Greetings all! I am using an upcoming trip to Rocky Mountain Park as an excuse to buy a new pack.
I have a Blackburn hydration pack that I use while mountain biking and a "school" backpack. The Blackburn doesn't have enough room for gear for an 8 to 10 mile day hike. The other pack does (and then some), but it isn't the best pack for a hike - no water bottle pockets on the outside, organized more for filing papers, etc.
I looked at the Camelbak HAWG and some of the other daypack/hydration pack combos, but they are VERY expensive IMHO for what you get. I'm sure the HAWG is a great pack, but $100? Really?
Then I stumbled on the REI Whitney Daypack. The price is reasonable (less than a Camelback MULE, Cloudwalker, or TrailBlazer!) and it appears to be compatible with a hydration bladder. Since I have no shortage of those on hand already, I figured this might be the way to go. I haven't even found any non-hydration daypacks that I like for that price. I also like the idea that the hydration pack is optional so I can still use it as an airline carry-on, etc. Plus it has the mesh pockets for water bottles if I go sans bladder.
I don't have an REI in Florida, so does anyone have this pack or have any experience with it? I think I'm going to make the purchase.
Thanks in advance!
-- Scott