best setup for backpacking

[bjp04b]

Hi all,

Found out about this pack from Philip Werner's Section Hiker blog, and it's really cool to see innovation like this - especially coming from western Colorado!

I'm hoping to buy a new pack in the next couple of months for a potential Colorado Trail (Denver to Durango) thru hike this summer. Philip Werner's version of the Unaweep looked pretty great, but 4800 cubic inches seems pretty massive. It seems like the Unaweep is really designed to be used with a Talon, so adding that should transform the 3900 into a nearly 5000 cubic inch pack - is that correct? If so, it sounds like the 3900 would be the way to go for me.

Has anyone regretted not sizing up to a bigger bag?

Looking at the purchase options, I see 2 inch and 4 inch pack extensions. Is the 2 inch the standard, or does the default pack come without any extension? (EDIT: just saw the answer here on the forums. Looks like the Unaweep is designed for 26 inches, not 24.)

I'm thinking the VX21 coyote fabric is the way to go. If I eventually take this pack hunting (I'm not a hunter, but I have dreams of becoming one), will I regret not going with a heavier fabric? I'm looking for a compromise of durability and light weight, and that coyote color is pretty sweet.

Finally, there's the whole issue of external frames. I've read in several places that Paradox packs are as good as or even better than most internal frames at carrying the load close to the body for activities like mountaineering, snowshoeing, and ski touring. Have you all found that to be the case?

Sorry if these are questions you see all the time!

[kevin_t]

[bjp04b]

Yeah, I really ought to have provided a little more detail about my requirements. For backpacking, I rarely fill up my 4000 cu in (65 L) pack. From what I hear about how well the unaweep compresses, though, the larger size looks tempting.

[rooster_c]

Can the 2 inch frame extension be removed with the unaweep, making it a 24 inch frame?

[kevin_t]

[mankind117]

I've been using an unaweep with vx21 material for backpacking the last 7 months, I have about 200 miles on it now. It rides as close as most internals, this is nothing like the classic kelty external frames you probably envision with externals so throw that idea out the window. I use the 4 inch extensions since I have a long torso and like the way it feels with those better than the standard 2 inch. I really wouldn't worry about the 4800 being too big but that's just me, I like a big pack even for light summer loads. Just pack your sleeping bag in a bigger sack. If you look at the sizing on product page if you roll the packbag of the 4800 to frame height the volume is under 4000 cubic inches, it is the full 4800 with the extension collar rolled above frame height. Plus the compression is outstanding with the talon so combined with the frame a half filled pack is just not an issue. I've personally found that frameless bags or bags with just a single stay down the middle compress awkwardly since there is no frame for the strap to attach to so it can really pull the load closer to the body when you pull a side compression strap.

[bjp04b]

[kevin_t]

Coyote should be around ... But you won't hurt our feelings if you hurry up and order I don't anticipate not having coyote


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[mankind117]

bjp04b,
I wrote up a review of the Unaweep if you want more information.
http://hikingandcampinginmdpaandbeyond. ... ep_10.html

[bjp04b]