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Which Backpack is Best for the John Muir Trail?

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:58 pm
by FrancisTapon
After I presented at the San Francisco REI, I received an email from someone who said that they will use the Gossamer Gear Whisper Backpack on the JMT. I replied:

The Gossamer Gear Whisper will be good for the JMT, although it's a bit extreme for most people. The Gossamer Gear G5 might be better if you need to carry more than 4 days of food (or warm clothes). I used the G5 and Maiu used the Whisper. I will use the G5 on the CDT. The G5 is just a little heavier than the Whisper, but has more capacity. Most folks find it hard to squeeze everything they need into a Whisper.

Resupply along the JMT is inconvenient. That is why we walked 240 miles without a resupply from Tuolumne Meadows to Kennedy Meadows. :roll:

If you do the JMT in the Aug or Sept, then it should be easy with both packs. It just depends on your capacity needs and how often you resupply. Consider not shipping food on the JMT, because it is expensive to receive a package. It is cheaper to just buy food at Reds Meadow and Muir Trail Ranch or go in the hiker box for food. :P

Lastly, most JMTers would prefer a backpack with a bit more structure (and weight), like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus. I use it whenever I have to carry a lot of gear/food for glacial travel, for example.

For even more features (and weight), consider GoLite's backpacks.

Finally, MountainLaurelDesigns.com makes some ultra light packs that are excellent.

Re: Which Backpack is Best for the John Muir Trail?

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:41 pm
by WanderingBull
Do you really need a bear box? Or is that more optional?

Re: Which Backpack is Best for the John Muir Trail?

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:02 am
by FrancisTapon
Officially, you must have a bear-proof container. It's the law in the Sierra.

However, I ignored it and slept with my food under my legs. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. Part of the reason I get away with it is that I don't cook within a mile of where I camp and I avoid establish camp grounds. However, it's still highly risky.

There's the Ursack for a lightweight option, but check with the park to see if it's good enough for regulations.

Good luck!

Re: Which Backpack is Best for the John Muir Trail?

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:22 am
by WanderingBull
Perhaps an option too if you do not cook at all :-).

Re: Which Backpack is Best for the John Muir Trail?

Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:41 am
by FrancisTapon
Yes, not cooking is the best option. I didn't cook for 7 months on the CDT. So now not cooking for a short backpacking trip isn't hard at all. It's safe and fast. :)