Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacks for Backpacking

Excellent TRAILHEAD presentation on the BACKPACK subject by the staff. Covered the subject well with the many resources for more information by the reader. The comment,  “Since choosing a backpack with the proper fit and features for your hiking style is so use-case-dependent, it is best to cast a wide net..” is so true and can’t be over looked by individuals looking for a pack. I noticed three pictures where the McHale packs were being used and the pack was not mentioned. For “the uninitiated”  the McHale pack is a product that can be individually designed for the users use and body dimensions,  and information, pictures and user feedback can be found on his website. Once again, great job by ALL!

Great point, Bob! I worked on this piece with BPL and am a bit embarrassed I overlooked noting that, especially since I have several packs myself that I use for trips of different durations, conditions, seasons, etc.

I guess maybe subconsciously I just assumed that everyone knows that once you get into a hobby like ultralight backpacking (or bicycling, or skiing, etc.) you’ll never just need one bike, or one pack, or one pair of skis : )

Bob, that’s an excellent point, and one that extends – as Mark said – to skis, bikes, and more. Everybody is searching for the quiver killer, but I don’t think it exists – at least not as marketed. I think the best we can do is one piece of gear that can excels in…maybe…70% of situations? At that point, it’s up to the consumer to decide if they want to suffer the other 30% for the sake of minimalist philosophy, storage space, budget, or all three. It’s a good point that should probably be more specifically explored in this piece, so thanks! That’s the kind of feedback we are looking for on these things.