Yeah you kind of just have to stuff everything in there. I sweat alot to so the ventilation helps.

8/4/2010 4:14:43 PM

Quote :

"i realize some people love their ospreys, but i found it to be absolutely useless...one giant pocket? really? just one? "

it's called stuff sacks people, look into them, it's a lot more efficient than pockets, you can fit more in your pack and it weighs less, you just give up a little convenience.

[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 4:32 PM. Reason : .]

8/4/2010 4:31:32 PM

Quote :

"ah, well, if that's what you want to do, go for it...i'd still strongly suggest trying it out before committing to it (at least by trying on the palisade, since that's the "same" thing)...just speaking from experience, buying without trying doesn't work out very well"

If I were looking at anything REI carries, I would definitely go try it out before purchasing, but most of the stuff isn't carried there.

I think I might just wait for the next couple weeks and see what else pops up on STP or REI Outlet. I managed to grab the z55 for $90 through STP so I'm just looking for a similar deal. It sounds like the general consensus is to stick with Gregory though.

8/4/2010 4:34:24 PM

Quote :

"i realize some people love their ospreys, but i found it to be absolutely useless...one giant pocket? really? just one? the men's osprey is nothing like the women's (my fiancée has the women's aether) and i thought i'd like it based on hers...WRONG...i like pockets to store my stuff"

IMO with better organization you only need one pocket. You can pretty much divide your pack into things you need during the day like snacks, water bottle, camera, and things you only need at camp like shelter, stove, sleeping bag, etc. The little things can go in mesh pockets that most packs have or on the very top of the pack for easy access. At the end of the day you have to take everything out anyway to camp, so who cares how it's piled up.

My pack for the AT in summer was the Mariposa Plus (I know it's lighter than most TWWers would use) which had voluminous mesh pockets, perfect for storing wet stuff or whatever. (not my pics of the pack)

8/4/2010 5:08:16 PM

Personally I think one needs a couple weeks on the AT before you realize how you really SHOULD be packing. The more you're on the trail, the more you can live without, equals lighter pack, equals more miles in a day, equals head up on the trail checking out more scenery, equals less injury, all around just better experience, imho. ^I like the ultralight packs.

Though I admit some things you just can't make lighter (like an SLR)

[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 5:38 PM. Reason : .]

8/4/2010 5:36:06 PM

i've spent a fair amount of time on the AT, and certainly had several 5-6 night trips

i've been doing this for years, so it's not like i have no experience...but while i agree that pockets aren't NECESSARY, they are well worth the extra weight (i mean, i realize zippers and a second layer of material weigh SOMETHING, but we're talking an extremely tiny amount of the overall weight) because i shouldn't HAVE to get additional stuff sacks or pull out everything in the pack in a case where something unexpected comes up and i need to use something that i thought i wouldn't (and so therefore put at the bottom of the single pocket or something)

also, i'm not some tiny girl...i'm 6'1" and 220lbs, i'll carry the extra 2oz the pockets and subsequent zippers/velcro/elastic/mesh/whatever adds to my whopping 5lb pack if it makes me happy by making available what i need when i need it

8/4/2010 9:14:59 PM

i have the osprey arial 65 & chris has the aether 75. we both really like them. the ventilation is awesome. it's personal preference, but i'd rather have one big sack and let me decide how i divy it up. my stuff might not fit the same way your stuff would and i don't want to limit my options for rearranging, distributing weight, etc. both of ours have a separate zipper for the sleeping bag compartment, removable divider, and a big J shaped zipper on the front.

8/4/2010 11:18:14 PM

I'm kind of split on the issue. I can typically fit everything i want in the brain/top of the bag, and then everything i don't need to take out in the main compartments with stuff sacks. I just really like the ventilation of the Osprey's. Before i had my Osprey i did a 27 day Outward Bound course and i believe we had pretty generic Gregory packs. After switching to the Osprey i noticed a big difference in ventilation and balance. I think it's just personal preference.

8/5/2010 9:14:20 AM

That Mariposa's a sweet pack if you're not taking a bunch of extra crap. I'm a total sucker for mesh pockets. Keeps my ADD ass sort of organized.

[Edited on August 5, 2010 at 9:18 AM. Reason : .]

8/5/2010 9:18:09 AM

yea, don't get me wrong, my first pack I got specifically because of all the pockets.

my comment about how to pack was more in reference to the size of backpack a person thinks they need. i just think people think they need stuff that they never use, etc... that's all i'm saying.

you really can't go wrong with Gregory or Osprey, and yes it all comes down to personal fit & preference.

8/5/2010 11:31:53 AM

Anyone done this?

http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/379572

Thinking that might be a nice 2 day hike. You need a permit to camp though?

8/6/2010 1:43:57 PM

^ i've not done that exact loop, just a 12-mile loop...pics are on page 3 of this thread

8/6/2010 1:52:14 PM

^^I think it's in part because of the amount of people and the fact that LG is a place that's real easy to get lost in.

8/6/2010 3:36:17 PM

can anyone recommend a decent day pack? My old one still does the job, but it's really starting to wear out. It seems like all of The North Face packs have shifted to cater the bookbag/laptop bag crowd instead of decent comfortable hiking packs. I still like their Borealis pack because i like the exterior bungee straps to hold wet clothes or shoes or something like that.


I looked at a decent sized Osprey pack, but it was a little pricey. I think they built an REI around here so i need to run down there soon.

8/9/2010 8:44:54 AM

I was in the same boat last week. I went to REI, Dicks, and finally Great Outdoor Provision Company (there's one in Cameron Village) and found a Mountain Hardwear daypack I liked.

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Enterprise%E2%84%A2/OU3825,default,pd.html

It does cater to the laptop crowd and has a laptop slot but that's part of the reason I got it. I wanted to be able to use it around the city too.

The great outdoor in Charlotte has two different kinds. I took it on a 6 hour hike last weekend and it was quite comfortable. Easily fits two nalgenes and has plenty of pockets.



Oh and it also has the osprey-style ventilation mesh so your back doesn't get completely sweety. Made a difference compared to my old regular daypack.

[Edited on August 9, 2010 at 9:01 AM. Reason : s]

8/9/2010 8:57:09 AM

wish I had something cool to post here but I havent had time to go anywhere this summer. Hopefully in Sept.

8/9/2010 10:48:11 AM

i just bought a 17L gregory daypack. i wanted an osprey but all the ones they had in the size i was looking for already had hydration bladders, and cost $20-40 more than the other brands w/o them. i just couldn't justify buying another hydration bladder since i've only used mine on one trip.


this http://www.rei.com/product/780063 but the orange one. i tried on a bunch in that size range until i found one that fit well. i really wanted better ventilation but those options had straps that cut into my neck. i was able to fit a 3L camelbak in it, but i think it's really meant for 2L. it worked well otherwise, i really like it. there's one little clip thing at the top that i can't figure out what i'm supposed to do with it...

i liked this one (women's) http://www.rei.com/product/762509 a LOT. the ventilation thing is really nice. they most likely make a men's version. the straps didn't work for me. it was a little too big for what i was looking for also.

8/9/2010 3:36:27 PM

for anyone looking to do permethrin treatment to their boots or clothes, i just learned that the $2 bedding lice treatment you can get at the drug store is the same as the much more expensive permanone and seems to work just as well.

8/9/2010 3:46:38 PM

^^ooo i like that Gregory a lot. I have a big Gregory internal pack that i've had since i was in high school and I love it.

8/9/2010 3:54:40 PM

spent about 2 hours tonight at REI trying on packs and got it down to the Gregory Baltoro 70 and the Osprey Aether 70

Ultimately the Gregory won out. It has more padding in all areas and fit my body much better, especially with movement - of course you pay for this in terms of weight (extra 9 oz) and ventilation (the Gregory is hotter). The Osprey just felt like it was pulling back on my shoulders too much. The only things it lacks that the Osprey had were a strap to turn the head compartment into a day bag (can purchase cheaply) and a mesh outer pocket (just use a mesh bag instead).

8/9/2010 10:19:23 PM

ya gotta go with what fits the best

8/9/2010 11:12:39 PM

^^ i think you'll be very happy with the gregory...while the osprey is undoubtedly cooler, i've yet to see anyone who doesn't get a sweaty back while backpacking...at some point, wet is wet

just got back from a rafting/backpacking trip in tennessee...rafted on the ocoee and backpacked big frog...definitely one of my steepest hikes, right up there with cold mountain (slightly less steep, but longer distance)

not too many pictures, unfortunately, but here's one of the scorpion that was in the tent our last night

8/10/2010 9:03:46 AM

^wow, I've never seen a scorpion in these parts, much less a big ass one like that

8/10/2010 1:15:51 PM

^ well, it was in tennessee, but not far outside murphy...i didn't realize there WERE scorpions in the smokies

8/10/2010 1:28:27 PM

gonna be on Isle Royale next week, making the drive up from Madison with a stop in MSP after, anyone been?

8/10/2010 11:59:20 PM

in case anyone cares, the scorpion is Vaejovis carolinianus and is actually fairly common, though since it is the only species found in the area, scorpions themselves are not seen as often as they are in other areas with multiple species



i wish i had kept him to put him under a UV light to take a picture

8/11/2010 7:45:23 AM

annndddd this guy is a beast:

http://www.walkingtheamazon.com/

Click on that map at the top. heh. Makes the appalachian trail look like a stroll.

8/11/2010 8:56:38 AM

Has anyone hiked/camped around Mammoth? I was taking a week off work to go 'sploring and I'm running outta ideas to do. I was thinking caving then doing a canoe/camping/hiking adventure for a few days.

Otherwise, anyone have any suggestions of places to go?!

8/11/2010 4:48:04 PM

^ are you going by yourself?

8/11/2010 4:51:04 PM

Yep, on my own. First time out solo, kinda excited and kinda scared too.

8/11/2010 9:17:42 PM

Let me know if you ever want to hit up something like Linville Gorge. I am in the process of getting my things together and need all of the time on a trail and setting up camp that I can get.

Oh yeah, have fun and be safe!

[Edited on August 12, 2010 at 12:26 AM. Reason : .]

8/12/2010 12:25:56 AM

Might be doing Linville Gorge this weekend!

8/12/2010 8:59:36 AM

Quote :

"Otherwise, anyone have any suggestions of places to go?! "

You might check out the red river gorge in Kentucky. I've never been so Im not sure what the camping or hiking would be like, but a coworker of mine talks it up constantly. On the map it looks like it might be a 2 hour drive from mammoth cave?

8/12/2010 9:33:16 AM

Linville may be a tad over my ability on my first excursion alone!

I think I may hold off on Mammoth til I can get a friend to come along, tho I really want to take the 5 mile in depth tour.


I think I may discover more of NC/TN area.

8/12/2010 1:43:12 PM

It's been forever since i've been to Linville Gorge. Could anyone recommend a good day hike? Maybe 6-8 hours? We want to check out the falls and get a good hike along the Gorge. I want to come back later and do the full 22 mile loop when i'm planning on spending 1-2 nights doing it.

8/12/2010 2:18:24 PM

I think it was suggested earlier but Babel Tower Trail. Just my 2 cents.

8/12/2010 2:28:37 PM

ill be at my property in linville gorge this weekend

PM me if you are needing any trail help, hike ideas, place to crash (we have a couple of cabins within the gorge and just north of) when the weather turns to shit this weekend...and its looking like it will

8/12/2010 3:51:03 PM

Decided on doing 7 days on the AT, NC section.

I REALLY need a suggestion where to start and what section to do.

I figure 3 days to go out, 3 days to back travel, and giving myself an extra day just in case I get sidetracked.

Thanks, all!

I'm very excited...just bought my first backpack too! Gregory Jade 60...tent shopping next!

8/13/2010 11:54:20 AM

the roan mtn/balds area is really nice.

another option instead of backtracking is to get someone to pick you up where you park your car then drop you off where you want to start.

8/13/2010 12:41:32 PM

I should have someone pick me up...I wonder how many of my friends love me, lol. I guess I could always try to find a taxi, tho I hate spending the money.

VERY excited, bought myself a Gregory pack today. Overpriced, I'm sure, but I'm definatly dancing around in circles and giggling to myself

I'll check out the Roan Mountain thing later today. I am a sucker for a mountain bald. I was almost thinking of doing the Shennandoah section...hmm...decisions.

8/13/2010 2:10:06 PM

there are different people, outfitters, b&b owners, etc that will provide shuttle services for a fee. look on the AT page for the PDF of shuttle providers. we used Mountain Harbour B&B in TN and parked at their place.

8/13/2010 4:10:56 PM

I've decided to do the AT section around Roan.

I figure I'll park at Carver's Gap...do 3 days in going North bound, then turn around and hike 3 days back, give or take a day. Roan Mountain just looks too much fun to pass up.

Anyone have any suggestions about this section?

8/16/2010 8:06:02 AM

hughes gap to roan mtn is supposed to be the most difficult part of the AT. we stopped for a bit before heading up roan from hughes and several people told us it's sooo hard and a lot of thru hikers just get a shuttle around it. it's one of those things where you think you have to be at the top, then it goes up again...and you repeat this like 4-5 times going northbound (though actually heading south in that section). it was hard, but it was worth it. once you get up on that ridge it's beautiful.

we stopped in ash gap for the night. there are several nice camping spots there and someone made a firepit with "benches". there's water there too. there's water at hughes gap if you head down the road a bit to a culvert under the road. don't get it from that side, it's too steep anyway. cut some vegetation back and get it from the water running down the mtn. not the ditch along the road obviously. some guy had told us the water was dry at ash so we get some at hughes, which was a pain in the ass. my friend who went thru there the day before said there was water at ash and he filled up there. this was the 2nd week in june.

8/16/2010 9:41:52 AM

pictures http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2403451&id=11805098&l=fc8017af7b

8/16/2010 10:25:04 AM

Ok, that scares the bejesus out of me. This is my first time going into the woods alone, and I'm being ambitious...which is why I'm giving myself a week to do it.

How are the maps for this are?

8/16/2010 11:39:07 AM

this was my first ever trip backpacking and i don't hike a shit ton, just occasionally, so if i can do it you can too. there were lots of nice people, mostly day hikers. all were friendly, none were sketchy.

the maps are okay. they need to be more detailed/zoomed in. we ended up moving slower than expected and we kept thinking we were farther along. not necessarily the map's fault, but we had a hard time locating ourselves sometimes. we had the AT conservancy one, plus one on my iphone. the gps locator on the iphone helped clear everything up though. maybe i just need more practice reading maps, i dunno. i thought i did a decent job beforehand. maybe see if you can find something zoomed in and print that out.

there's a very popular visitor center at roan, with lots of people, a little off the trail. there are clean flush toilets & water fountains. lots of people at carver's gap too. there are toilets & water fountains at carver's gap but they're pit & dirty & VERY stinky. not at many from iron mtn to hughes gap.

[Edited on August 16, 2010 at 11:52 AM. Reason : ]

8/16/2010 11:49:16 AM

Oh geeze, thanks for all the info.

My parents are worried, me being a girl and all...buutttt....other than bears, my biggest concerns were safety and water.

I'm excited!!! I did 3 days of the Art Loeb about a month ago, so this is my big challenge.

I was going to stick to just a map, but now I wonder if I should beg an IPHONE off someone, lol.

8/16/2010 11:55:12 AM

hahaha yeah the iphone can be very useful. i had a couple of different gps/map type apps. accuterra and an AT section specific one. i had a first aid app too. thankfully didn't need that. i didn't get much of any cell signal until getting closer to carver's gap though. gps signal was fine.

8/16/2010 1:50:57 PM

i assume you were kidding, but please don't waste money on a POS iphone

it's good enough if you already have one and don't want a real GPS, but you can get a decent used GPS for $100-150 off CL

8/16/2010 1:58:55 PM

Quote :

"don't want a real GPS"

I fail to see how it isn't a real GPS. If you have signal it's an assisted GPS and therefore better/faster than a regular GPS and if you don't have a cell signal than it's just as good.

The screen is better, you have more map options, typically more storage space for maps, and it's smaller and has a decent battery life (assuming you're not using lots of data). I used one for an entire day last time i went hiking checking my position a couple times an hour and the battery was down to 78% by the time the hike was over.

If you already have one I wouldn't buy a dedicated GPS unless you want to carry around something else. If you don't I agree you shouldn't buy an iPhone just for the GPS but smartphones are getting to the point where stand alone GPS's are becoming obsolete.

8/16/2010 2:13:51 PM