small sized BOB/edc/hiking bag

schmittie

schmittie

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Nov 28, 2009
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I've been reading up on many of your posts and I enjoy seeing the varying opinions of gear. I could use some help though.

Originally, when I started building a BOB, I purchased a Guide Gear internal frame pack. But when I got it, the pack was way to big for my needs. It was more for backpacking trips. So I sized down and got a Kelty Gooshawk. This was a step in the right direction when it comes to size, but after loading it, I felt having the "stuff sack" style pack was too inconvenient for my taste. Sure, it will hold everything. But to get to something in particular, it seemed I had to unpack the whole thing!

Eventually I got a Camelbak Motherlode. This is my first pack with molle attachments. I really like the idea and it makes personalizing your needs up to your own imagination. For me, it makes a great BOB and I'm happy with it.

However, now I see the wisdom in having a smaller pack for hikes, biking, and everyday outdoor bumming around. The BOB I have is too much for such a thing so what do you carry? The Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon has caught my eye and so has the Camelbak HAWG. Is there something else small like that?
 
I have the Bullet, by Black Diamond (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/packs/bullet-pack/).

It's small enough to roll up and shove into a larger bag if I'm traveling anywhere, yet large enough to hold pretty much everything I might need for a day hike or for edc. A couple things to be aware of- there is no padding on the back panel, so if you've got bulky stuff with sharp corners, you're going to want something else inside to pad with; also, the waist belt has no padding either, and overloading the pack can get a bit uncomfortable. I would say the max you can carry with it is probably 10-15 pounds. All in all it is a great little pack. I've had it for about 2 years now. It has taken a beating, but is still going strong.
 
Funny I've also got the Black Diamond Bullet. I use this as my day hiking pack.

It holds everything I need for the day including the 10 essentials, rain coat, plus lots of room to spare for a lunch or two.

I agree with forestnomad on two things, mines taken a beating and looks as good as the day I bought it. Secondly, with no padding on back/hip straps, you don't want to overload this pack.

Great pack over all :thumbup:!
 
I have both the HAWG and the Pygmy Falcon. Both are similar in size (HAWG slightly bigger) and suitable for your use. They both have waist belts but do not transfer weight to your hips, which is common for daypack size bags. The HAWG uses a water bladder and has no side pockets for a water bottle. The Pygmy Falcon has two side pockets. I have an older one and the pockets are too small for a quart nalgene but I understand they have made them bigger on the lastest models. The HAWG has bottom attachment points for a sleeping bag, small tent, pad or what have you. The Pygmy Falcon does not. Maybe you could put a thin travel blanket inside but both are too small to fit a real sleeping bag inside. I know it is a day pack. I like them both but since I prefer water bottles to bladders I generally go with the Pygmy Falcon.

HAWG has durable fabric. Pygmy Falcon has bombproof. HAWG weighs 38 oz. PF 32.5 oz.
 
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I like small packs :)

my most used small pack is a Osprey Talon 5.5, holds a 100 oz bladder and enough gear for a day hike- carries very (very) comfortably

loadout.jpg
 
HornyToad said:
I have both the HAWG and the Pygmy Falcon. Both are similar in size (HAWG slightly bigger) and suitable for your use.

I like them both but since I prefer water bottles to bladders I generally go with the Pygmy Falcon.

HAWG has durable fabric. Pygmy Falcon has bombproof. HAWG weighs 38 oz. PF 32.5 oz.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Your input is exactly what I was hoping for. Do you use the Pygmy like it is or did you add anything extra?
 
I've been using one of these: http://www.supertopo.com/review/REI-Flash-18 for day hikes and as a "side trip bag" (thats a peak bag when you live somewhere without peaks!) for backpacking. I really like it!
The fabric is a lot lighter than the MaxPed stuff, but I haven't had any issues so far.

Good luck!

Brandon
 
I recently got a Marmot Aspen. It is about a 25 liter size, appropriate for day hikes, light overnight, or a day bag/airline carry-on. I am trying it as my everything bag, although it is originally designed as a winter day hiker.

Currently it lives in my car trunk as a get-home bag (or random spontaneous hike bag).
 
For day hikes, Maxped Jumbo has been on my side for a while. I tend to keep it light, otherwise one shoulder carry can be uncomfortable. When it gets heavy (after a few miles in a hot day), I strap it to my belt as well, takin' some load off the shoulder. So far it worked great for me.
IMG_0414.jpg
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HornyToad said:
I have both the HAWG and the Pygmy Falcon. Both are similar in size (HAWG slightly bigger) and suitable for your use. They both have waist belts but do not transfer weight to your hips, which is common for daypack size bags. The HAWG uses a water bladder and has no side pockets for a water bottle. The Pygmy Falcon has two side pockets. I have an older one and the pockets are too small for a quart nalgene but I understand they have made them bigger on the lastest models. The HAWG has bottom attachment points for a sleeping bag, small tent, pad or what have you. The Pygmy Falcon does not. Maybe you could put a thin travel blanket inside but both are too small to fit a real sleeping bag inside. I know it is a day pack. I like them both but since I prefer water bottles to bladders I generally go with the Pygmy Falcon.

HAWG has durable fabric. Pygmy Falcon has bombproof. HAWG weighs 38 oz. PF 32.5 oz.
Click to expand...

The newer Pygmy Falcon has attachment points on the bottom as well.
 
Look into the Camelbak M.U.L.E. They come in military contract style and civilian style. You can usually find the military ones for pretty cheap used. They are VERY well-built and well though-out. Very nice hydration packs with plenty of storage for all out survival-related gear, food, etc.
 
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