I started my data collection for the Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker Study at Trail Days (May, 2007) and continued to collect responses through September 2007. As such, the last year for completed thru-hikes in this study was 2006, although many 2007 hikers submitted their surveys during their thru-hikes. Pack preferences come and go, but the Granite Gear Vapor Trail was the most popular pack among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers based on the 2006 and 2007 data. About 15% of the hikers (14) in the 2006-2007 cohort group reported using the Vapor Trail model specifically, although a majority of the hikers just submitted the brand of pack they were using.
Add one Pacific Crest Trail hiker’s vote to your poll. I love my Granite Gear Vapor Trail. It’s been on four continents with me (and well over a thousand miles). When and if it ever wears out, someone is going to have to pry it away from me!
That’s a great pack. There’s tons of nice, light, cheaper packs on the market these days. A HUGE change from just 10 years ago.
-John
I love my Granite Gear Ozone. One of the few packs that I’ve put on and immediately fell in love with.
The gang at GG were wonderful to work with, to boot!