Equinox - Katahdin

I have used my equinox six times now over two summers. All but one trip have been solo. Not to bad for someone in their early 60's. Longest was 2 nights and 11 miles in, solo. I have pared my weight of pad, sleeping bag and tent to to 4 pounds 13 ounces. And a total of 651 cubic inches. The weather has been without rain, so my results have been in dry conditions.

My only two enhancements to my equinox were to put a cut out formed 1/2 inch piece of a closed cell pad on the bottom. I also used my sleeping pad as internal support. These provided excellent balance and rigidity for the pack.

It looked full and heavy when fully loaded, but at only 26 total pounds with all my equipment, including fishing gear and with my food and water it provided excellent balance. With that weight it was easy on my knees.

My pad is 48 inches long so I used my equinox pack as neck support along with a rolled up sweater in a stuff sack.

From a happy backpacker and fisherman.

(Posted on 2/28/13)

To really appreciate this pack you need to spend time wearing it. What you are getting is a great suspension system and a super light nylon barrel with a very functional compression system.
The design is excellent for anyone who fits the suspension system. A one drawback is, there are two sizes (include the Pamola) and if it is going to work for you; you need to fit the pack; not everyone does. While we are on limitations let me mention two more:
One, you need to treat this pack with care, I dropped mine fully loaded on a sharp stick; and it now has a patch in the back. (durring the remainder of the trip the hole did not expand.) Two, we needed to make a dry camp for the evening; I added an extra three + liters of water, and could no longer get the waist belt to support the pack. (After purchasing another ultra-light pack costing much more in dollars and twice + in weight, I found a couple of buckles, 3oz, that solved the problem.)
The good part is I now have a pack, a sleeping pad, and a three season bag for about the weight of my next lightest pack. (Roll up the pad, put it in the pack and let it expand, stuff your bag down the center for a base and through in the rest. Be sure things you will need for the day, are on top.) Because of its shape and the suspension there is only a small area of back contact for hot days; yet the pack stays stable. Yes it looks like you are carrying an immense pack for an ultra-light, (if you want to impress them with your strength and endurance, just don’t let them lift it.) Keep your load light and you will love it. Or at least I do. A famous pack maker has tried to improve on this design; for my money and experience I’ll take the Equinox; though I admit it is easier to poke hole in it. I also admit that if I know, I expect to face a whole week of bad weather, I take the heaver pack. If it is just a possibility, I take a small garbage bag to cover the Katadin.
Should you meet me on the trail you will likely know me by the Royal Blue pack with the patch on the back (the added buckles are hard to notice).

(Posted on 3/3/12)