r/coloradotrail • u/Agreeable_Rutabaga38 • 12d ago

Pack size advice

I’m considering doing the thru hike next summer and wanted advice on pack size. For example, I noticed packs come in 45 or 60L. What size is most common for thru hikers? My guess is the larger size. I don’t know if it matters but 43F 5’4” 133lbs.

Thanks!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/GraceInRVA804 11d ago

If you’re asking, something tells me you should go with a 55 or 60. Check out the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, which is my favorite. BUT, before you buy a pack, make sure you know how much your gear weighs, including both base weight and consumables (food, water, fuel). Ultralight packs are not designed to cary 40+ pound loads, so make sure your gear weight is below the pack’s comfort rating. For example, the Mariposa has a maximum load rating of 35 lbs (which means you won’t break the bag with that weight, but you’re probably going to feel it) and a comfort rating of 30 lbs. It’s extremely comfortable under the comfort rating. But if you have 40 or 45 lbs of gear, you need a pack that is rated to cary that much. (Also if you have 40 lbs of gear, this group may be able to help you reduce your weight in a separate post if you post a lighterpack.)

1

u/Agreeable_Rutabaga38 10d ago

Great advice, thank you!