what is the minimum/maximum recommended cubic inches for a three day pack? i only ask about the maximum because i know the more room one has the more likely one is to pack things that aren't needed. i was considering something along the lines of 3000 cubic inches, open to any and all suggestions. thanks
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back pack question
- Thread starter WVHILLS
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- Oct 29, 2005
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3000 is pretty big. i have a camelbak bfm, that i believe is 2600, and it is very large and heavy, especially with a full hydration bladder.
although, i guess too big is better than too small, packwise. but if its too big, you wont use it. i would think 2000-2500 is plenty.
although, i guess too big is better than too small, packwise. but if its too big, you wont use it. i would think 2000-2500 is plenty.
I'd say it really depends on a few things. If it's likely to be warm and rainless, you can leave out a tent. If it's likely to be cold you'll need extra clothing. If there are bears there, you'll need a bear canister. If you're solo, you'll probably be carrying more than if you could divide some items you only need one of between friends (e.g. stove, test, first aid kit).
I have a 3300 CI pack, and it's more than enough for a 3 day hike for me. But it's usually not terribly cold, and I'm usually with a friend or two, although someone needs to carry a bear canister.
I have a 3300 CI pack, and it's more than enough for a 3 day hike for me. But it's usually not terribly cold, and I'm usually with a friend or two, although someone needs to carry a bear canister.
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- Feb 8, 2004
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Don't forget the weight. 3-days worth of stuff is differnet for many people. I would gather everything you plan to carry and weight it. Once you get to the 30lb limit, most 3-day packs don't have very good frame structure to comfortably support it. I know the old ALICE medium-sized ruck w/ frame has a 2440 cu inch capacity, and can carry up to 50 lbs...although they're not very comfortable. I can tell you that you'll have a hard time keeping any loads over 30lbs stable with the majority of 3-day packs, not too mention they lack any comfort at all for long distances. Looks for packs with at least aluminum stays. If you're looking at internal frame-type packs, make sure they have decent suspension and can compress their load for stabilty.
An excellent and long thread about assault and 3-day packs (yeah, I know it's tactically-oriented, but it has great reviews), with good reviews on several different types. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=10&t=186483
My preference is Kifaru...quite expensive, but you definately get a sound system for your money; ranked with Kifaru is Arc'Teyrx (in my opinion). There are some very good (and less expensive) options from Kelty, North Face, Lowe Alpine, etc. What I like about Kifaru is the ability to go "naked" at stay within the packs ~3000 cu inch (my Zulu is 2800 and my Pointman is 3000) capacity, or you can add a few external pouches for easier organization and increased capacity. Even the simple external "pod" is great for adding that light but bulky sleeping bag or heavier clothing layers during colder seasons.
Again, decide how much gear you really need and weigh it. After that, if you have an REI or other good backpacking store nearby, you can get take a stuff bag with some heavy items (sack of beans, rice or sand) to approximate your loadout's weight and take it down to try out several designs with the weight you plan on carrying. Cinch down the pack and jump around, walk around, etc. You won't know much until you take it on a 3-5 mile hike to find hotspots, chafing straps or the true comfort of the belt, shoulder harness and suspension.
ROCK6
An excellent and long thread about assault and 3-day packs (yeah, I know it's tactically-oriented, but it has great reviews), with good reviews on several different types. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=10&t=186483
My preference is Kifaru...quite expensive, but you definately get a sound system for your money; ranked with Kifaru is Arc'Teyrx (in my opinion). There are some very good (and less expensive) options from Kelty, North Face, Lowe Alpine, etc. What I like about Kifaru is the ability to go "naked" at stay within the packs ~3000 cu inch (my Zulu is 2800 and my Pointman is 3000) capacity, or you can add a few external pouches for easier organization and increased capacity. Even the simple external "pod" is great for adding that light but bulky sleeping bag or heavier clothing layers during colder seasons.
Again, decide how much gear you really need and weigh it. After that, if you have an REI or other good backpacking store nearby, you can get take a stuff bag with some heavy items (sack of beans, rice or sand) to approximate your loadout's weight and take it down to try out several designs with the weight you plan on carrying. Cinch down the pack and jump around, walk around, etc. You won't know much until you take it on a 3-5 mile hike to find hotspots, chafing straps or the true comfort of the belt, shoulder harness and suspension.
ROCK6
I'd say size should be somewhere between 40-50 liters (around 2500-3000cuin)
As for the backpack and equipment in general, I'm slowly shifting from "military" stuff to ultra-light stuff, and seriously I'm not thinking about doing that way back so far.
My average 3 day pack is about 20-25 lbs (including 100oz water).
A pack like my old Karrimor Sabre 45 or Kifaru pointman is something like 4lbs heavy.
Wouldn't you mind carrying about 20% of your charge as mere container? Well, I do.
I've shifted for that: http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=PA5251&s=1
It's cheaper and about 4 times lighter, and I've had no durability problem so far.
Just be careful to avoid the circular reasoning:
I need a heavy pack.
Because I need a comfortable carrying system
Because I carry a lot of water
Because I sweat a lot
Because my pack is heavy
Because ...
etc...
As for the backpack and equipment in general, I'm slowly shifting from "military" stuff to ultra-light stuff, and seriously I'm not thinking about doing that way back so far.
My average 3 day pack is about 20-25 lbs (including 100oz water).
A pack like my old Karrimor Sabre 45 or Kifaru pointman is something like 4lbs heavy.
Wouldn't you mind carrying about 20% of your charge as mere container? Well, I do.
I've shifted for that: http://www.golite.com/product/productdetail.aspx?p=PA5251&s=1
It's cheaper and about 4 times lighter, and I've had no durability problem so far.
Just be careful to avoid the circular reasoning:
I need a heavy pack.
Because I need a comfortable carrying system
Because I carry a lot of water
Because I sweat a lot
Because my pack is heavy
Because ...
etc...
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2006
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- 5,525
Ravaillic, I was just looking at those super light packs, the same one as a matter of fact, the other day. So, you think that it's holding up well? I was really interested in that system. I never try to carry more than 25-30lbs. so I thought it might be the way to go.
WVHILLS, What are you planning to do with the pack? Are you going to hike a few hours to a destination, stay there, and then come came? Or are you going to be hitting the trail and moving for 3 days? The best advice I can give is try a number of different packs on and pick one that is the most comfortable. A decent store will have sandbags or something you can stick in the pack to simulate a load.
I'm a fan of starting bigger and making it smaller. My Dana pack is somewhere around 3700 fully extended. It isn't a very light pack, but it fits me like a glove, and I can carry a full load without comfort issues. I chose the pack for it's durability and versitility. The pack can expand to be pretty big, but it also scrunches down pretty small. It also has a shovel pocket on the front, and I'd be lost without that feature, as it's great for large, bulky, and occasional oddball items from wet tents to firewood.
Research a bunch of different packs. Look at your gear and figure out what you want to take and what type of trip(s) you'll be taking. Try packs on with weight if you can before buying. if you order something online, be sure you understand the merchant's return policy in the event you have a goofy pressure point or something. Good luck and have fun!
I'm a fan of starting bigger and making it smaller. My Dana pack is somewhere around 3700 fully extended. It isn't a very light pack, but it fits me like a glove, and I can carry a full load without comfort issues. I chose the pack for it's durability and versitility. The pack can expand to be pretty big, but it also scrunches down pretty small. It also has a shovel pocket on the front, and I'd be lost without that feature, as it's great for large, bulky, and occasional oddball items from wet tents to firewood.
Research a bunch of different packs. Look at your gear and figure out what you want to take and what type of trip(s) you'll be taking. Try packs on with weight if you can before buying. if you order something online, be sure you understand the merchant's return policy in the event you have a goofy pressure point or something. Good luck and have fun!
Well I know many people that have used those or similar for quite a while and are happy with them.
As for me, I've had one for about three months, nothing wrong so far.
Thin and light makes it "feel" less durable than "heavy duty" packs, and technically speaking it probably actually is, but so far this hasn't had any impact on function and no significantly higher fatigue.
One thing that might annoy many people is that lighter often means less padding and less carrying system, which means a less comfortable bag. While this is true, keep in mind that you carry less, which make that issue less crucial.
Golite products are very light weight oriented in their approch, but some manufacturers make more conventionnal lighter than average products.
http://www.golite.com/images/sizing/packs.gif
Even if one doesn't go to extreme ultra light making your bag a bit lighter can't generally harm.
Around 3000ci is just about perfect for 3 days. I have an old EMS top loader of around 2800 ci that I love. Its fairly light, pretty strong and fits me great and is my first bag to go camping with for a weekend or week. Camping for seven days only requires more food and usually all I need to do is add an exterior module which works great for me for a week long. We obviously are taking about spring, summer, fall weather. Temps at night probably above 40. Start talking about winter camping and pack sizes start increasing to double or larger. At least mine do.
Current incarnation of my pack
KR
Current incarnation of my pack
KR
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2007
- Messages
- 14
I will give the Golite bag a third vote. The military stuff is great for durability, but far too heavy for every day use. Inspect gear before every use and purchase the lightest version that you can find. In the backpacking world, the ultra-light stuff tends to be the most expensive and often is the best made. You can not equate light to cheap and poorly made. 30 pounds for three days is very heavy. Whatever you pick you will have to carry from A to B. Why not pick a lighter item? Your back and legs will thank you. If you get light enough, switch to a good pair of ventilated trail running shoes. Your back and legs will thank you even more. With a light back and running shoes you can hit 20+ miles a day for many days in a row without being sore, providing you are in somewhat decent condition to begin with.
Most will get away with the 3000 ci size. I would encourage smaller say 2500.
Most will get away with the 3000 ci size. I would encourage smaller say 2500.
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2004
- Messages
- 4,553
I've heard lots of good stuff about golite as well. One of their bags will most likely be my next pack purchase.
WVHILLS, if you go to the golite website they will have a sizing chart (for torso length) that should help you decide which of their packs is likely to fit you best.
WVHILLS, if you go to the golite website they will have a sizing chart (for torso length) that should help you decide which of their packs is likely to fit you best.