Thanks for info, I have had several others reply to date and all have been
of great benefit. Am in Perth later this month and will take the opportunity
to look at packs then.

Rob
Geraldton.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Priest" <andrew@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: 13 April, 2003 7:34 PM
Subject: Re: [Aushiker] Assistance required


> At 07:07 PM 13/04/2003, you wrote:
>
> >I have researched most of the equipment and started doing prep walks
> >building up to the Sept. trip. I am having problems in selecting a
suitable
> >back pack. I have followed the gear reviews however I would prefer
personal
> >recommendations from WA. Any suggestions what to look for?
>
> Hi Rob
>
> First up how much gear to you take? If you keep your gear list down in
size
> then consider a smaller pack. I have got away with my Granite Gear (62
> litre capacity) on a seven day hike of the Cape to Cape Track in November.
>
> That said I also own a Macpac Cascade (85 Litres)
>
<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Packs/Internal%20and%20External%20F
ramed%20Backpacks/Macpac%20Cascade/Owners%20Review%20by%20Andrew%20Priest/>
> and don't seem to have much problem filling it up when I use it!
>
> My preference is to use the Granite Gear because it is light compared to
my
> Macpac Cascade (1.6 kg versus 2.9 kg) and I really don't see the need, on
a
> lot of my trips for a pack made of 12 oz canvas. I have also carried 20
kg
> in the Granite Gear Nimbus without trouble. That same load in the Macpac
> would have been 21+ kg and less comfortable.
>
> That said, the most popular designs out here are 12oz canvas type packs
> such as Macpac, Mountain Designs, Wilderness Equipment, One Planet
> etc. Personally I find them to heavy. An alternative available here is
> the Deuter range of packs ... they may be lighter.
>
> Based on my experience as walk leader and as a owner, I would stay clear
of
> brands such as Black Wolf, and bite the bullet getting something a bit
more
> expensive but with a better harness system. The harness system seems
> pretty important in combination with getting your carried weight down. I
> try to keep my base weight (minus water and food) to under 10 kg.
>
> The bottom line is to try the packs on in the shop, make sure they put
some
> weight in them (say 12 - 15 kg), spend sometime walking around the shop
and
> see what you feel comfortable with.
>
> Others have thoughts?
>
> Andrew
>
>
>
> --
> Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
> Located at -31.91667 / 115.83333
>
>
>
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>
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