Picking A Pack for the PCT | Comparing Women’s Backpacks: Osprey Eja, ULA Circuit & Durston Kakwa
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Help me pick my most important piece of gear for my upcoming thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail: my pack! In this video I narrow down the search to 3 popular thru hiking backpacks and compare the pros and cons of each: the Osprey Eja, ULA Circuit, and Durston Kakwa. Which one will I pick? You'll have to watch and find out...
PACKS IN THIS VIDEO:
Osprey Eja 58 rei.rockporch....
ULA Circuit SV www.ula-equipm...
Durston Kakwa 55 durstongear.co...
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 app.rockporch....
Hyperlight Mountain Gear Southwest 55 rei.rockporch....
MY FULL PCT GEAR LIST ON LIGHTERPACK: lighterpack.co...
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I have both the ula circuit and this year I switched to the Kakwa55.
My ula I never loved. Just could not find a lot to like about this pack unfortunately.
My kakwa.....I fell in love with instantly!
Maybe interesting for people...I actually am short and this pack does work a treat.
I had the same feeling when I put on the Kakwa too! Just instant love! I'm gonna pin this comment - great beta about this working for shorter hikers too!
@brookeinboots awesome. Hope it's helpful to anyone. I have also recently uploaded a video about the Kakwa where people can see me, as a short person 😊, wearing the pack.
Something not everyone considers is that on a long distance trail there will be sections in the summer months where you might switch out your big 3 to lighter less bulky gear. For example you might not need more than a 40 degree quilt for NorCal and Oregon on the PCT. Which translates into possibly a smaller pack. Just as a larger capacity pack helps in the Sierras for the longer food hauls and colder temps. Always be flexible in your thinking as everything will change the longer you are on trail. If you can, have a gear master that can ship you out gear to swap or replace if you lose or break anything.
I think thats a super smart idea. I have some gear swaps ready if something breaks and can't be repaired. You'll probably cringe when I tell you i've got a 10 degree quilt 😂 very likely that would be the first thing to get swapped out. thank you so much for the thoughtful advice!
Thanks for the the methodical and detailed breakdown! New sub :) Best of luck with your thru!
Thank you so much! I hope it helped!
Very well done video. We are also switching to the Kakwa for our next thru-hike. We are subscribed and look forward to following your PCT hike!
Thank you! Can't wait to share the journey - it should be pretty wild!
That was a very good review of those packs. I really enjoyed and found value in it. I have an old ULA circuit that I like but based on your review I would have also chosen the Durston.
I think the Circuit is such a solid pick, but man the way the Durston carries the heavier loads just blew me away! It was like, instantly noticeable. Thanks for the comment!
These are all great options! I'm rocking an Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20L for the PCT this year
Dang I'm so impressed! I have to know - what's your gear setup like that you can do 20L??? Whats your plan for the Sierra/ Bear Can areas?
@@brookeinboots I've got a BV475 that I'm considering just carrying the whole way, though it takes up like 60% of the space in the pack. I have a tarp, bivy, 30F quilt, and all the basic UL staples
Love it! I’m not bold enough for a tarp yet - but maybe one day! See ya out there maybe, have a great hike!
Can’t miss with the Aja! The exos in my case.
It's SUCH a good pack. I recommend it to everyone, especially if they're shopping for their first pack. When you compare it to the other 'traditional' packs at places like REI, its just a no brainer!
I noticed that all the packs you considered are about 60 liters, is that the recommended size for a long hike?
It looks to be the most common range. Some people can get away with sub-40 liters, but they really have their gear dialed in and have a more minimalist setup. I think most people can get away with a smaller pack if they aren't carrying a bear canister, which I'll have to in the Sierras. Hope that helps!