Overnight pack recommendation

C

Caba

Gold Member
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Mar 28, 2013
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307
Hi guys,

I'm looking for suggestions for a day pack/overnight pack. The apckwould be used while hiking, snowshoeing, and hunting. It would be good if there was a way to attach crampons, poles or snowshoes to the pack.

Thanks,

Caba
 
How much stuff do you need for an overnight trip? It's kind of hard to make a pack recommendation if we don't know how much stuff you plan on carrying. Some people carry 90 pounds of crap for an overnight trip (Nutnfancy) and there are probably some gram weenies that can carry their overnight loadout in a pill bottle...
 
Yup, start by figuring out the stuff you need to carry. Then choose the pack accordingly.
 
Ive used/owned packs by kelty, north face, asolo, as well as no name brands, a personally find the offerings from osprey to be the most comfortable.
 
For an overnighter I'd carry my sleeping bag (western mountaineering alpinlite), sleeping pad, change of clothes, 3 liter water bladder, knife, dehydrated food, small first aid kit, and a small cookware set. Since I don't camp alone we also be splitting up a tent, tarp, water filter and a primus stove between whoever I'm camping with.

The above is the max I carry. In most cases it would just be a day bag for lunch, water, and extra layers. It would be nice if could attach crampons and or poles to it.
 
Caba said:
For an overnighter I'd carry my sleeping bag (western mountaineering alpinlite), sleeping pad, change of clothes, 3 liter water bladder, knife, dehydrated food, small first aid kit, and a small cookware set. Since I don't camp alone we also be splitting up a tent, tarp, water filter and a primus stove between whoever I'm camping with.

The above is the max I carry. In most cases it would just be a day bag for lunch, water, and extra layers. It would be nice if could attach crampons and or poles to it.
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It is easier to under load a larger pack than overload a smaller one. For winter I would get something on the larger size. Granted you could share the load but sooner or later you might want to roll out solo.
 
@Woods Walker: I actually have a arcteryx altra 75 for longer trips. I think I should probably just look at a good day pack since I can always bring the bigger pack if I need to stay overnight. There's no point in getting something too big for a day when that what I'll be using it for most of the time.

I was looking at the osprey Kestrel38 and Talon 33? Has anyone tried these packs before? Which one would suit me better?

Thanks.
 
I've had packs from most of the manufacturers... I have been more impressed with Osprey's packs recently than others I have seen/used. Light, well made, well priced, neat/useable options.
 
I'd go to your nearest REI and have them help you.
You can put on a pack you like, they'll help you adjust it while its filled with sandbags and you can walk around the store for a bit and feel it.
 
Aikiguy said:
Ive used/owned packs by kelty, north face, asolo, as well as no name brands, a personally find the offerings from osprey to be the most comfortable.
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This will very by person. The most important factor in a pack is how well it fits. I would suggest trying on all of the suggestions before buying anything. Or at least order from a place that has a good return policy if you have to buy sight unseen.
 
Shotgun said:
This will very by person. The most important factor in a pack is how well it fits. I would suggest trying on all of the suggestions before buying anything. Or at least order from a place that has a good return policy if you have to buy sight unseen.
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Yup, totally agree. I went through several packs before I found one that fitted me. Before my osprey, I didn't realize how comfortable a loaded pack could be. My brand suggestion was just based on my personal experience, YMMV.
 
If you want a high value, lightweight pack, consider the REI Flash series, if they still make it. I have the Flash 50 (Older version, they change it every couple years, I think) and I can get 2-3 days worth of stuff in it with no problems. It is really durable, and can be had for a very competitive price if you wait for REI's occasional 20% off one item sales.
 
Caba said:
@Woods Walker: I actually have a arcteryx altra 75 for longer trips. I think I should probably just look at a good day pack since I can always bring the bigger pack if I need to stay overnight. There's no point in getting something too big for a day when that what I'll be using it for most of the time.

I was looking at the osprey Kestrel38 and Talon 33? Has anyone tried these packs before? Which one would suit me better?

Thanks.
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i recommend to stay away from the kestrel series (i had a 38 and got rid of it and only use my 28 for edc/truck backpack)...the atmos series is a much better suspension design, the kestrel is not even close comfort-wise.


sideways said:
I think the atmos 50L weighs and costs pretty much the same as those two. Check it out.
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ditto on the atmos 50.
 
Kelty Redwing 50 is a front loader 3000 cu inch pack with side pockets and cinch straps
Long enough in the body with a comfortable waist belt
The 50 is good for a couple of days at least....

Very reasonably priced
 
neeman said:
Kelty Redwing 50 is a front loader 3000 cu inch pack with side pockets and cinch straps
Long enough in the body with a comfortable waist belt
The 50 is good for a couple of days at least....

Very reasonably priced
Click to expand...

The Kelty Redwing seems to always be on the lists of "best buys" in daypacks.

If you're not a gram-weenie, I'd take a look at the Mystery Ranch Snapdragon. I have a bunch of MR packs, and though they are far from the lightest, they are tough enough to do anything you'll ever want to do with them. Sometimes, hunting use can be tough on a lightweight pack designed for hiking. I wouldn't want to load three trailcams in sharp-cornered steel security boxes and the tools to mount them into a ULA or Granite Gear pack, for example. On the other side of the coin, most weight-conscious backpackers would be appalled by the empty weight of my Mystery Ranch CrewCab or Longbow....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
+1 on going to a local REI if that's an option for you. Members get frequent 20% off coupon deals. Bring the stuff you would actually pack with you so you can try on your actual trail load. REI's Flash line of 50liter/65 liter packs is excellent. Golite's Jam series (50L/70L) also. ULA has sturdy light packs, Gossamer Gear also.
WhiteBlaze (the Appalachian Trail hikers site) has an excellent used/for sale forum. Lots of great packs at affordable prices. But first try REI or any other outdoors place to see what you like. Packs are something you want to try on in person.
Another cheap option is the local Goodwill/Salvation Army/charity shop. Most have lots of backpacks dirt cheap and you can try them on right there.
BackpackingLight.com is another used/sale forum with lots of good used deals. Gear Trade is like an online consignment eBay for used gear at varying prices. You can create a wish list and be notified when your chosen pack model gets posted.
 
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