Day hike/Long weekend Packs?

JC in SC

JC in SC

Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
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I'm looking for a new pack or packs (depending on recommendations obtained here) for both day hikes and/or long weekend trips. I'm wondering if most people have two dedicated packs that they use depending on what type of trip they're taking or if people have one, modular pack that can be adjusted depending on how much storage they need. If you use dedicated, individual packs, which ones do you use and what do you like about each? If you have one modular unit, same questions.

I'm drawn to the Snugpaks because I've heard good reviews, I dig many of their features (like the integral rain cover) and they're made in the USA (unless I'm mistaken). The Rocket Pak appears to offer some of the versatility I'm looking for (i.e. removable "Rockets" to reduce capacity for shorter hikes). I'm sure Maxpedition offers similar models with similar features.

To be quite honest, I'm just getting back into camping, so I'm not totally sure how much space I'd need for more than a day hike. I'm not a minimalist per se, but I also don't plan on packing multiple back ups for each piece of kit. I do like large choppers though, so accommodation for at least one of those is important!
 
I really like my CamelBak Rim Runner for dayhikes and overnighters. The compression straps on the side let you lash a chopper (knife or axe) to the side easily.
It has a big water bladder that I usually just half fill, and about a 26 liter cargo capacity.

I also have a large external frame pack that I use for longer hikes, but it's old (circa 1970) and the suspension isn't very good, so I'm looking to upgrade to a modern pack of similar capacity.

I would definitely recommend getting two packs, one for dayhikes and one for longer trips. This will allow you alot more versatility, and you won't be carting around a bunch of extra cargo space on a dayhike or overstuffing a small pack for a long trip.

I believe the Snugpack products are made in the UK, but I could be mistaken.
 
siguy said:
I believe the Snugpack products are made in the UK, but I could be mistaken.
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Thanks for the recommendations Simon. After looking at their website, I think you are right about them being in the UK, my mistake.
 
I hate to carry 7 or 8 pounds of pack just to carry more stuff so after years of frame packs I tried to go lightweight forcing me to reduce the load overall.

My Golite Infinity Backpack is under 3lbs. and, for me, comfortable packing up to about 45lbs. It's so light that cinching down the straps lets me use it on long day hikes as well.

As a day pack I've been using the "REI Flash 18 Pack", it's under a pound, reverses into a stuff sack and can carry a fair amount.

If and when I get something new the photo's here of the "Snugpack Sleeka Force" really caught my attention partially due to cool factor. For a heavier pack I've been looking at "Kifaru", the hunting series not military. Another high end maker is Dana Gleason's "Mystery Ranch".
 
JC in SC said:
I'm looking for a new pack or packs (depending on recommendations obtained here) for both day hikes and/or long weekend trips. I'm wondering if most people have two dedicated packs that they use depending on what type of trip they're taking or if people have one, modular pack that can be adjusted depending on how much storage they need. If you use dedicated, individual packs, which ones do you use and what do you like about each? If you have one modular unit, same questions.

I'm drawn to the Snugpaks because I've heard good reviews, I dig many of their features (like the integral rain cover) and they're made in the USA (unless I'm mistaken). The Rocket Pak appears to offer some of the versatility I'm looking for (i.e. removable "Rockets" to reduce capacity for shorter hikes). I'm sure Maxpedition offers similar models with similar features.

To be quite honest, I'm just getting back into camping, so I'm not totally sure how much space I'd need for more than a day hike. I'm not a minimalist per se, but I also don't plan on packing multiple back ups for each piece of kit. I do like large choppers though, so accommodation for at least one of those is important!
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i have a snugpak sleeka force 35 and the snugpak rocketpak. i don't have the search option but i have done a review on the sleeka force already if you look it up here in W&SS i could not recommend this pack more highly!
i was going to do a review this weekend on the rocketpak. while i'm out camping are there any specifics you would like to know about either pack? since i'm gonna have them both out for extensive reviews you might as well have some input going in!
fire me an email russellmiller at live dot com i'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Any input you have for my reviews this weekend would be appreciated aswell. i may even be up to finally trying to post a short video or two on the packs if there's interest.
 
goatariba said:
i have a snugpak sleeka force 35 and the snugpak rocketpak. i don't have the search option but i have done a review on the sleeka force already if you look it up here in W&SS i could not recommend this pack more highly!
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Actually, I think it was your review that got me to looking at the Snugpak products. As far as what I'd like to see in a review, shots showing all the stuff (laid out rather than packed) you manage to get into the pack are always beneficial for getting an understanding of the pack's capacity.
 
I have Boundry Water Guide Pack that is a good weekend pack. You can stack two nalgenes in each zippered side pocket plus a cavernous main compartment that closes with a drawstring. Also has a front dual zip compartment. Good heavy nylon. Well built but the shoulder straps arent made for long hiking.
$100.

Picture from the website.
 
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Ramm9 said:
Here is your thread and it was a good one ....
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641345

You can always click on your user name and "find all posts" to look back for something you posted.
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thanks for the link!!! I tried it, i am not a paying member, i have no priviledges. i'll have to remedy that next week.;)

i'm glad the review caught a few ppls eye. really i can't say enough about the pack, i will do a shot or two of all my gear unpacked for you, not a problem.

i will have a rocket pack, as well as additional sleeka force pics up likely monday. should be a good little weekend out. if anyone else has any other suggestions or requests let me know.
 
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Look no further than the Mystery Ranch CrewCab on a NICE frame. In daypack mode it's compact but will carry everything you need then when you want to do a multi day just open it up and it'll carry more than your legs can.
 
JC in SC said:
I'm wondering if most people have two dedicated packs that they use depending on what type of trip they're taking or if people have one, modular pack that can be adjusted depending on how much storage they need. If you use dedicated, individual packs, which ones do you use and what do you like about each? If you have one modular unit, same questions.
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I have different packs (different sizes) for different types of outings. My most used packs range from about 850 ci to close to 4000 ci, with steps about every 1000 ci. My most used pack for overnighters and weekend trips is a Dana Design Bighorn, which is about a 3700 ci pack. The Bighorn has an expandable collar and a nice, sizable shovel flap, so I can overload it a little if I choose to do so. Also, the suspension system is substantial enough to comfortably carry loads in excess of 45 lbs. Though the pack itself isn't uber lightweight, it can be cinched down to a very low profile if packing super light. This pack cost me about $280 in the early 90s. I bought it based on how it fit me. It has proven to be one of my best gear investments ever.

For day trips or overnighters, I have a variety of different packs. I recently spent 2 weeks in China where I used a Mountainsmith Day pack (with Strappettes shoulder straps) for everything from shopping outings, to airline carry-on, to hiking around the Great Wall. The Mountainsmith Day was able to hold two lightweight rain jackets, a first aid kit, some snicky-snacks, and water for two. Because it is a lumbar pack, the weight rides low, allowing for good maneuverability. This was helpful when climbing some of the steps at the Great Wall.


JC in SC said:
To be quite honest, I'm just getting back into camping, so I'm not totally sure how much space I'd need for more than a day hike. I'm not a minimalist per se, but I also don't plan on packing multiple back ups for each piece of kit. I do like large choppers though, so accommodation for at least one of those is important!
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Perhaps what you should do is first lay out the gear that you would want to take on a day hike, overnighter, or whatever. Placing your items in a paper grocery bag (around here they tend to be about 1350 ci; 12 x 16 x 7 or so) can help you estimate a general size pack to shoot for.

When shopping for a pack, remember that a pack a little on the bigger side can usually be cinched down for smaller loads. Also, I believe that fitment is important even with daypacks that one might only where for a few hours at a time. Comfort is key to an enjoyable experience. If you can try things on, that's great. If not, try to do as much research as possible to insure what you decide on will have the best chance of working out for you.

Finally, I think the Snugpak packs look great.


Good luck with your search, and have fun!




Edit: Me with the Mountainsmith Day:
GEDC0034.jpg
 
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I have a RocketPak but haven't used it too much...it's a pretty decent pack and if you search around, you can find some good deals.

I've really taken a liking to Osprey packs. It really depends on your activities whether you can get a good sized weekend pack for both backpack camping and day hikes. Also, some packs compress down pretty good if you're just packing a small/light load.

I have separate packs for day hikes and backpacking, but you could get by with one pack if it compresses well (or has removeable pockets like the RocketPak) and is still comfortable with a smaller load.

ROCK6
 
For a dayhike, I really don't need much. I can fit it all in a GI Buttpack, or more recently, a Kifaru Claymore pouch. Carried on a shoulder strap and a separate 2 qt canteen.

For a weekender, I went with a Kifaru Zulu. The pack is very expandable/compressable. It can go from nearly daypack size, to carrying a week's supply of stuff. You can also add all sorts of pouches (any that use MOLLE attachments, not just Kifaru pouches).
 
You've received a lot of great recommendations, but I'll add my 2 cents as well. I really enjoy the Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II for day hiking. It carries enough for one or two people. I also use a Maxpedition Bottle Holder with a Roly Poly for lighter day hikes.
I really like my SnupPak Sleeka 35 for weekend hikes. I use a tarp/poncho for shelter and there is plenty of room for two days worth of food/clothing/equip.
Good luck. There are many great packs to choose from.
 
For day hikes (lunch, water, light jacket and PSK) I use a Camelbak HAWG, I also use this one as a "tackle box" and for mtn. biking.

camelbak-hawg.jpg



For backpacking, be it one night or 5 I use the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10. http://www.rei.com/product/765140

I spent many hours and days at REI walking around with loaded and weighted backpacks. At first I thought I wanted to go light weight, and I was trying on all the ~3lb. packs. I thought I liked them, even to the point that I bought the REI Flash 65. But, after it's first trip I found that the internal frame would deform with all my gear in it plus the bladder of water, the bladder would bulge it out and it would lose it's form that made it comfortable.
So, back to REI to try more packs. I must have tried every pack on from every company out there, then I put on the Deuter.

Wow what a difference!!!

It is a 4lb. pack, but it makes your load FEEL lighter. In fact I even asked the employee if he had taken any weight out of the pack, but in fact it was the same weight I had been using for all the other packs. Personally I would rather carry 35lbs that feels like I'm carrying 25lbs. than actually carry 25lbs uncomfortably.

It is actually a lot cheaper than some of the other high end brands as well, but it just blows everything away in comfort.

My wife went through the same endless hours of try packs on until she found the woman's version, and instantly fell in love. In fact she bought hers when I first bought the flash. I guess sometimes women just know better... Funny how the "right" one is always the last one you try.


Men's Aircontact Lite 65+10:
aircontactLite65+10lg.jpg


Woman's ACT Lite 60+10:
ACT-Lite-6010SLlg.jpg
 
othello32 said:
You've received a lot of great recommendations...
Good luck. There are many great packs to choose from.
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Exactly. Unfortunately, I think this thread has opened my eyes to even more options as opposed to helping narrow it down:D Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

I had actually forgotten about a Camelback MULE that I had bought for mountain biking, but reviewing its specs vs the Rim Runner and HAWG reveals that it has quite a bit less storage capacity (10L vs 18L vs 26L respectively). I remember using it for a winter day hike a few years ago and it had just enough room to carry everything I put in it. Problem was, once I wanted to shed some layers, I had no where to put them.
 
JC in SC said:
Problem was, once I wanted to shed some layers, I had no where to put them.
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That's what I like about the Hawg. It's still a pretty small pack and can be cinched down quite a bit, but it has just enough room to put those extra layers.
 
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