Re: Ultralight Backpacks Used by Women on the JMT and InReach/Garmin units
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I used the ULA catalyst for my 2 JMT hikes. It easily carried the Weekender (Wild Ideas) bear canister horizontally & the Blazer vertically. I had all my gear inside in waterproof sacks (HMG pods)?+ trash bag - no pack liner on the outside (they really don't work that well IMO). I have a small frame (5'4", 105#) & the catalyst (size small) worked for me. I preferred the "smartwater" type bottle in one of the outside pockets with tubing going over the shoulder straps, so it was readily accessible & you could easily keep track of how much water you drank. I have used the catalyst in other situations where I needed to carry a lot of gear, like winter backpacking. But, it is a big pack & feels a little wide. I switched to the ULA Ohm 2 for my Long Trail hikes because it was narrower & could get through tight rock squeezes & trees. Doing it over, I would consider the ULA Circuit, which is 500 cu in smaller. The ULA customer service is great & they worked with me to get my pack to fit. While slightly heavier than other UL packs, they carry weight well.? I also used the inReach mini & it worked very well.?
Melinda
Melinda Mingus, MDBoard Certified Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Diplomate in Mountain Medicine DiMM NSP Eastern Division Safety Team Advisor NSP Eastern Division Patroller Stress Awareness Advisor NSP NVT MTR Region Advisor
646-522-1451
Thanks for the huge vote of confidence on the In-Reach Mini, Aaron.? It sounds like they have come a long way from the one I had seen with a friend about 6 years ago.? If somebody has used other similar devices, I would love to hear about their experience.? I am hoping to buy my device during the Memorial Day sales.
I would also love to hear from women backpackers on UL backpacks.? I saw the Nunatak Bears Ears discussion from last year that Byron had started.? Looks like the packs have space for 2 bottles, but no hydration bag scheme.? This is not a dealbreaker, but something I would want to try out.? The Nunatak is significantly pricier than many of the other UL though I do like the fact that the bear canister is on the outside.
Really wish there was some way to try before I buy one of these packs.
CJ
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