Day hiking/overnight camp backpack

S

SliCed

Joined
Feb 12, 2014
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Hello, I'd like any recommendations for backpacks that will hold up to small/medium abuse at a decent price. I've been looking at the Red Rock Outdoor Gear Assault Pack, and it seems for $40 on Amazon and other places, you can't beat it. I'd like be able to hold some little outdoor gadgets, flashlight, fire starters, small knives, and things like food, some clothing, small metal cups/bowls, water bottle(it appears it holds water), and a few other misc. supplies. I'd like to hear your experiences. Thank you very much.
 
In general, most of the maxpedition style knock off gear is pretty poorly and cheaply made. Plus its far heavier than it needs to be. I think you would be better off looking at some of the small-medium camelbak bags. They can be had with molle and camo if you want. they are generally pretty well built and reasonably durable. a camelbak will also ride much better. There are other brands as well in that category to look at as well. Also some of the larger packs have a vent panel built into the staps to hold the pack body a way from you a bit. Might be handy out there in the desert.
I've found that in general running packs are thought out, and designed, where as "tactical" packs are rather poor in the ergonomics department. for example, that pack is only 18 inches high, but 12 deep, that means that if you fill it, a lot of the weight is going to be a long way from your back/center of gravity. another thought is that I fell like that pack might be a bit small for a planned overnight (for an unplanned one, I'm sure you could have enough stuff in there to survive, maybe not so comfortably)

If budget is a concern, try to showroom some bags and see how they feel, then hit the jungle-river store or popular auction site. With a lot of the smaller bags, (anything less than 50L) you get a lot less adjustment, so you will want to know that it fits your body shape. (lots of manufactures design to the average, unfortunately, that guy doesn't really exist)
 
I like the Camelbak Alpine explorer for a daypack with lots of room. For a light overnight, or a heavyweight day pack look at the Kelty RedWing. it comes in two different sizes.
 
My larger day pack is a 5.11 Rush24. I have a small one that I carry when I only have a few things. Yes, it is a Maxpedition knock off.
 
Based on the Amazon reviews, I'd say go for it.

For my own purposes, I have a nasty habit of looking at more expensive(actually maybe the most expensive) stuff with regards to non-consumable goods. My theory being that if I already have the best, I won't need to buy another one if I ever need more.

I ordered a Tactical Tailor Urban Operator Pack myself(still backordered), but it may be a bit much for your needs(1000 denier cordura).
 
I got a nice Kelty Pack at the flea market for $10. It even had a bunch gear inside. If you get a larger pack, you don't have to fill it up, but you can use it for longer trips. I use my "large" pack to take picnic lunches to secluded spots. When hiking with grand kids, they fill it with feathers, bones, stones, leaves, shells, etc.
 
My Osprey Kestrel 32 is the pack I use for day hikes and over nights. It is awesome and I really couldn't ask for anything more, I even was able to squeeze an unforeseen 2 day trip out of it. While I think the tactical packs have there places the vast majority of them lack a good suspension (obviously not taking about Mystery Ranch or Kifaru), so they end up being pretty uncomfortable when you get any kind of weight in them, for me anyways.
 
I use a 2 pack system. XL Ribs front pack and a Condor Convoy assault pack. Any items I would need to have immediate access to go in the front pack. I.e. maps, compass, poncho, first aid, snacks, etc.

Sleep, cook, fire ,water , water filters/purification all go in the Condor and I still have room available.

This system worked flawlessly on 4 day hike through Everglades N P. and Ocala N.F. However, I wouldn't push it past 4 days.

This works for me it may not work for you or someone else.
 
Kelty Redwing 50 is an outstanding pack for a 2-3 day trip. If you want something really tough then I recommend Maxpedition. I use a Falcon II and it is outstanding for everyday use or a 1-2 day trip. I've had countless packs and have learned that you get what you pay for.
 
I'm partial to the Camelbak Motherlode myself, very comfortable and well thought out pack. Hiked some in the Ozarks and Colorado Rockies above treeline with it, carried 15-25 lbs of gear with no problems. Great hip belt.
 
I'm curious about this as well!

I have been using a Maxpedition Sitka for the past year and the single strap kills me on a hike!

It was recommend by a few people to try a Vanquest Trident 20....so I have ordered one.
Supposed to be better made or a well made as the Maxpedition.

Anyone have input on this?
 
I used just abut everything made by Maxpedition or Camelbak, even a TAD Fastpack Litespeed, and they didn't "cut it". Then I found the ATS Cobra 2.6. It's just big enough for EDC gear plus lunch, drinks and a hoodie. There's also plenty of room to lash a coat to the shock cord on the back face of the 'pack. There's two rows of molle webbing across the bottom, but it's where no one can see it and it works great to tie a small sleeping bag or something to the bottom. The 2.6s don't look very tactical, especially the two tone versions. I use mine daily, and bring it along when dirtbiking, bike riding, kayaking, hiking, or whatever.

ATS gear is pricey, but well worth it.

 
Camel bak trizip. Best suspension on the market and expands to a three day if needed
 
Dunno why but I'm partial to a rugged tactical typa pack.

If our troops could use it in the field.....I like it. :rolleyes:
 
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