2003.04.08
***My new pack
– I used my new Mountainsmith Auspex pack for the first time this past weekend on my XC ski overnight in Yosemite, and I’m very pleased with the results.
The Auspex is a very lightwieght pack (about 3 1/2 lbs.) but with a relatively traditional design. It achieves its light weight by minimizing pockets (none, expect for the top pocket), zippers (one on the top pocket), padding (narrow straps and belts, and minimal back padding), and other traditional features – e.g., no collar around the top opening.)
It also is constructed of a lightweight laminate material that Mountainsmith claims is at least as strong as traditional pack material. The capacity is 4200 sq. in.
Although the pack is quite narrow I was able to strap tent and winter-weight pad on to the outside and it easily handled my largish winter load. The real surprise was the comfort of the pack. I have used a Gregory Gravity pack in the past and its minimal padding results in an uncomfortable carry with large loads. However, the Auspex was as comfortable as any other pack I’ve carried, including my older (and much heavier) Mountainsmith Crestone II.
I hoping to squeeze a 10-day load into this pack for a Sierra jaunt this August and I think it will probably work. Mountainsmith makes two similar packs: the Ghost is a smaller “ultralight” pack, and the Spector is a larger (5000 cu. in.) model that has more features than the Auspex.
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April 8, 2003 -
Posted by gdanmitchell |
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Dan's Outside 
2003.04.08
***My new pack
– I used my new Mountainsmith Auspex pack for the first time this past weekend on my XC ski overnight in Yosemite, and I’m very pleased with the results.
The Auspex is a very lightwieght pack (about 3 1/2 lbs.) but with a relatively traditional design. It achieves its light weight by minimizing pockets (none, expect for the top pocket), zippers (one on the top pocket), padding (narrow straps and belts, and minimal back padding), and other traditional features – e.g., no collar around the top opening.)
It also is constructed of a lightweight laminate material that Mountainsmith claims is at least as strong as traditional pack material. The capacity is 4200 sq. in.
Although the pack is quite narrow I was able to strap tent and winter-weight pad on to the outside and it easily handled my largish winter load. The real surprise was the comfort of the pack. I have used a Gregory Gravity pack in the past and its minimal padding results in an uncomfortable carry with large loads. However, the Auspex was as comfortable as any other pack I’ve carried, including my older (and much heavier) Mountainsmith Crestone II.
I hoping to squeeze a 10-day load into this pack for a Sierra jaunt this August and I think it will probably work. Mountainsmith makes two similar packs: the Ghost is a smaller “ultralight” pack, and the Spector is a larger (5000 cu. in.) model that has more features than the Auspex.
—–
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April 8, 2003 - Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary