brobichaud
Member
After solving my footwear issues (and wouldn't you believe, they're on sale this week 
), I must delve into the pack problem.
As it stands now, I own 3 packs. A 2007 model Camelbak Cloudwalker, a 2009 model Osprey Kestrel 28, and a Deuter Guide 45+. The Kestrel was my workhorse through all but a handful of my first round of the 48, and the old Cloudwalker has come out more recently, in an attempt to force myself to carry less weight. I've definitely had mixed results. First, the Kestrel is on its last legs. It's put up with a lot of abuse, summer, winter, being dragged through thick spruce on bushwhacks, and it's looking and feeling pretty long in the tooth. The Cloudwalker still has life left in it, but I use it more for skating than anything else. The big issue is weight. Empty, the Cloudwalker weighs 3 pounds, and the Kestrel weighs 3.3 pounds, so I'm looking to lighten things up, and find a happy medium between the two.
I've narrowed it down to 3 choices: The Lowe Alpine Lightflite 25, the Black Diamond Blaze, and the Osprey Hornet 24.
Of the three, the Blaze is cheapest at $80 (on sale), the lightest at 12oz, but also the smallest at 18L, and lacks hip-belt pockets (not necessarily a deal-breaker). The Lightflite is next cheapest at $90, weighs 14oz, has the largest capacity at 24.7L, and has a myriad of storage options (not to mention hip-belt pockets). The Hornet on the other hand is the most expensive at $107 (on sale), weighs the most at 1lb 3oz for the M/L, has the second highest capacity at 24L, and has all the usual Osprey bells and whistles (except an integrated raincover).
I've found scant reviews for the Lightflite or the Blaze, and seen mostly positive reviews for the Hornet. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with these packs, and if the extra money and extra weight of the Hornet is worth it compared to what the other options have going for them.
Thanks!
Cheers,
Bill
), I must delve into the pack problem. As it stands now, I own 3 packs. A 2007 model Camelbak Cloudwalker, a 2009 model Osprey Kestrel 28, and a Deuter Guide 45+. The Kestrel was my workhorse through all but a handful of my first round of the 48, and the old Cloudwalker has come out more recently, in an attempt to force myself to carry less weight. I've definitely had mixed results. First, the Kestrel is on its last legs. It's put up with a lot of abuse, summer, winter, being dragged through thick spruce on bushwhacks, and it's looking and feeling pretty long in the tooth. The Cloudwalker still has life left in it, but I use it more for skating than anything else. The big issue is weight. Empty, the Cloudwalker weighs 3 pounds, and the Kestrel weighs 3.3 pounds, so I'm looking to lighten things up, and find a happy medium between the two.
I've narrowed it down to 3 choices: The Lowe Alpine Lightflite 25, the Black Diamond Blaze, and the Osprey Hornet 24.
Of the three, the Blaze is cheapest at $80 (on sale), the lightest at 12oz, but also the smallest at 18L, and lacks hip-belt pockets (not necessarily a deal-breaker). The Lightflite is next cheapest at $90, weighs 14oz, has the largest capacity at 24.7L, and has a myriad of storage options (not to mention hip-belt pockets). The Hornet on the other hand is the most expensive at $107 (on sale), weighs the most at 1lb 3oz for the M/L, has the second highest capacity at 24L, and has all the usual Osprey bells and whistles (except an integrated raincover).
I've found scant reviews for the Lightflite or the Blaze, and seen mostly positive reviews for the Hornet. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with these packs, and if the extra money and extra weight of the Hornet is worth it compared to what the other options have going for them.
Thanks!
Cheers,
Bill
