HM - I have transitioned from a similar 20ltr pack, to the Futura. Less weight rather than lightweight is more my aim at this moment. I'm evolving my own balance of essentials with non-essentials in my trips.
Actually, I'm developing a less material approach to kit etc and looking to part with not only some of my collection but also the habits of hoarding and neglecting the great gear I already have.
EDIT: The Flash 22 is very similar to my old Alpkit Gourdon 20. Hmmm....
Yeah, that's the sort of the same approach I've been taking myself over the past few years. In seeking to reduce weight I generally work on this stuff, in order:
1) Minimize body fat / maximize lean mass
2) Eliminate redundancy
3) Take minimal "what if" stuff and work on skills, knowledge, and comfort. Don't fear, rather be prudent.
4) Upgrade heavier gear to lighter stuff if durability or price sacrifice is acceptable
I could get down to ultralight weight on my backpacking trips if I went solely by what I typically use in good weather and expected conditions and go minimal. But I think in the end, I'll end up at the top range of UL or bottom range of lightweight for added comfort and safety items.
I know! I went and looked to see if they had a bigger Flash with side pockets, and lo and behold they do!
More volume than my Daylite at the same weight, and doesn't have those stupid side compression staps that aren't snap buckled. It's my one main annoyance with the Daylite. I haven't cut it off yet only because I use it for stripped layers.
[...]
I ventured into base layers for the first time this passed holiday season. I documented some of my experiences on this forum. I found some REI base layers on sale made of a polyester blend and tried them out. Well, in my haste to get the "less expensive" alternative to wool I learned that my body didn't react well to this fabric. For the price I paid for the REI layers, I could have easily picked up a quality brand name wool base layer. Luckily, REI has an unmatched return policy and this issue was resolved.
I'm developing an approach as well. I'm learning that quality trumps quantity. I'd rather take the wool base layer on a trip and be able to wash it every night (if need be) in a sink or a stream and let hang dry over night than pack three poly layers that make me stink five minutes after putting one on. Less volume taken up also.
:thumbup:
I started off with synthetic running shirts as a base layer. I liked them until I started doing longer trips with them, then I realized how much they stink. Then I switched over to a quality wool baselayer, and love the warmth-for-weight and no-stink, even after 5 days straight with no washing. But, I am getting more annoyed that my wool baselayer takes longer to dry than synthetics of similar weight. In humid or rainy conditions, it just doesn't dry quickly enough (like overnight). It's not a big deal in a temperate environment, you just put it on in the morning and it's a little damp and chilly but your body heat dries it as you walk. But for colder trips, I'm thinking I may want to put up with the smell for quick drying. I think OwenM has come to a similar conclusion. Things are less volatile anyway in the cold... Anyway, I'm going to try some Patagonia Capilene 2 soon, so we'll see how that goes. I don't want to smell myself if I don't have to, it's just distracting... so I may end up with wool anyway.
Congrats!
