Look at Granite Gear. You need tougher material for winter. They also make military/tactical packs so they have a handle on what it takes to make tough, reliable packs.

That's a lot of effort John, Well done :-)

Hi Eric,

Will have aloof at GG.

Cheers both,

Stephen

Edited by stephenm on 09/22/2012 17:46:52 MDT.

pad from nunatak or a ridge rest. the nunatak pad is called the luna, but if you search for it by typing *luna pad* the first results are not going to be for the pad i use. you've been warned. depending on what we have planned i might also add a torso length self inflating pad. with lots of sharp pointy things around i'd never just have an inflatable pad. the id event overbag adds i'm guessing around 5*, maybe. it's hard to tell. i don't always bring it when i have a tent. we like to sleep out and it's perfect for that.

Edited by RICKO on 09/24/2012 09:58:45 MDT.

Cheers Richard,

Hmm, I usually always climb with 2 or 3 guys I know. in winter, we Always take a Big McHale Alpiner backpack(7lbs-8lbs) we got used, best find EVER! and a smaller summit pack and a knapsack for the guy carrying the McHale or skip it and leave all the gear at base camp and strip the McHale down to about 4lbs, Heavy, but not all that bad either. We switch out who carries the monster load. Best of both worlds. Do the same thing when one guy goes in a day early as they have an extra day of vacation while the other guy has to haul a$$ at a 16 mile clip or more to catch up.

PS. Your Catalyst Pack will carry winter gear with some finagelling with straps and gear tied on. Awkward? Yea, though not after you do it twice or more. Easily doable. Will have to create a foam pad or sometimes simpler is a sleeve of cordura nylon that is put around your ski for attaching skis as skis sharp edges will destroy any lightweight backpack in VERY short order. Attaching snowshoes? No problem on any pack with a couple extra straps.

PS. I will never carry a Gregory, Dana Designs-Mystery Ranch-Marmot, Osprey, Cilo Gear again after carrying a McHale for heavy loads. NEVER EVER!

Cheers Brian,

I have used the Catalyst for a couple of winter trips in Scotland (without skis or snowshoes) and it was fine.

I have heard a lot of great things about McHale packs.

I'll second the recommendation of the Hyperlight Mountain Gear Expedition pack. Just had mine up in the Colorado Rockies for 5 days, and it carried beautifully.

Thanks Don,

A buddy just pointed me that way also.

Folks,

Haven't got around to getting new winter pack, just seeing if anyone had any more recommendations?

Cheers,

Stephen

I was in the same position but after looking at large capacity packs decided on the pulk. I encourage you to check out Skipulks.com. You can't beat a pulk for cold weather camping.

I do plan to get a pulk Henry at some stage but also need a load hauler for where a pulk can't go.

I have an original Dana Designs Terraplane. (7.5 lbs!!)

My recommendation would be something from Granite Gear in the 4,500 cu. in range with exterior straps on the bottom for truly huge synthetic winter bags or winter mattresses.

Granite Gear makes tough packs that are comfortable. Not UL but still light.

My weight for a 4-day trip up Camel's Hump iN VT in January, with snowshoes and crampons, was like 35lbs. I think 40 is an ok estimate, since I didn't have a stove (someone else did).

Stephen,

For Michigan in the winter, if you are willing to camp without a winter tent (tarp/pyramid and bivy, you should be able to get by with your 65L pack with no problem.

I concur with Rog.

In fact, I'm going to be using my Catalyst this weekend. :)

But you're bringing the Hilleberg though, correct? That might take up some pack real estate.


Edit: I see way back in your OP that you mentioned mountaineering. That I have no experience with.

Edited by T.L. on 03/19/2013 12:02:44 MDT.

Cheers Guys,

It is for Winter trips in the Rockies and back in Europe when carrying crampons, shovel and snowshoes.

It will probaly only be used 2-3 times a year.

Edited by stephenm on 03/19/2013 12:40:54 MDT.

I've found the Black Diamond Mission 75 pack to work well for my winter needs. It's a nice, streamlined pack. It has well-considered places for crampons, axes, and snowshoes to attach to the pack when not in use. It should have plenty of space for a multi-day winter trip.



Good luck with your search!

Edited by vinovampire on 03/20/2013 18:00:40 MDT.

Hurry up Stephen. Winter is almost over.

Its for next winter Dave, I am stocking up with kit this side of the pond in case we get sent back to Belgium as there is a bit of a shake up at work at the moment.

Cheers Tommy, nice pic.