So, after several years of using packs for hiking, and many, many different packs, I’m hoping to find options that may fit my needs/desires, and hoping to pick your collective brains on what may fit the bill... My list of desires: Removeable waist strap Compression straps Lightweight 20L or so at most Ability to carry roughly 10-15lbs at most Side pockets for bottles Outer stretchy “stuff” pocket (or something similar) Maybe a sleeve for hydration bladder (though I’m considering getting away from these) So, the Tarahumara may fit the bill in most cases, and I’m not past considering that. That said, and as much as I like HPG, I also like the lighter materials some of the newer stuff comes in. The Gossamer Gear Minimalist may also fit the bill, from hat I can tell. The floor is open...please let me know if any suggestions you have, as well as if you have input from having used one of these packs. Thanks all!
Watching this thread. I’ve been hunting for a Tara again to get something smaller than my Antero. I also have a GG Minimalist, but just can’t find a happy medium packing it where something isn’t poking me in the back. I really like a frame sheet or at least stiff back material rather than the super lightweight no structure material.
I've got a couple of Tara's. I often forget I have it on. After using one for 3-4 years, I can't imagine finding a better pack. in the Tara size class it's hard to beat. When I got my first one I thought it would be to small, after using it on many excursions, I've found it to be the perfect size.
Check out offerings from ZPacks and the "Daybreak" from Hyperlite as well. But I have to agree w/Wisdom - it's pretty hard to beat the Tara.
in addition to my previous post....A HUGE selling point for me with HPG is that it's American Made which is rare among pack makers. You may pay a little more, but I'd be surprised if any would argue the durability of their goods.
the Tara is about 800ci...it's small....what you are describing is the Umlindi....2200ci, I have one with the Ashton insert and love it and find it extremely useful and very versatile.....I like the 500 denier for strength, abrasion resistance, and still fairly light....
I just bought this a few weeks back when it came out; Pretty much what you want. Great little pack, what I consider the bigger version just came out last week I think; I’m tempted to get this down the road....
Definitely some options I hadn't considered out there, thanks for the input everyone. Hadn't even looked at the Umlindi before. I do like the modular design of most of HPG's stuff as well... Going to look into the others too, for sure.
So I’ve been on a similar search and tried out many brands and set ups as the guys on my SAR team are all gear heads. Check out TAD brands fastpack scout. It has more internal organization than the Tara, quality materials, very modular, and like HPG is made in USA. They offer a few sizes of their fastpack series. I’ve put mine through the ringer.
