Looking for a smallish backpack - help!

[pialia]

Howdy,

Going to the alps in a few weeks and I'm looking for something to carry a hydration pack, change of clothes/jacket, DSLR camera, food for the day, trek poles and general stuff.

I've been looking at stuff in the 25-35l range:

Osprey Exos 34
Osprey Talon 33
Osprey Manta
Camelbak Vantage FT
Haglöfs Roc Speed

I don't see myself using this pack for carrying sleeping gear or a tent, since I already have a larger pack for backpacking. So maybe these are a bit big for my purpose? I haven't really handled a bag in the 30ish litre range and I don't really have any stores nearby to try 'em out so it's hard to judge.

Any and all info on these packs or others in the same size that you might like would be highly appreciated!

Many thanks,
Pia

 

[Katdaddy]

I use a Camelbak Rimrunner and carry pretty much what you listed for day hikes. It is plenty for me. Minimal hip belt, if you can even call it that, if that is important to you. I don't use one myself.

 

[Hawk45]

Check out the Osprey 18 (or the current model in that size range.. maybe a 22) and you will be surprised how much you can put in there. I use mine hiking out on CO and can put 2 cameras (DSLR/Point Shoot), food, GPS, jacket, hat and have a hydration bladder. I thought it would be too small but it holds a ton! Remember.. if you have room, you'll pack it full. Keep it small and you're feet/back will thank you.

 

[Grease]

I've found that the Osprey Kode 30 packs are just about right for day-hikes. Built in water bladder storage, lots of pockets for smaller/easy access items, two larger pockets for food/clothing/gear, and lots of low profile straps for keeping it all tightened down. There's even straps on the back for lashing snowboards/shoes/skies during the winter, which could be improvised to carry trekking poles.

The Kode 30 comes in 3 sizes - I believe I got the small one (it's actually a 27L, I think) Much bigger than that, and I think you'll find you have wasted space or too much stuff on your back.