How do you haul your gear?

[LMT66]

I've tried a few lumbar packs but my belly is a little too big for them. Unless you use suspender straps, it'll feel like its falling down.
The best one I tried was a Duluth Pack "All Day Lumbar Pack". Built very well and not tactical looking!

Next favorite was the MaxP DevilDog pack... discontinued model.

 

[eomeo]

I use one of these lumbar packs and love it.

http://www.dajoadventuregear.com/products/lumbar-packs/

2 bottles of water, no weight on shoulders, very simple design. I use the lumbar pack to avoid the strain on shoulders and the sweaty back feeling. I find that a synthetic t-shirt helps with the latter.

 

[hikeeba]

Bushman, that is a cool rig! Yes, contents list and breakdown, please!


Well, I don't have any pics of the Dana Designs backpacks I use, so I guess I have some pic taking to do.

For the last year, I have been using a Mountainsmith Day lumbar pack with Strappettes for day excursions:

I have always liked the lumbar-type pack. This is actually my second Mountainsmith Day. My first was purchased in 1992. My only gripe is that this pack, even the new version with the water bottle pockets, lacks the space needed for my 'well-equipped' overnight gear.

So, not too long ago, after a long pre-order wait, I acquired a StatPacks Fireline. This pack is built for wildland firefighting. I am not a wildland firefighter, but I saw the potential of the pack to fill my needs. It is sort of a hybrid between a back pack and a lumbar pack. Here are my first pics:

Here's a little more of a closeup of the load management system. iThe pack easily sucks to one's back.

The pack as pictured contained a 20º sleeping bag (in a compression sack), a Jetboil PCS, a hammock (Travel Hammock ultralight), and mosquito netting. There is still a fair amount of room left over in the main compartment for other stuff.

The pack came with 3 modular pouches, which I have removed - 2 double water bottle/fusee pouches, and a fire shelter pouch. The pack and the pouches are all of the modular MOLLE design. I removed the pouches as I figured I would start with just the main pack and build it with the included pouches or my other MOLLE pouches as necesary. The main compartment of the pack does have a an area for a hydration bladder (up to 100 oz). The lid has a pocket that is accessible from the outside, and a mesh pocket that is accessible from underneath, or when the lid is open.

Statpacks lists this as being grey, but it matches Maxpedition Foliage Green exactly.

Here's a pic of the complete pack from StatPacks' website. This pic was issued before the pack went into production. The production pack is mostly the same as this, except I think the bottom is angled instead of flat, and the fire shelter pouch only opens on one end and only has one compression strap.

I am really looking forward to putting this pack through its paces. However, between the time I ordered the pack and actually got it, we have acquired our adopted son who is 2 y/o. He is taking up 110% of my time when I am not sleeping or at work. I'm guessing I'll have maybe another year or so before I can get the pack out on any excursions (with the boy).

 

[texastonydobbs]

I have a Pygmy Falcon II and a large North Face pack Terra 60 and and smaller Northface about 1000-1300cubic inch for hiking a tad larger than the PFII & doesn't look so Tactical.only pic I have of the NF

 

[wwilson]

I've got an LL Bean Continental Field Bag coming in the mail...http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...egoryId=60317&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1

 

[Erasmus]

I use a 40L Osprey pack. Carries the max weight it is rated for, like a dream.

 

[Fonly]

sure can Fonly, gimmie few days!

haha, you bet man, I'll stay posted.:thumbup:

 

[HikingMano]

Osprey Kestrel 38 for hiking with my GF, all day hikes, or overnighters/weekenders.

Maxpedition 10x4 Bottle holder with M1 and M2 on sides for short dayhikes or outings.

 

[Fonly]

RK, whatcha got kicking around in the M1 and M2?

And you still using the surfire G2?

 

[mcjhrobinson]

depends on how long

i got a cheapo jansport lumbar from goodwill with bottle holder and STUFF for dayhikes in good weather

if theres bad weather or an overnighter in good weather (summer time) i got some cheapo messenger bag from goodwill

any few days trips or colder weather i got a gossamer gear mariposa plus i LOVE that pack

its those two packs

you can more or less see it here. its silnylon with main compartment, light and works great for loads up to 30-35lbs.

pic is me in the GC last spring (or the spring before...)

 

[HikingMano]

RK, whatcha got kicking around in the M1 and M2?

And you still using the surfire G2?

Hey Fonly!

I usually leave the M1 empty for snacks or other random items I'd like to take along for that outing. I do have a lighter that stays in the exterior zip pocket. I think I usually have a small pack of tissues in the stretch pocket too.

I keep a small "ouch" kit type FAK in the M2, and a space blanket in the exterior pocket. Off the top of my head, the contents: gauze, alcohol wipes, neosporin, bandaids, butterfly closures, ibuprofen, loperamide, moleskine, and purell. I plan on adding two pairs of latex gloves and a CPR mask soon.

In the main bottle holder pocket, I've got my Guyot w/ GSI cup. Sometimes I'll bring along my pop can stove that fits perfectly in the left over empty space on top (with a little fuel and hot chocolate or tea in the M1).

In the exterior pocket of the bottle holder, I've got a bandana. I used to have one of those small AMK FAKs in there, but I've taken it out since adding on the M2. I'm thinking about adding some firestarting supplies, paracord, and water purification tabs to that pocket.

I don't have that surefire sheath on there anymore, replaced it with a more secure maxped flashlight sheath. I use the other molle column to attach my GF's digital camera case, if we bring a camera along. Works out perfectly :thumbup:.

As for the G2, I usually leave it at home as a bedside flashlight now; it functions perfectly in that role. I got a E2DL a while ago, and that or a maglite goes in the flashlight sheath if it's a night outing. Sometimes, if I know I'll want to do some wood carving on a day outing, I'll put my sharpening stuff in that sheath (the sheath holds two DMT Diafold hones perfectly, or a small field strop).

All in all, great set-up for me :thumbup:. Just enough room for a few things, and not bulky.


How's the Falcon-II workin out for ya so far?


ETA: Forgot to mention, PSK stuff is distributed in pockets with either set-up.

 

[Sufler]

hikeeba

That's quite a pack, the Fireline. 4000 cu in of capacity? Very nice. Which company is the "original" supplier of bags to the wildfire firefighters?

I noticed that Camelbak released a "500" series of a couple of their hydration packs. The HAWG has now an increased capacity while being lighter than the previous material used.

:thumbup:

 

[gnius]

I have a Pygmy Falcon II and a large North Face pack Terra 60 and and smaller Northface about 1000-1300cubic inch for hiking a tad larger than the PFII & doesn't look so Tactical.only pic I have of the NF

How do you like your Terra 60? That's the pack I found most comfortable when trying out in the store, and it seems pretty good for the price...

 

[Ankar Sheng]

Sherpas!

 

[Don Rearic]

HSGI Warlord V4 chest rig with army surplus Y harness. Carries the essentials, has fold down map pocket and pouches can be added on.

That's a very cool rig, Bushy. How much that thing cost as it is set up in the pic?

 

[Fonly]

Hey Fonly!

I usually leave the M1 empty for snacks or other random items I'd like to take along for that outing. I do have a lighter that stays in the exterior zip pocket. I think I usually have a small pack of tissues in the stretch pocket too.

I keep a small "ouch" kit type FAK in the M2, and a space blanket in the exterior pocket. Off the top of my head, the contents: gauze, alcohol wipes, neosporin, bandaids, butterfly closures, ibuprofen, loperamide, moleskine, and purell. I plan on adding two pairs of latex gloves and a CPR mask soon.

In the main bottle holder pocket, I've got my Guyot w/ GSI cup. Sometimes I'll bring along my pop can stove that fits perfectly in the left over empty space on top (with a little fuel and hot chocolate or tea in the M1).

In the exterior pocket of the bottle holder, I've got a bandana. I used to have one of those small AMK FAKs in there, but I've taken it out since adding on the M2. I'm thinking about adding some firestarting supplies, paracord, and water purification tabs to that pocket.

I don't have that surefire sheath on there anymore, replaced it with a more secure maxped flashlight sheath. I use the other molle column to attach my GF's digital camera case, if we bring a camera along. Works out perfectly :thumbup:.

As for the G2, I usually leave it at home as a bedside flashlight now; it functions perfectly in that role. I got a E2DL a while ago, and that or a maglite goes in the flashlight sheath if it's a night outing. Sometimes, if I know I'll want to do some wood carving on a day outing, I'll put my sharpening stuff in that sheath (the sheath holds two DMT Diafold hones perfectly, or a small field strop).

All in all, great set-up for me :thumbup:. Just enough room for a few things, and not bulky.


How's the Falcon-II workin out for ya so far?


ETA: Forgot to mention, PSK stuff is distributed in pockets with either set-up.

Awesome, thanks man, I've been on a PSK binge, and Im looking and wondering what everyone has kicking around.:thumbup:

The Falcon is great, better than great, I've been itching to try it out, and have had it out on a few day treks, but no SAR missions yet. Its kinda a good thing not to be using it, if you know what I mean.

 

[HikingMano]

Its kinda a good thing not to be using it, if you know what I mean.

Yup, I gotcha :thumbup:

 

[Don Rearic]

I hope you guys that actually live in the areas you take pics of like that know how fortunate you are. I have to drive for over 90 minutes to get to half-decent mountains in Western Maryland. A lot of people talk about the lottery and what they would do. I do believe that some nice home up around Carson City, Nevada or somewhere in Utah would be in order. It sure as hell wouldn't be in some high rise condo.

 

[Fonly]

I hope you guys that actually live in the areas you take pics of like that know how fortunate you are. I have to drive for over 90 minutes to get to half-decent mountains in Western Maryland. A lot of people talk about the lottery and what they would do. I do believe that some nice home up around Carson City, Nevada or somewhere in Utah would be in order. It sure as hell wouldn't be in some high rise condo.

too true eh?

Im 2 hours from the rockies, but we do have some rolling hills that are a nice change from the city. the closest thing I have is the river, that has some 2000 foot drops, so its a nice place to go.

Back when I used the Lunada as my main kit, I still use it for EDC, but man I love that little thing.:thumbup:

 

[Stormstaff]

BLEH! :grumpy:

I'm in Illinois. 'nough said