Tough daypack/backpack?

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
1,421
So, I'd like to try a medium size daypack I think. Mostly for day trips, but I wouldn't mind having the capacity for 1-2 nights. Right now I use a 500 cu. in. Mountainsmith Tour lumbar pack. Which I like a lot, but I just wish it was a backpack instead of a lumbar pack. I'm looking for a company that makes high quality stuff. I want something that is built strong, but isn't necessarily bomb proof. I don't really like the tactical look of Maxpedition's backpacks.

Some features I'm looking for:
Lightweight
Hydration sleeve
At least around 1000 cu. in. or more
Tough outer material
Built with multi-use in mind (IE lots of attachments and compartments)
Comfortable straps
No external bottle holders
No internal frame
Cost-effective... don't break my bank!

I've been looking at some Gregory packs, some Camelbaks, and others. But I've yet to find anything that screams awesome. I'm 6'3" if that helps.

L!
 
I can recommend the CamelBak CloudWalker for something like that. Hydration system, two outer mesh/net pockets, one external zip pocket with compartmentalized sleeves inside(for pens, pocket knives, a large one for something like a space blanket, etc.) and a fair amount of interior cargo space. I carry an extra bladder(2L, full), 1 quart camp pot with lid, rolled up fleece blanket, about 150ft. of paracord and a full extra set of clothes with some room to spare, just to give you an idea of space. Not very tactical looking, not very expensive(I think I payed 40 or 50 dollars at Big 5 for it) and has pretty comfortable straps(shoulders at least, the sternum strap is a little thin but adjustable for tension) and a padded venting back panel.
Not sure how your frame is at 6'3" but I'm 6' and medium build and it suits me fine.
Can't really recommend any others as I've mostly gone with shoulder bags up until this one, but I'm sure others will chime in with some opinions and suggestions.

Specs are: 70oz. bladder capacity(2.1L)
1340 Cu in. (22L) cargo capacity
MSRP $60.00 US

Gautier
 
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Maxpedition Condor 2.I have one and I'm nothing short of impressed with it.the only point that it doesn't fit perfectly is the breaking the bank part.Though if you shop around I'm sure you'll find a good deal on one like I did.( thanks Lorien)
I'm 6'2'' and built heavy and I find it really comfortable on longer hikes.Even packed really heavy it rides nice.
 
1000 cubic inches is quite a small volume for a daypack. Hipbelts are normally not useful for this size. One brand that makes good value small backpacks is Dakine. Check out their "Nomad" which seems to fit your specification.

If you want more suspension for bigger loads, Osprey Kestrel or Stratos series are interesting. Arcteryx has a really sturdy (but heavy) backpack called Miura 20. It is made to haul climbing gear. Both Arcteryx and Osprey comes in different torso lengths.

//Rickard//
 
It's hard to beat the CamelBak H.A.W.G. I've got one in Foliage Green (the military version). Heavy duty cordura construction. Molle webbing for a myriad of attachment possibilities.
sp101006.jpg
 
Coronite said:
1000 cubic inches is quite a small volume for a daypack. Hipbelts are normally not useful for this size. One brand that makes good value small backpacks is Dakine. Check out their "Nomad" which seems to fit your specification.

If you want more suspension for bigger loads, Osprey Kestrel or Stratos series are interesting. Arcteryx has a really sturdy (but heavy) backpack called Miura 20. It is made to haul climbing gear. Both Arcteryx and Osprey comes in different torso lengths.

//Rickard//
Click to expand...

I second the recommendation for Dakine. I have a Heli and a Heli Pro and use them both for a variety of settings but urban and wooded. Check them out before committing. I have yet to be disappointed with mine. I even like them better than the comparable bags put out by Kelty. I feel much more confident that the Dakine will stand up to harsher treatment.
 
I used a dakine every day for more then a year while I was going to school, and I have loaded that up with alot, and hoofed it in some pretty heavy rain, and honestly, nothing on it is getting worn. I trust it alot and I still load it up for a weekend out of town. Plus if it did get worn out it has a lifetime warranty. I would definantly recommend their packs.
 
I'm really not into the tacticool look, but I got a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II for a hunting/hiking daypack and it is really almost perfect. It could be a little bigger, but that complaint mostly pertains to doing an overnighter in the winter. In the warmer seasons I think it will be perfect.
 
I compared the Maxpedition and Blackhawk packs, in a store, and liked the Blackhawks better. I bought a Blackhawk X-1 RAPTOR pack on the bay for around $80, which retails for over $200. I have had it for three weeks and it is overbuilt, tough, with a bladder, molle, 2000 sq.inches and has accessory pockets.
 
I have a Eagle AIII incoming. From what I understand it is a winner. Plenty of space, built to last (so they say).

I have a Maxped Condor II. I would like to give it full marks, but one of the main zippers failed on me not long after I got it, which is pretty darn annoying.

Its a heavy bag though, and not long enough for the waistbelt to have much utility. It can be removed though.

Still, I won't buy another Maxped product after that. So I'm gonna give Eagle Industries a shot. ;)
 
If you havent already take a look at the new Camelbak hunting ones. They are well designed and built. Something like the Ranger XT.

Ive been wanting to try this one out by Timberhawk. Looks pretty cool. Lots of pockets and attachment points. Even if you dont hunt these packs are great. Check it out. Its called the RutBuster.

http://www.timberhawkgear.com/timberhawkgear/rutbuster.html#grid

Heres a little vid on it.

[youtube]G5n84iK-jwk[/youtube]
 
+1 on the Maxpedition Falcon II

I have one and it doth truly rock. :D
 
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