My old Lowe Alpine Contour IV 90-15 back pack finally gave up the ghost this year, and I'm going Christmas pack-shopping for myself. If they still made this thing, I'd probably get another one, because I liked its simplicity and capacity (+/- 6,400 c.i.).

Used mainly for multi-day mountaineering trips in the Sierra Nevada and back-packing in the Appalachians.

I've already done some poking around, but was hoping to get feedback from others. If not recommendations, maybe some brands/models to avoid.

Thanks!

I think you'll find that many mountaineers/alpinists have gone to smaller, lighter packs. Cold Cold World, Wild Things, Mont Bell, and Cilo Gear all make lightweight packs for alpine climbing and mountaineering. Arc'Teryx, Black Diamond, and Osprey have some nice packs as well.

True, but when we're going in for five or six days, I need something more, especially if we're carrying gear for doing anything technical as well as the camping gear, food, etc. Thanks for responding.

How about McHale Packs. Custom made, not cheap, but could be the last pack you buy. http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/D ... 20page.htm. Dan under estimates the volumes of his packs.

Hmm ... roomy and light. I'll check this out--thanks!

So far the one that looks to fit my room and suspension needs well is the Gregory Palisade.

I have an old, used heavy McHale pack for sale.
It will last a very long time.

See http://www.weasel.com/gear_pack_mchale_p.html
for lots of detailed pictures.
Roughly 5200 cubic inches.

I still have a Lowe contour IV 90+15. I rarely use it, it is just too damn heavy. You can get a lighter pack nowadays, with a lot more convenient strap-on capacity. It is nice to have a pack that can double as a bivy sack!

+1 for McHale.

+1 for McHale. I have 3 McHale packs. They are all really top notch. Light, comfortable, well made. Sized to fit you perfectly.

myles wrote:True, but when we're going in for five or six days, I need something more, especially if we're carrying gear for doing anything technical as well as the camping gear, food, etc. Thanks for responding.

You really should do yourself a favor and rethink your entire kit. Here is a link to a report from MVS and two other freinds who did a 6 day traverse of the Picket Range - arguably the most remote and challenging mountain range in the lower 48. Certainly more remote with more glaciers and worse rock and weather than anything you will find in the Sierras or on the East coast. Every person used a Black Diamond Ice Pack - lightweight 50 liter packs. Michael has a good link to his and the party's equipment from the web page: http://www.mountainwerks.org/cma/2004/p ... index.html

Now that was a great trip--I remember coming across the report before. Definitely food for thought. Thanks everyone for all the input. Very much appreciated!

Some day I'll get to the Cascades--definitely more badass approach-wise than anything I'm used to.

Cheers!

As luck has it I have an original model contour 4 that is in perfect condition. I have had it 20+ years and it was used a handful of times for multi day trips in the Presidential and White mountains of New Hamshire. It is in new condition and is in perfect shape. It is currently in storage(climate controled) and only being used to store/organize my old backpacking gear. I no longer find myself do longer trips and "heavier" backpacking and no longer need it so, i will sell it if you are still interested. Yo have first dibs if you want it. Thank You

Tim T.


P.S. Contact me on here for particulars if still interested.