Any recommendations for under 1000 cu\in non-tactical, non-sling packs?

remmmm · Jan 17, 2013

After knives, my next gear obsession is packs. I already have too many, but like knives can always find a reason I need more

I'm currently looking for something for short day hikes when I just need the essentials. I know the vast majority of people on here use Maxpedition style packs for this but I'm specifically looking at non-cordura, modern design, lightweight, two strap packs. I have a Maxpedition and it's just not my thing. Also not considering the monster waist packs with or without straps. I used to have one of the big mountainsmith waist packs and didn't care for it. Any recommendations?

Currently eyeing the Arc'teryx Fly (13L 793cu\in):

Grease · Jan 17, 2013

Take a look at Osprey. They've got a couple of great dayhike bags in the size you're looking for, the Talon and Zealot are two I can remember off the top of my head. The Talon is 1200 cubic inches, and the Zealot comes in a couple sizes - 850, and just under 1000. The Zealot also has a 3 liter water reservoir, I believe.

I've got one of their bigger dayhike packs and they're fairly comfy, not bulky, and have good storage in several pockets and dividers.

scraca · Jan 17, 2013

I use the 511 Covrt 18 pack and love it. Very comfortable and light.
Many pockets. Lots of different colors to chose from.

Hammer67 · Jan 17, 2013

Hill People Gear - Tarahumara pack.

Simple, light. Great shoulder harness system.

remmmm · Jan 17, 2013

scraca said:
I use the 511 Covrt 18 pack and love it. Very comfortable and light.
Many pockets. Lots of different colors to chose from.
View attachment 324844

Wow, awesome pack. All the features I like about maxped packs without the cordura and hardcore tactical look. Bigger than what I'm looking for right now - but it's going on my list for sure.

scraca · Jan 18, 2013

remmmm said:
Wow, awesome pack. All the features I like about maxped packs without the cordura and hardcore tactical look. Bigger than what I'm looking for right now - but it's going on my list for sure.

It's not that big. The same size as a regular backpack. It's a tactical backpack in disguise!
So many pockets. So many good features.

wildmike · Jan 18, 2013

Mission workshops 'the sanctions available at missionworkshop.com

untamed · Jan 18, 2013

Another vote for the Covrt Series from 5.11.

Other nylonish, greyman-type designs are Grey Ghost's Stealth pack. Small (below 900 c.i.) for just the essentials and non-tac looking.

http://www.loadedpocketz.com/first-look-grey-ghost-stealth-operator-pack-review/

So is First Spear's Comm Pack

Camelbak also has some good offerings.

BTW, funny you should mention Arcteryx. I think the Arro 22 is probably one of the best designed day/essentials pack. It is very high on my want list.

jw2n · Jan 18, 2013

There is a company out of Israel named Source that made smaller packs. Their smallest was less than 700 ci if I remember correctly. The last I checked the sole US distributor seemed to have disappeared. I have a Kifaru E&E that would not look tactical at all in the right color.