Watch This BEFORE you buy a backpack.

Summary

This video script discusses different types of backpacks for hiking: traditional, ultralight, frameless, and hybrid. Traditional packs are designed for heavy loads with emphasis on comfort and suspension, exemplified by the Osprey Aether 55. Ultralight packs, like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest, are minimalist with less padding and weigh under 2 pounds. Frameless packs, such as the Mountain Smith Zirk 40, are extremely lightweight, suitable for light loads. Hybrid packs, like the Big Agnes Prospector 50, offer a balance between ultralight and traditional features. The script also mentions women-specific packs and the importance of choosing the right pack for individual needs.

Takeaways

• 🎒 Traditional packs are designed for heavy loads, emphasizing comfort with thick padding and stiff frames.
• 🏔 The 'brain' section on traditional packs serves as extra storage and a compression system for bulky gear.
• 🔍 Traditional packs are suitable for those with large, heavy gear and pack loads over 30 pounds.
• ⛺ Ultralight packs are minimalist, with less padding and fewer features, aiming for simplicity and lower weight.
• 🍃 Ultralight packs use lighter materials and eliminate unnecessary features to achieve a base weight under 10 pounds.
• 🏃 Frameless packs are an extreme form of ultralight packs, expecting very light loads and minimal hip support.
• 🌬️ Frameless packs can be extremely lightweight, some under a pound, by eliminating frames and minimizing hip belts.
• 🧳 Hybrid packs offer a compromise between ultralight and traditional packs, with some features of both.
• 👚 Women-specific packs are available to accommodate different body features and are worth considering.
• 🛍️ Garage Grown Gear is mentioned as a resource for ultralight and traditional gear to help reduce pack weight.

Q & A

What are the four types of packs mentioned in the script?

The four types of packs are traditional, ultralight, frameless, and hybrid.

Who should consider using a traditional pack?

A traditional pack is suitable for individuals who carry large, bulky, and heavy gear, typically with pack loads well above 30 pounds.

What features characterize traditional packs?

Traditional packs emphasize suspension, thick padding on shoulder straps and hip belts, stiff frames for weight transfer, and features for stabilizing the load.

What is the weight threshold for ultralight packs?

You are considered ultralight when your base weight, excluding food and water, is under 10 pounds.

How do ultralight packs differ from traditional packs?

Ultralight packs are simpler, typically just a large bag with minimal padding and features, designed to carry lighter loads compared to traditional packs.

What is a frameless pack, and who is it designed for?

A frameless pack is an ultralight option designed for very light loads, allowing most of the weight to rest on the shoulders with little to no weight on the hips.

What are the advantages of using ultralight materials in packs?

Ultralight materials, such as lighter denier fabrics and specialty fabrics, help reduce the overall weight of the pack, making it easier to carry.

What is a hybrid pack, and how does it compare to traditional and ultralight packs?

A hybrid pack combines features of both traditional and ultralight packs, offering a balance between weight and comfort, typically weighing around three pounds.

What should you consider if you're unsure about which type of pack to choose?

If you're unsure, consider your typical load, comfort preferences, and whether you want to prioritize weight savings or carrying capacity.

What resources are mentioned for finding ultralight gear?

The script mentions Garage Grown Gear as a resource for ultralight tents, packs, bags, and other gear to help reduce weight.