think that properly
sized/fitted equipment is the key for them too. Of course their packs
button from right to left. ;-)
YiWWSWd,
Jay
