A backpack for long family dayhikes ?????

C

CellerDrummer

Joined
Aug 7, 2011
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564
Hello guys and gals..
Last summer was the first time we went on a long day hike (wife,12 yr old daughter,dog and me)...Well everyone had a blast and we have several planned for this year..Last year I used a small Eastpak which is a really nice pack but only has the two straps with no waist belt and I wanted something more "trail worthy" this year...

I'm the pack mule and their job is to have as much fun as possible and walk the dog..We take a bunch of food,snacks and water but I've added some extra items this year and need a better pack but not a large weekend size...I plan on going to R.E.I to get fitted and see what they have but was wondering what you guys use...
Thanks

CD
 
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The Trizip by Camalbak is an excellent pack. It has a very comfortable harness system and is adjustable. I recommend it highly.
 
I really like the Osprey Manta 25 but it might be a bit small for a family trip. It is a great lightweight comfortable pack. And it has a killer hydration setup.
 
It sounds like you need something in the 30-35L range. I think the REI Flash backpacks are pretty good.
 
I have both the Osprey Manta 25 and Kelty Redwing 3100 mentioned above.. both are excellent packs.

Both are very comfortable packs with some nice features, separate hydration compartments and great suspensions - the waist belt can be removed on the Kelty.

You may find that the Manta 25 is a little too small if you are carrying supplies for your family and dog. Just as an example, it would be possible to stuff 3 fleece jackets / sweatshirts in the pack, but you wouldn't have much room left over for anything else. Due to the shape of the main compartment, which is curved to be more ergonomic, you really have to stuff softer items into the bottom of the bag in order to take advantage of its full capacity. IIRC the price of the Osprey includes a pack cover and hydration bladder.

The Kelty Redwing 3100 is a bit larger, especially when it comes down to usable space. Its built with a heavier fabric than the Osprey and has lots of usable space. This pack could be used for family day hikes, solo overnights & winter hiking, etc.. the compression straps really help keep the size manageable when it is not fully loaded. IIRC the price does not include a pack cover or hydration bladder but it can be found for roughly half the price of the Osprey Manta 25.

-- Tom
 
Thanks Talfuchre that Osprey Talon 33 looks like it might be perfect..I like the adjustable straps and suspension system and its larger than my East-Pak..I know a pack needs to fit you and with the adjustments I should be OK..Might go to REI tomorrow and get properly sized...$500 is out of my price range but thanks for the suggestion.
 
I've had an REI Lookout 40 for a few years now and really like it.
REI backs thier stuff up also.
If something does go wrong, they'll make it good again.
My wife used one of thier travel backpacks hard for years.
She eventually got a few small rips in it and busted a zipper. She took it to the local REI and aksed for it to be repaired, expecting to pay for the service, as she'd had it for a few years and used it quite hard. They said it was beyond repair and gave her a credit in the equivalent amount for a new pack. We picked out a new one and went home. 6 weeks later they mailed us the old pack, repaired after all, at no cost.
Stellar company, great stuff and excellent service.
 
Went to the local REI today and got sized up..I'm a 15 inch frame and was told thats a small or extra-small depending on brand..I can't believe it, I'm 5'7 and wear a XL t-shirt...I guess I'm all legs,lol...She gave me her card and said to check out REI Outlet first to see if I find anything I like,,so time to do some shopping..
 
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maxpedition condor II is a nice pack, it's very comfortable and the price tag isn't too bad.
 
mossyhorn said:
The Trizip by Camalbak is an excellent pack. It has a very comfortable harness system and is adjustable. I recommend it highly.
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I would second this. I just got one and I love it.

About 31L/ 1800 cu in cargo volume, includes 100 oz bladder with insulated pocket, and the adjustable Mystery Ranch harness which is very comfortable. This pack was designed to carry some real weight too. Runs about $200.

Has some molle webbing, but it's not too tactical looking imo if you don't get a camo color.
 
Just ordered a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon-II for this purpose, maybe I'll post a review for you OP if you want it but there are already a couple lurking around in the archives if you do a search.
 
I'm getting there,, thanks for the suggestions everyone...I spend time every night doing research/learning about backpacks and making a list of importance...Let me know what you guys think so far..
#1 Good suspension system with hip belt,,For all day exploring I think this might be the most important...
#2 A pack made to fit my 15 inch frame so the whole system works...
#3 Then I'm thinking a toploader style so I won't have to worry about zippers blowing out..Water bottle storage on both sides and maybe an outside pouch or two..Less zippers the better...
#4 I'm liking the larger size ones (Talon33,Lookout40,Redwing3100)...Also a lifetime warranty..I actually had to send my EastPak in because the zippers blew out..Took maybe two week and it came back better than new...Surprisingly most manufactures offer a lifetime warranty...So far thats about where I stand..We have about a month left until we start hitting the trails..

CD
 
RogueBowie said:
Just ordered a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon-II for this purpose, maybe I'll post a review for you OP if you want it but there are already a couple lurking around in the archives if you do a search.
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That's what I use.

I'm not getting allof the recommendations to buy a big pack with a waist strap, for dayhikes...
 
RatDrall said:
That's what I use.

I'm not getting allof the recommendations to buy a big pack with a waist strap, for dayhikes...
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Normally I'd agree, but...

CellerDrummer said:
I'm the pack mule and their job is to have as much fun as possible and walk the dog.

CD
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You can always partially fill a little larger pack (especially one you can cinch down), but you can't make a small pack bigger. 1800-2000 cu in (~30 L) isn't that big either, imo.
 
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