I'm planning 10-day trek through the Grand Canyon for when I get back from my deployment next year. As you can tell, my "deployment project" is planning the hike.

My go-to pack is an MLD Burn, but I don't think it's up to this task. Assuming a roughly 9-lb base pack weight plus 9x1.5= 13.5-lbs of food, plus planning to carry 6L of water 6x2.2= 13.2-lbs, well, it starts to add up. That's already over 35-lbs, and I may have to carry a packraft, too. (I'm still trying to figure out if there are enough rafters in March that I'd have a reasonable chance of catching a ferry across the Colorado River with one.)

So, obviously this is an opportunity to spend more money...

But what decently light packs are out there that are comfortable with a 40-lb load?

I have an Osprey Exos 58 which I assume would work. But I may end up loaning it to my hiking partner, so I still need a new pack.

I've been thinking hard about those Aarn packs. Given that I can probably carry 4L of water in the chest pouches would the larger Marathon Magic work, or would I need a Mountain Magic?

Any other good candidates?

Exodus S from MLD?

Edited by kthompson on 06/26/2011 09:06:17 MDT.

35-40 lb ... something with a frame ... and im not talking about a thin alum hoop either

the only way to know is to go to REI or other such store and load up packs with 35+ lbs

lot of packs will feel comfortable at 25 bs ... yet add another 10 lbs and the frame starts collapsing

i suggest you try it in yr exos first ...

at that weight the fit is absolutely important ... one bad spot against yr back over a week and youll be screaming for morphine

Edited by bearbreeder on 06/25/2011 10:03:30 MDT.

Sounds like a great trip!

I'd look into trying out a granite gear nimbus ozone. The back pad/frame is really comfortable for heavy loads and it still pretty light at about 3lbs.

I also like the NO. You may have a difficult time finding one though. Most websites only have small's left. I also do not see it on GG's website. Hope it isn't being discontinued. Lately I have been carrying the Nimbus Meridian without the lid. Same thing.

What about the ULA Catalyst?

If the Ozone isn't available, the Nimbus Meridian is and you can remove the top pocket for a 7.7oz savings and around 3lbs total.

The ULA Equipment Circuit is a great choice as well.

I use the Aarn Marathon Magic 33. You can carry two 20 ounce bottles in each front pocket (+ other smaller items) but a 1 liter platy is to wide because of the divider. I cut the right pocket divider out to enable putting my Nikon D700 plus lens in it, very tight fit. I suggest the Mountain Magic which looks to have larger ft pockets. I carry about 24 pounds and love the pack. I had tried many, REI and cottage.

Granted, I love MLD- damned near everything they sell rocks. My Burn is the Perfect Pack. I use their Supermid and I'm probably going to sell my Tarptent Moment to get a Duomid for my smaller tent, since I've sort of decided that I'm a 'mid guy.

But will their (utterly frameless) packs work with a load like that?

I'll have to research GG and ULA packs. I've never used them.

unless you're andrew skurka.

In general, it seems like frameless packs reach their comfort limits at around 25-30 lbs. If you're carrying that much weight, you won't notice the extra lb or 2 for a framed pack, but you will definitely notice the extra support they provide. Thats why I liked the Granite Gear, b/c its minimalist in every way except with the frame/backpad which is pure luxury. Also, I can't speak to the mountain magic (it looks cool), but also think about adding accessory shoulder pockets as water bottle holders. This would help you spread the water weight. I think MLD, zpacks and simplicity make this accessory. ULA packs come with shoulder bottle holders. A lot of PCT thru hikers seem to pick the circuit because of its ability to comfortably carry lots of water weight.

As far as Gossamer Gear goes, I use the gorilla. Its probably the most comfortable pack I've used with weights under 25 lbs, although it'll pretty comfortably carry 30 which is saying a lot for a 1.5 lb pack. They have a similar pack at a higher volume called the mariposa. Its a little less durable, but it weighs the same and it has the same frame system as the gorilla. Might be worth looking into, although for the weights you're talking about I'd go granite gear all the way. The nimbus trace 62 and the blaze AC 60 look promising. Certainly won't appeal to the SUL crowd, but for your sort of trip i bet they'd be great.

Edited by sgiachetti on 06/25/2011 23:38:02 MDT.

I believe Ken was suggesting MLD's new "Exodus S" which was just announced. Details on their Facebook site or Ron's post in the Gear Deals section of our very own BPL.

Don't forget to look at the Six Moons Designs Starlight with stays. I have used it on desert trips where we had to start with 11 liters of water and 40# total. Not bad and with the water weight dropping relatively fast it then is very comfortable. There was also an article by Chris Townsend here on BPL a few years ago about packs for heavy loads that might have some suggestions.

ula circuit or catalyst will handle the maximum weights OK and keep the weight off the shoulders too. Easy to put 2L water on the shoulder strap loops and 4L in the side pockets. excellent hip belt-to-pack connection doesnt sag at all. If can fit CCF pad inside for additional support, you dont even need the 2 oz aluminum stay that goes in middle of back, and its more comfortable without it too.

The ULA Catalyst does look very promising, especially given that it comes with water bottle pockets for the straps. But the GG Nimbus just looks too- er- shiny. Doesn't it? Lord knows I love MLD products, but I can't find much info on the Exodus S. Since this hike will be next year this may not be a problem- I can wait for details to emerge.

Do the Aarn packs have a rigid frame? Or just some foam and their unusual system of straps, etc.?

So, thus far I'm thinking ULA or maybe the Exodus S once details emerge, though I'm definitely interested in learning more about Aarn.

Edited by acrosome on 07/12/2011 03:07:39 MDT.

The Aarn Marathon Magic 33 I have has vertical and hortizonal members that are not attached. I don't recall any foam but the back has thick mesh. The strap system is very different and a large part of what makes the Aarn so good IMHO. The front pockets also work very well. I would suggest big front pockets if you go with the Aarn to carry most of your water in front.

Have a look at the Titanium Goat Carbon Goat Pack. Never used it, but it does look quite intriguing for large load carries, and TiGoat makes great stuff.

"But the GG Nimbus just looks too- er- shiny"

Maybe you should...uh...try it on first? I am sure the trail vermin won't laugh at you if you wear the pack. Could be wrong, I guess.

I've been enjoying the Granite Gear Blaze AC 60. I've loaded it up to about 45ish lbs (just testing it's limits) and it was definitely maxed out, but not a bad carry. As you start to get into the mid 30s the pack is excellent.

Edited by JBend on 07/12/2011 10:38:31 MDT.

If cost isn't an issue, there's always the custom McHale option. :)

I think a Mchale might be too shiny.