Need help on choosing a daypack!

M

murderedsongbird

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
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Hey guys. I'm in the market for a new daypack/one-nighter. Nothing too tactical. I'm looking to spend between $100-$150. I was looking at the osprey kestrel 28 but i can't find any pictures of it actually being worn so it scares me that it may be too small. Any suggestions would help! Thanks!
 
besides seeing things in store, its kinda hard to be sure of fit. Maybe if you answer a few questions some of the other guys can chime in with what they own.

Climate you will be trekking in?
Bottles or bladder?
general type of gear load (comfort or UL)
your body type (and size)
 
Sideways makes the critical point.

I know that I'd be fine with that size for a daypack. For all but the cold weather overnight I'd be good with it too. JV3 models the Kestral 38 below, and that would be too much daypack for me for most of the year.


kestrel_38_on_back_day_hike.jpg

kestrel_38_on_back_maxed_out.jpg
 
gadgetgeek said:
besides seeing things in store, its kinda hard to be sure of fit. Maybe if you answer a few questions some of the other guys can chime in with what they own.

Climate you will be trekking in?
Bottles or bladder?
general type of gear load (comfort or UL)
your body type (and size)
Click to expand...

Nothing too tactical.
Click to expand...
So no molle webbing, and no modular attachments?

How much gear do you carry?
What weight?
Do you want a hip belt or just a waist cinch belt?
Will you be using it for over nighters?

I always choose larger than smaller
I like Kelty
The Redwing 44 is a great day pack
 
neeman said:
So no molle webbing, and no modular attachments?

How much gear do you carry?
What weight?
Do you want a hip belt or just a waist cinch belt?
Will you be using it for over nighters?

I always choose larger than smaller
I like Kelty
The Redwing 44 is a great day pack
Click to expand...

Kelty also has the Flyaway 43 too. Can't go wrong with Kelty.
 
"one-nighter" is the key point here. Now you're going from carrying little stuff and supplemental protection from rain or cold to shelter, some kind of padding, and possibly insulation(season depending), plus the duration may point to needing more water, even a way to boil it for cooking if you don't want a cold camp.
How much stuff are you wanting to put in there?
I can cram a lot more into an Osprey Manta 25 than the reviews of it would suggest is even possible-everything for a very comfortable summer overnight here in the South, but it certainly wouldn't be close to my ideal choice for that. I'd much rather have a 32-38L pack for winter dayhikes and summer overnights, and 40-45L in winter when carrying more insulation(bigger down bag and/or jacket).
The Manta series leaves little to be desired for dayhiking, though.
 
Do you have any retailers like REI around you? You really need to try it on before you buy. It's the only way to know if it will fit you or not. I'm sure though that you could order off the rei's website and return it if it doesn't fit. You'd be paying full retail but sometimes it's worth it for things like this that you need to try before you buy. Full retail comes with a great return policy for some companies. REI is no questions asked or close to it.
 
I have an Osprey Talon that I picked up on sale for $100. Works great for snowshoeing and hiking. You could probably use it for an overnighter if you pack light.
 
ron finkbeiner jr said:
When I can I am getting a Redwing 50.
Click to expand...

I have them and highly recomend them
But 50 liter is quite large for a day hike

I purchased a woman's 40 liter Redwing for my Lady
When I wear it with the hip belt it sits low on my back, it could be very comfortable

But Redwing 44 is a good day pack for $100
 
I just got a deal on an Osprey Stratos 24. It will fill my summer hiking/light overnight needs. I wanted something a little larger but the price was too good to pass it up. It seems like an awesome back so far. I looked at the Kestrel but I preferred the air speed back on the Stratos for summer. Plus it only cost me $62.00 w/tax.
 
murderedsongbird said:
Hey guys. I'm in the market for a new daypack/one-nighter. Nothing too tactical. I'm looking to spend between $100-$150. I was looking at the osprey kestrel 28 but i can't find any pictures of it actually being worn so it scares me that it may be too small. Any suggestions would help! Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you want durable and want to support a local CA company, look at the Jandd Zoor Alpinist.

If you want ultra-light, GoLite is now selling their stuff direct to customers from their web site with most packs under $150 (this is astonishing to me).
 
I have an REI Lookout 40 that is has been great. 100 bucks.
lots of space and I really like the little side pockets built in to the belt.

Perfect carry-on size for air travel also.
I did purchase a waterproof pack-cover, as I'm in a VERY wet place and really like to get out anytime I want to.
 
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