PCT Packs

[geek]

I'm going to use a Gregory G pack for my PCT thru hike this year. I like the fit and it carries very comfortable for me with 20--30 lbs in it. I've never hiked in the west. Do you western hikers think that it will hold up for the entire hike?

geek

[AlohaTink]

I think that all depends on how you treat your pack as well as if you don't over load it.
I personally love the Gregory G pack and the Z is pretty good...but did not feel as comfortable to me as the G pack did.
Reading plenty of peoples journals you will see everything from the ultra light to down right heavy 7 lb packs.

It may be a little small for some of the spots on the PCT like the area from Kenndey Meadows or say Lone Pine to Muir Ranch or the VVR almost 7 to 10 days according to how you hike to your next resupply point. Also in the desert areas you have to carry lots of water you cannot rely on water caches to always be there!
You could wear extra water pouches on your hip belt and shoulder straps though.

And are you going to carry a bear canister once you get to the areas that require one? That is going to be a tight squeeze? Just some thoughts :)

[Ender]

It should hold up... Gregory makes fairly bomb-proof packs. Or at least they did when I bought my old Shasta. Like Aloha suggests though, just make sure it's large enough to carry all your gear plus the added water (in the desert) or food (in the High Sierras), and you should be fine.