Howdy folks...
For the upcoming winter, trekking with my children, and carrying rock climbing gear, I'm looking to get a heavier load carrying pack. I haven't owned anything with a frame for decades as I'm usually well under 25 pounds tops.

Anyhow, looking for something for carrying ~40 pounds comfortably.

Been looking at the Catalyst but it's a bit pricey new. I figure I can score something similar here used instead.

What would be comparable? An Osprey Exos 46?

Any ideas?
Thanks.

As much as I like that pack, I never thought load hauling was its strong suit. Once the pack weight started approaching 30# it started getting uncomfortable. Always seemed to me the Catalyst was a really good pack for the mid twenties but at the same time, it has all that extra volume capability that was not was not really suitable for the packs suspension system. Aluminum stays hooked to nothing does not a load hauler make. That was my experience with the pack, others may vary.

You may want to look at the SMD Starlite or the Kifaru KU 3700. The Kifaru is designed to carry 100 pounds, but it ain't cheap.

Here's a similar thread:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=41749

I've got the new Circuit, and I have an old Gregory Palisade. With the Circuit if the load is over 30 pounds it isn't very comfortable, if its over 35, it just plan hurts to carry, for me anyways. I think the Catalyst would be relatively close to this.

However, if i need to carry a heavier load. My Gregory Palisade, which is a heavy pack by itself, Can carry the weight with no problems at all. You may just look at getting a traditional pack, the suspension is often designed for heavier loads.

Hey Craig,

Have you considered a custom pack, similar to the ZimmerBuilt 'Eugeneius Pack'? It sounds like your specification requirements are pretty close to Eugene's in the original design-- bulky gear for 2+, winter gear, etc. I'm not sure how much $ it would put you out, but it sure couldn't hurt to check =D!

BPL Thread

ZimmerBuilt site with photos

Edited by cwayman1 on 09/12/2011 19:02:43 MDT.

I just got back from a 12 day trip using the Catalyst. Obviously it's a subjective matter, but in my experience it is a brilliant and very comfortable pack up to 30 pounds; still pretty comfortable (though fractionally less so) between 30-35 pounds. After 35 pounds it starts to get uncomfortable, and a load of 40 pounds or more puts stress on the pack to a degree that it was quite uncomfortable.

Of course what I just described is exactly consistent with the guidelines ULA gives for the Catalyst, so no surprise there.

Sounds like the Catalyst is a bit light for 40 pounds.

As for the Eugenius pack, I'm guessing right off the bat it's too expensive. I'm looking for something I could likely score used for $150 or less...Like one of the many Ospreys that come through here.

I've used my Catalyst for 40-45 lb. Works OK but requires very careful packing to keep it from pulling back at the shoulders.

Werd. It's all in how one packs it, and in how well the stays are molded to your back. The model Catalyst I have, a 2010 model, has a very dense foam used in the lower back area which could certainly be uncomfortable at 40lbs if not fitted well using the stays. I happen to think my Catalyst a fine pack for 40-pound loads, but this may be a function of many factors. For reference, I'm 6'-1", 165lbs, and my pack has a medium-torso and small belt. The Catalyst replaced a Golite Infinity, which replaced a Peak 1 Kevlar/Polymer external frame, as my 75%-of-the-time pack. In such a role, I do like the Catalyst more than the other two packs I listed.

I think when you venture past 35 lb's you should be in the market for something along the mainstream lines. Gregory z55 could easily carry 45 lb's.

GoLite Odyssey or Quest may be worth a look, but they are a bit heavier.

"I'm looking for something I could likely score used for $150 or less.."

If you can find one floating around on the web, one of the old Mountainsmith Auspex's would be a great choice, and I'll bet you could score it for less than $150.

Have you looked at the Granite Gear Blaze AC60?

I've tried one on in the gear shop and was very impressed. This pack is rated for 35 pounds by Granite Gear but would easily handle 40 pounds. It's rated as a 60 litre pack but I suspect that includes the long extension collar and outer pockets because when tightly packed up with the roll top cinched down I would say it's more like a 45 litre pack. I'm pretty sure this is the pack I'll be buying to replace my Vapor Trail for heavier loads.

Good review at section hiker:

http://sectionhiker.com/granite-gear-blaze-a-c-60-backpack-review/