Main Range Pack Size?

[AlanW]

Hi All,

I have a Mountain Designs Main Range pack, purchased in the late 1990's. The pack has served me well but I am in the market for a lighter pack. The size of the main range, according to the tag, is 75 L however I wanted to try and confirm this before purchasing a new pack that may be too big or too small. My late 1990s (older) pack has a couple of straps on the hood to extend and allow for an extra 10 L space if needed. I wanted to confirm if I purchased a 65 l pack with a 10 l extension or a 75 l pack with 10 l extension. The shop assistant at the time told me but it has been so long I cannot recall which one it was. Recently a MD salesperson told me she thinks the 75 l tag would represent the total volume but she could not be sure.

Also - any recommendations for a lighter pack? I was considering the Osprey Volt (75 l) as I like its no frills approach but also considering the smaller 65 l Osprey.

Thanks

[mushroom]

Really the only way to compare packs is to see if your gear will fit in it. Often the measurement in litres includes every pocket and pouch, which makes it hard to compare packs of different designs.

I've used the Osprey Talon 44 for a week of walking on the Great Ocean Walk and that was the perfect size for me, but of course it depends on the size of your other gear.

Check out the ULA Circuit (or any of their packs) for another lightweight, low frills pack option:
http://www.ula-equipment.com/product_p/circuit.htm

[kitty]

Another pack to try is Aarn pack. The harness is very comfortable (for some people) and you get a lot of benefit by using the optional front-pockets to not only add volume but to balance the load better.
Whatever pack you get, its not just volume that is key - you also need to match the packs weight carrying ability to the weight of your gear.
If you buy a pack thats only comfortable to 12kg, its going to be uncomfortable with 18kg of gear in it.
Backpackinglight in Melbourne stock Aarn.
(I have no affiliation with either Aarnpacks or BPL)

[Strider]

I'll echo what kitty has said, but also add that just because a pack is lighter does not necessarily make it better or more comfortable to carry. A good harness is worth its weight.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

[madmacca]

Whatever pack you get, its not just volume that is key - you also need to match the packs weight carrying ability to the weight of your gear.
If you buy a pack thats only comfortable to 12kg, its going to be uncomfortable with 18kg of gear in it.

Agree. You should only be going to an ultralight pack AFTER you have lightened your other gear. Your pack should be one of the last major purchases.