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Re: Ultralight Backpacks Used by Women on the JMT and InReach/Garmin units

 

Re: Garmin and similar devices,

I can say that I have a Garmin InReach Mini and have used it on many trips including the JMT and it has overall proven to be one of my favorite single pieces of technology. I find it remarkable that something so small can serve so well to keep me in touch; when used with the (clunky) iOS app, sending messages via my phone was delightful.

Favorite feature: getting location-specific forecasts. And, that the user interface?is IMO VERY well designed; thanks to auto-complete it was very possible to compose messages without a phone.

Biggest problem: sometimes it needed a "kick" to send/receive, which was administered by power cycling it. Not sure what all that is about.

Mine was the older verison, the newer one has a nicer screen and charges with USB-C where mine took old mini-USB. Maybe they also fixed the need for kicking it.

The newer (smaller) trendy gadgets in this category have no user interface AFAIK except maybe a "need rescue" panic button. Personally I believe it's well worth it to be able to actually send/receive messages directly from the device. It's unlikely but I can imagine scrapes where I lose my phone and need to be in contact... the thing clipped on my pack strap and abuse- and water-proof is quite reassuring.?

On multiperson trips we've upgraded for a month to the usurious cadillac plan to get unlimited texting—but for infrequent use the entry-level plan is probably fine. You can buy extra messages for 50 cents or something if need be without changing plan.

aaron

On Tue, Apr 9, 2024 at 2:24?PM chayaj via <chayaj=[email protected]> wrote:
Hi All:

I am planning my first thru-hike and will be replacing my Gregory Deva 60 with something lighter.? I will also be getting some sort of minimal communication system to be able to let family know where I am and that all is well.

I would love to hear from women who are in the 5' 1" to 5' 5" height range on packs they have liked.? On 3-4 day trips I have spoken with people who have loved their ULA Circuit and their Z-packs.? It seems Nunatak Bears Ears and Gossamer Gear Mariposa are highly rated on the Gear Lab sites.? The issue with all 4 of these packs is that they do not seem to be offered at REI.? So, the only way to test these out is by ordering them, loading them, trying them on local walks, and deciding.? I would love to hear from women about their favored thru-hike backpack so I can short list.? If you have had a bad experience, I would like to hear about that as well, since that will help me watch for things and maybe remove something from my list.

And, on a separate note, I am also looking into getting something for communication.? I do not need anything fancy nor should it have exorbitant monthly or usage charges.? Something where I can send a message to family letting them know that I am okay; and something for an SOS (though I hope I do not need to use it).

I am hoping this is a good year for the JMT -- we did not have the crazy snows of last year, but it was wet enough, so I hope we do not have crazy wildfires like we did in 2020-2022.

Thanks in advance,
CJ?



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