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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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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
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?
-- ? aaron.ximm@...? ? ? 83% happy ?? 9% disgusted ?? 6% fearful ?? 2% angry
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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.
CJj
PS: ?I have a very naive question -- how do I hashtag this message so it goes under gear?
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(Sorry if this ends up being a double post. I think I accidentally didn't successfully?post the first time!)
As a fellow shortie, I really love your question!
As context, I'm 5'2", 126-ish most days, 32C, narrow hips. I have many miles of experience in different conditions and places. I completed my NOBO JMT in 2022 in about 15 days. My base weight is generally 11lbs, depending on conditions and whether I weight-splurge on some luxury items.
For my JMT, and for many years before, I used the REI Flash 45, size S. This fit my Bearikade vertically, snuggly, but no problems. It was wonderful in that it distributed weight well to my hips and the padded shoulder straps were very comfortable. I was not particularly careful and it held up until a trip to the desert where I carried?10L of water and far exceeded its weight limit. If not for the horrible squeaking and some weird frame things, I would patch the holes and be still using it. I mention this pack because even though REI now only carry Flash 55, it was a fantastic bag, and you can try it on in the store. It is also often on sale.
I currently use the ULA Ultra Ohm 40L in a size small torso, size small hip belt, and S straps. The belt probably could have been XS, but it's good to have flexibility in the winter for different layers and I have been able to adjust vertically it up/down to dial in the fit. It also carries weight extremely comfortably, including a full winter load a couple months ago (double quilt x lots of treats). I like the ultra material, though somehow have managed to make a hole in the mesh. Water bottles are easy to access without breaking off your arms. My biggest adjustment is being brain-less and figuring out how to organize my gear. It also fits Bearikade vertically. My non-fit related annoyance is at the direction of the hip belt zipper.
Unfortunately, cottage brands are like petite clothes - not in store, so you just have to spend the time to order and return. I had an opportunity to play with a friend's XL Circuit (not the same, I know), but took the plunge. The customer service at ULA was top notch and I liked it enough to end the experiment right there. I have not regretted it and recommend that you don't obsess over the exact perfectly perfect perfect pack.??
One other size note. I notice you are coming down from a 60L so YMMV on my advice. I have a weird imagining in my head about unobstructed arm swing. This is why I favor the 40L packs over anything wider, like the GG or the Circuit, which seem great but are too much bag for me. But this depends on the other gear you use. If you have other questions about petite gear, please let me know bc I think it is a subject that doesn't get enough attention.
I also use an inReach mini, old model. It has been amazing since I really like solo trips, and has given my family and friends peace of mind. I see no reason to upgrade to the inReach2 until it properly dies.
Hope this posts successfully and was helpful.? sharon
[Edited Message Follows]
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.
CJj
PS: ?I have a very naive question -- how do I hashtag this message so it goes under gear?
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I love your question bc I sometimes feel like the shorties get ignored in the outdoor world!? For reference, I'm female, 5'2", 125-ish (sometimes you have a bad day), 32C, narrow hips. I have many many miles of experience on trails of all kinds and in all places. My base weight tends to be around 11 lbs, with exception of the winter and with the addition of miscellaneous luxury items, trip dependent.?
I hiked?the JMT NOBO in 2022 in about 15 days, mostly solo.
For many years, and on the JMT, I used the REI Flash 45L, which REI only now make in the 55L size. It fit my Bearikade vertically, but snugly. It remains my favorite pack - distributed the weight extremely well on my (narrow) hips and so comfortable on my shoulders bc the padded straps were wonderful.? It finally succumbed to my abuse after a desert outing which required a 10L water carry, far exceeding it's max weight limit. I mention this pack even though they've long stopped making it because I feel like the new REI Flash packs might warrant a look if your are near a store and are often on sale. And honestly, if not for the terrible squeaking and sometimes weird frame bending, I would patch the holes and continue using it.
Currently, I use the ULA Ultra Ohm 40L. It fits well, carries weight well, and besides being a bit floppy, is overall a great bag that I would recommend. I have a size small bag with size small hip belt, which is probably just a bit big for me, and use the S straps. The hip belts are adjustable so over a few trips, I've moved it up and down to dial in the fit. The biggest adjustment for me was brain-withdrawal and figuring out new ways to organize my gear. The ultra fabric is nice (although somehow I made a hole in the front mesh). I?have had it out for shorter trips and once a couple months ago fully loaded out for winter (double quilt, all the treats), and it has carried the weight and volume no problem. I do think the zipper on the hip belt pocket goes the wrong way, but that's not fit related.
One of my weird nit-picky things. I have a small frame and many packs seemed too wide for my body and I have a weird imagining about unobstructed arm swing, which really isn't a thing except in my head. That is why I favor packs around 40 ish L, vs the larger GG packs or even the newer REI Flash. I have never had trouble fitting all the gear I need or want into the Ohm 40, but this is where YMMV.
Unfortunately, you are correct that you need to order and try, which takes a ton of time, and is a hassle. Just like ordering petite length clothes online bc they're never in the store! I was able to play around out my friend's XL Circuit (I know, not at all the same), and took the plunge. Luckily ULA have great customer service and it fit me well enough that I kept it and didn't experiment more.
Also, like many people, I use an inReach mini. This has been critical because I really love solo trips and it gives me and most importantly, my friends and family, peace of mind. I have the older version and see no need to upgrade at this point.
Hope this helps. Feel free to also ask about other short-person gear I've accumulated!
sharon
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I hiked the JMT with a ULA Ohm 2.0 (old Robic fabric, 2017 model) and have really loved that pack - except: bear canister. It feels too tight a fit for me, and on the JMT I hiked with food in a DCF bag in my pack during the day and sleeping bag in the bear vault strapped on top of the pack (tried the bear vault with food on top, and it was a definite no-go due to weight imbalance). I'm not advocating this, it's risky and means your backpack always needs to be in arm's reach until the food is in the cansiter, but just wanted to share that observation about the ULA Ohm and bear canister compatibility. Some people are not at all fussed about having a canister sit vertical in their pack - I am not one of those people, at least not with my Ohm. Fortunately most of my backpacking these days is in non-canister areas, and the Ohm is otherwise a great pack!
(also - I'm not a woman! so to the original point of this post, I can't comment on female compatibility of the pack! But I did read that approx. 50% of ULA's customer base is women, specifically because they are one of the only cottage gear companies to offer anatomically correct pack straps for women (the S-straps)).
On Wednesday, 10 April 2024 at 01:10:16 pm AEST, Sharon Leu <leu.sharon@...> wrote:
I love your question bc I sometimes feel like the shorties get ignored in the outdoor world!? For reference, I'm female, 5'2", 125-ish (sometimes you have a bad day), 32C, narrow hips. I have many many miles of experience on trails of all kinds and in all places. My base weight tends to be around 11 lbs, with exception of the winter and with the addition of miscellaneous luxury items, trip dependent.?
I hiked?the JMT NOBO in 2022 in about 15 days, mostly solo.
For many years, and on the JMT, I used the REI Flash 45L, which REI only now make in the 55L size. It fit my Bearikade vertically, but snugly. It remains my favorite pack - distributed the weight extremely well on my (narrow) hips and so comfortable on my shoulders bc the padded straps were wonderful.? It finally succumbed to my abuse after a desert outing which required a 10L water carry, far exceeding it's max weight limit. I mention this pack even though they've long stopped making it because I feel like the new REI Flash packs might warrant a look if your are near a store and are often on sale. And honestly, if not for the terrible squeaking and sometimes weird frame bending, I would patch the holes and continue using it.
Currently, I use the ULA Ultra Ohm 40L. It fits well, carries weight well, and besides being a bit floppy, is overall a great bag that I would recommend. I have a size small bag with size small hip belt, which is probably just a bit big for me, and use the S straps. The hip belts are adjustable so over a few trips, I've moved it up and down to dial in the fit. The biggest adjustment for me was brain-withdrawal and figuring out new ways to organize my gear. The ultra fabric is nice (although somehow I made a hole in the front mesh). I?have had it out for shorter trips and once a couple months ago fully loaded out for winter (double quilt, all the treats), and it has carried the weight and volume no problem. I do think the zipper on the hip belt pocket goes the wrong way, but that's not fit related.
One of my weird nit-picky things. I have a small frame and many packs seemed too wide for my body and I have a weird imagining about unobstructed arm swing, which really isn't a thing except in my head. That is why I favor packs around 40 ish L, vs the larger GG packs or even the newer REI Flash. I have never had trouble fitting all the gear I need or want into the Ohm 40, but this is where YMMV.
Unfortunately, you are correct that you need to order and try, which takes a ton of time, and is a hassle. Just like ordering petite length clothes online bc they're never in the store! I was able to play around out my friend's XL Circuit (I know, not at all the same), and took the plunge. Luckily ULA have great customer service and it fit me well enough that I kept it and didn't experiment more.
Also, like many people, I use an inReach mini. This has been critical because I really love solo trips and it gives me and most importantly, my friends and family, peace of mind. I have the older version and see no need to upgrade at this point.
Hope this helps. Feel free to also ask about other short-person gear I've accumulated!
sharon
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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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My wife is 5'4" and curvy. She loves her Osprey Lumina 60. Same great suspension as other Osprey packs she's loved, but much lighter materials and fewer bells and whistles. She tried the Mariposa and it didn't work for her (but that's been my primary pack for years, and I love it — as a 5'9" male). Both packs hold a bear can vertically pretty well, though there's some technique to learn about getting it out of the Mariposa (it's a little tight).
As long as you'll have a phone with you, the inReach Mini is the way to go IMO. Small, lightweight, easy to use. We mostly use it to send text messages and check weather, but of course the SOS feature is the most important. You can also preset messages such that you don't need?a phone with you, but that interface is a little clunky given the minimal buttons.?
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I love my Gossamer Gear Mariposa and you are correct--the UL companies are cottage industry and don't sell through REI. They usually have a 30-day return policy.? I like Zoleo for satellite messenger device and I've used the 3 major brands. I have gear reviews for the Mariposa and Zoleo on my website.
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In my humble opinion, ultralight packs are not for everyone. YMMV.
When I switched to Mariposa and had to cut down weight, I was not comfortable on the trail. I ran into situations where my tent was not stable enough and I was cold most nights.
I have since switched my attention to carrying weight more effectively instead of cutting down weight. I now use Aarn body packs.?
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Lange Jorstad
Inga
WanderingJim