Day Packs

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skorgu

Joined
Feb 1, 2004
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I'm looking to buy a medium-sized (2000-3500 cu in (around 40 litres I think)) daypack for trudging around the city and some light camping. I know that I'll definitely have to go try a bunch on, but does anyone here have a specific reccomendation/things to look out for?

I spoke briefly to a guy on the subway who was wearing a Karrimor Hot Earth, and both he and I really liked it. The problem is, of course, that Karrimor isn't sold in the US, and international shipping is...expensive. I've read good things about Arc'Teryx or however you spell it, but no real first-hand experiences that I trust.

I think any pack has to be extremely comfortable and insanely durable. I'm...rough on things so insanely overbuilt is just right. Next on the list is color. I live in NYC where backpacks are part of the uniform, but still I'd like to avoid the Steal Me Red packs I see online alot. Boring is the watchword, dull colors like grey and navy and black are perfect. Last is the little things like internal pockets, hooks, straps etc. In general the more of these outside, I think, the better, but inside one big pocket is fine.

My price range is in the mid-$100s, but I could stretch to $200 for the right bag. Also, if anyone knows a brick-and-mortar store that I could go to look at them in real life in the NYC area, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, you guys seem to know the oddest things, and usually when I need to know them.

Also, completely off my own topic, but on CNN they were showing some stock Soldiers In Iraq Looking Around footage, and the soldier had an Arc 4+. I don't know whether I should be impressed or scared that I caught that in 4-secs of footage.

Edit: Those would be US Dollars, not Random Money Units and guessed at the size in litres.
 
I have a 2400 cubic inch Kelty Redwing (couple of model years old now)which is a great pack with many excellent features. Worth a look.
 
Skorgu, I work in NYC and use an Arc'teryx RT 35 for work and outdoors. It serves as my bug-out and gym bag. Holds a lot and is quite comfortable. Only thing is that it's hot on the back in summer. I wish the side pockets were made deeper to accomodate water bottles better. Seems that Arc'teryx has discontinued the RT series and replaced it with the Needle series, but still with the roll-top drybag type closure. The Needle 35 has a larger capacity @ 2,258 cubic inches than the RT 35's ~1,900 cubic inches (both for the large model).
 
One thing to look for is a rigid back panel and an adjustable torso length. I have a North Face Torrent (1850 cu. in.) that has neither of these, and as a result, isn't very fun to wear when I'm carrying bulky or heavy stuff.

The torso is incredibly short, even for me, making the hip belt ride too high over my waist. For reference I'm 5'4" and have a 15-16" torso, about the smallest men's size that's available.

Not having a rigid back panel is incredibly annoying because the bag will then take on a cylindrical shape when overstuffed. Then it starts bouncing up and down because it isn't snug against your back, completely negating the advantage of carrying a lighter pack.

3500 cu. in. is pretty big. It might look a little odd as a daypack, but then you would have the option of using it as a weekend or even 3-4 day trip bag. I hate lashing bulky stuff like sleeping pads to the outside though, so I have both my small North Face and a large 5500 cu. in. weeklong bag to cover all bases. With the latter I can get all my gear in a compact package.
 
skorgu said:
I'm looking to buy a medium-sized (2000-3500 cu in (around 40 litres I think)) daypack for trudging around the city and some light camping. I know that I'll definitely have to go try a bunch on, but does anyone here have a specific reccomendation/things to look out for?

I spoke briefly to a guy on the subway who was wearing a Karrimor Hot Earth, and both he and I really liked it. The problem is, of course, that Karrimor isn't sold in the US, and international shipping is...expensive. I've read good things about Arc'Teryx or however you spell it, but no real first-hand experiences that I trust.
Click to expand...
Ask and ye shall receive . . . Karrimor's US retailer.

I EDC a black Karrimor Sabre Delta 25. All-cordura construction, military ruggedness but still extremely comfortable and cool. For your requirements, the Sabre Delta 35 may be the better choice. I only wish the packs had more internal pockets and used a heavier YKK #10 for the main zip instead of a waterproof zipper, though the latter can't be beat for wet weather. If you like the Sabre Delta 35, it's probably cheaper to order it from the British distributor (believe it or not). The price in GB is so much lower that even with international shipping you still save. Email me if you want the details.

I also have an Arcteryx RT35, which is likewise very comfortable and stable for heavier loads because of the internal frame and hipbelt. Arcteryx gear is very durable and most of their packs come in three sizes so you can pick the right fit for your torso length. Note that the side pockets are designed to carry poles, so they're a bit shallow for water bottles. I use a carabiner with my Nalgene so it doesn't get lost.

I've also heard good things about Osprey Packs but have no firsthand experience.
 
Fantastic! I'll check out those stores, the Arc'Teryx and most certainly Pack Lion. Thanks a ton!
 
I have four different sized Osprey daypacks. Definitely check them out. Extremely comfortable.

Scott
 
Have a look at Maxpedition stuff. They've got a whole range of things and they are definitely heavy duty. Lots of straps and hooks and things too.
 
i carry a small day pack i got from REI, which is ok, but recently got a spec-ops pack rat to store stuff in inside the pack, and man it rocks, like 14 pockets, really really neat imho. the pack and pack rat work 110% for me
 
All those packs are fine. I have a Kifaru Marauder which starts at $230 without accessories. www.kifaru.net

the size is 2000ci. the new model is around 2500ci. Their packs have PALS webbing. you can expand the pack to over 4000ci.
 
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