HI guys! I've done a bunch of dayhiking and a handful of overnighters, but in 3 weeks I'll be going w/ 2 buds for a 3-day section near Hot Springs.

I recieved a UL pack in the Jason Klass Backpacking box (http://www.freewebs.com/thebackpackingbox/index.htm) and y-day found out its a homemade version of a MLD Prophet pack (2750 cu in, 6 oz) (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com...703802d2f4f0aa).

I've pack it with my gear and walked around the house some,and it was OK. I was not using any sort of pad inside (use a BA Air Core to sleep on), but my sleeping bag and clothes were in tight enough that it felt secure, and not floppy.

W/out food or water the pack is 13.6 lbs with maybe 600 cubes left in the top for a food bag.

I'm a bit apprehensive and wonder if I'm doing this right.

Jarod, I don't own a prophet so please take the advice of someone who does more seriously then me...but I'm going to say 13+ pounds base weight is too much. Lets see if... its 3 full days you will carry 20 oz/day of food (probably more like 24 oz unless you pack carefully) x 3 days for 60-72 ounces + another 16 to 64 ounces in water. Thats around another 6 ...lets say 7 pounds with some stove fuel. So we are at 20 to maybe as much as 24 pounds at the heavy point. Now yes it will be a lot less by the third day, but you will also be more tired. If it was 13 pounds total including food and water I would say you are ok.

MLD's sight suggests using the prophet with sub 8 pound base weight...which makes total sense. And consider you are not using an actual MLD pack but a homemade version.

Another consideration is distance and elevation change. If you aren't gaining much elevation and the distance is short...say 10 miles/day you can get by with much less comfort. Regardless I prefer comfort when walking and I have found that wearing a pack around the house it needs to feel "fantastic", cant even tell Im wearing it..etc...not "OK". Ok can turn into uncomfortable after just a few miles.

OK enough preaching on why it wont work... how to get the most out of it. I think you really need a smooth solid surface across your back and a tight structure. I would recommend using a GG thinlight pad rolled up and dropped into the pack to create a structure then pack your gear inside. Also if you can drop about 5 lbs life will be golden (I'm kinda surprised you can get 13 lbs of gear into ~1700 cu inches (main body)...while im thinking about).

I most certainly could be wrong, but I would hate to spoil a weekend with the buds by using an awesome pack with just too heavy a load.

I'd be interested in anyone else opinions who owns a prophet because I'm considering buying a new one, but have a base weight from 4 to 6 pounds.

Jamie

Edited by jshortt on 10/14/2008 18:22:30 MDT.

Jarod,
Jamie is on target with the base weight, Prophet is best used with a 6-8 lb base. Used this pack exclusively weekends, 3 and 4 day hikes starting mid May going through Sept. as my pack of choice before switching out with a Jam pack in northern NE.

Heaviest weight carried was around 16-17lbs range and worked but without using a hipbelt noticed the difference at the end of long days. Heavier loads would also recommend a sit pad or sleeping pad folded/perforated for back comfort.

Shoulder padding on an original MLD pack is of the highest caliber and can handle the weight if a hip belt, possibly padded could be added it would give more stability with higher weight distribution & would recommend modifying this if possible.

Something to consider if you try to go with this pack for your outing.

Good luck on this one
Jim

Edited by florigen on 10/14/2008 20:59:50 MDT.

Firstly I don't have the Prophet (yet), but I do have the models below and above it... a Revelation and a standard Zip. Ron obviously tests his packs quite thoroughly before they hit the market. I can tell you that his recommended weight limits are right on. I have a 3 season base of 3 pounds and can load my Revelation with up to 13 pounds (recommended weight) with comfort for 4 days with food, fuel, and water... beyond that weight it's very uncomfortable. Same idea with the Zip. You may be able to carry the extra weight for a short time around the house, but it's a different story once out on the trail for days.

As far as packing it, I was only getting my clothes and sleeping bag into the main bag (and the food bag too). With tarp, Ti cookset and everything else in the big ext. pocket.