bonnjer Posted August 27, 2005 Posted August 27, 2005 I just bought a cheap little sling back pack to carry a couple of things when going out cache hunting. I was wondering if anyone else has a backpack that they'd use and recommend. Just another one of those simple questions that might help other newbs in the process. Thanks! Jeremy Quote
+Miragee Posted August 27, 2005 Posted August 27, 2005 I have a medium-sized fanny pack that contains a water bottle, my camera, my Palm, swag, knife, matches, mirror, tweezers, compass, bandaids, and other miscellaneous caching stuff. I prefer the fanny pack to a backpack because its just too hot here now to wear a backpack . . . Quote
+Pablo Mac Posted August 27, 2005 Posted August 27, 2005 (edited) I've used and abused a backpack made by this company for seven years and it has shown absolutely no sign of giving up yet. I would buy another one if this one would just wear out. I also have used one of their 2-bottle fanny packs for the same number of years with complete satisfaction. Edit: Add fanny pack info Edited August 27, 2005 by Pablo Mac Quote
+briansnat Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have a Mountainsmith Approach II. Very good daypack and roomy enough for winter hiking. Here's a review. Here it is with ammo box ready for planting. It expands to accomodate big things like ammo boxes, but contracts if its not full: Quote
+El Diablo Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have one that looks a lot likes Brian's, however it's actually a backpack made for a laptop. I use that area to put my Camelbak. Also on the outside of mine are numerous Geocaching buttons picked up along the way. El Diablo Quote
+El Diablo Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 (edited) Duplicate post for some reason. El Diablo Edited August 28, 2005 by El Diablo Quote
+vermin92346 Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I just ordered the H.S. TREK 45+ FRAME TREK PACKS from the Sport Chalet Website it was $29.95 regularly $99+ thought it was a good deal, free shipping now too. Quote
+Sevateem Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I use a fanny pack most of the time. I added shoulder straps to it , after finding a fat gut and no hips would not keep it up. The fanny pack uses the buddy lock sistem for smaller pouches. That lets them be taken off easly. On really hot, long caches I use a JanSport backpack/hydro back. I can un-hook the puches with my first aid kit, camera, ect. from the fanny pack and put them into the back pack. Both have swag in them at all times. I have found for me just one water bottle is not enough most of the time, so the 3 liter hydro back is realy handy. It is heavy to start with ,but, lightens as the day goes. The only "problem" is my normal caching partner no longer carrys water. For short fast caches just a trade item or 2 in a pocket is all I use. Quote
+mattt Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have a $10 wally world special. I mostly do 1 mile or less distance caches with my 2 daughters (6&8). I pack trade items, small first aid kit, limited cache repair kit (pencils, pens, pencil sharpeners, log books, baggies), batteries and usually something to drink. I have 3 seperate compartements to help organize the stuff. My previous pack was a $6 special that had only one compartment and I had trouble finding the items I wanted as they were all mixed together - Thus the upgrade . Quote
+dykediva Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 A full back pack is too hot to me. I have a sling pack that is much more comfy for me. It carries all we need for short hikes. Quote
+DocDiTTo Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 Most of the stuff I need to take with me (PDA, Flashlights, bug stuff, etc) is in a daypack. This particular pack has a waist strap and water bottle pockets (both a necessity!) but for hunting micros I use a belt pack with a mirror, magnet, flashlight, tweezers and a pen for the logs. I always have more fun when I wear the daypack into the woods, but the belt pack fits in better around town. Besides, for most urban micros the car is only 20 steps away and a daypack is overkill. Quote
+Wacka Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 (edited) I found one with booze in it near a cache! Looks like teens were hiding their party supplies. Threw out the booze (cheap whiskey) and now it's mine. Used it today to lug a 20 lb rock that has a cache in the bottom 400 feet up and a half mile in. Edited August 28, 2005 by Wacka Quote
bogleman Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have not taken any serious adventures but when I go on a woodland caching adventure I use 511 Tactical Vest it has plenty of hiding spots for all those extras that you need. It was well worth the investment and has held up quite well for over a year now. The biggest problem is trying to figure out where I put my pen. Quote
+nfa Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have a mountainsmith backpack for geocaching, and it seems to be impervious to the abuse I heap upon, and inside, it. nfa-jamie Quote
Captain Chaoss Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I keep a hydro pack loaded with swag, first aid kit, headlamp, flashlight, glo-sticks, ( I explore storm sewers and abandoned buildings for cache sites a lot ) extra ziplock bags, pens, pads, pencils,energy bars, any Tb's I have, GPS, Spare batteries,etc. I have a back-up bag with spare clothes, stocking cap, leather work gloves, bottled water, more trade swag, micro canisters, etc. I can trade items into my carry bag if I think I'll need them. Both stay in my Jeep for whenever the moment may arise to hunt a cache or prospective site. Quote
+JohnnyVegas Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have a snall pack the works as a Fanny pack or a shoulder bag that I use most of the time, It has room for trade items, pencils flashlight, batteries, replacement logs, my pock PC and an extra GPS. I also have a medium sized back pack with a built in water bag that I use for longer hikes, I also use it in the winter because it has room to also carry rainwear. it even has a pouch one of the shoulder straps to carry my ham radio, THe day pack is also easier to carry while using my Mountain Bike. Quote
+zoltig Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I use a Kelty Fanny style pack. It is different in the sense that it has an inner frame component. It is also equiped with a single shoulder sling so I do not have to fasten it around my waist and a handle if it is just a quick carry to a cache. Two water carry pouches. It holds everything I need for caching plus plenty of room for a nice lunch and munchies for the dog. Plenty of clip on areas for peripherals (soft sided dog water dish) and jangly trinkets to let the wildlife know (mtn. lions...) that I am in the area. Actually, I am not certain if stealth or noise is the best way to go for mtn. lions. Bears, yeah, be noisy. Mtn. lions, here kitty, kitty, kitty! Luckily, no close ups on the big cats yet. Knock on wood! Quote
+Team Flashncache Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 Team Flashncache uses a North Face Yavapai pack. I think it was designed for use with a laptop or notebook; as there is a padded compartment in the main cargo area. Really a fantasically durable pack! I don't know how much it costs, since I got it with one of my "rewards" programs (one credit card or another) but really like it and would recommend it highly. Quote
+Bear Paughs Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I use a Camelbak Daystar. Straps are designed for women, holds and insulates a 70oz bladder, and has about 800cc cargo room -- just enough for 10 essentials plus swag and other geocaching ecoutrements without any added bulk -- very compact. The kids each have their own Camelbaks, too, although theirs only hold the bladder, no other cargo room. (We sometimes stick snacks in with the bladder, keeps them nice and cool.) Quote
+Renegade Knight Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I just upgraded to a Kelty Backpack from an Eddie Bauer fanny pack. The backpack looks a lot like BrianSnats Mountain Smith pack but it doesn't expand as much. I was looking at the Mountainsmith fanny packs as an upgrade and liked what I saw. I wanted something with more room than my Camelback but which offered a 3L hydration system. Quote
+Ladycacher Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I have a geocache backpack filled with swag (adult and kid), sig items, gloves, a towel(for drying out damp containers), zip lock bags(to keep things dry), log books(in case one is full or missing), pen, geocache containers(in case one needs replaced), bug spray, baby wipes, flashlight, gps, pda, snacks, cell phone etc. When we go geocaching we go for the day because of where we live and gas prices (we have to drive to other towns). I have a smaller bag also if I am not going to very many, or they are all mircos...etc. Quote
magellan315 Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 (edited) For most caches I am swithching to a small fanny pack and a bird wathcers vest. Vest doesn't make me look like I'm on a swat team or fishing. For longer hikes I use a ems hydration pack. I plan on adding the Mountainsmith pack to my gear list next summer. Edited August 28, 2005 by magellan315 Quote
+Clothahump Posted August 28, 2005 Posted August 28, 2005 I use a backpack. Lots easier to carry my caching notebook (soon to be upgraded to a laptop WOOHOO!), water, goodies, first aid kit, bug juice, etc. Sometimes, I'll take a 6 foot Staff Of Poking with me, sometimes just a two foot Stick Of Poking. The stick fits very nicely between the backpack and my back, freeing my hands up completely. Quote
darwinmay Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 briansnat- That pack looks really nice, where'd you get it? Quote
magellan315 Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 briansnat- That pack looks really nice, where'd you get it? Try Campmor Quote
+wandererrob Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 I have a Mountainsmith Approach II. Very good daypack and roomy enough for winter hiking. Here's a review. I use a Mountainsmith Guide myself, with a Camelback bladder inside. It's my all-purpose daypack be it for hiking, mountian biking or geocaching. Quote
+briansnat Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 briansnat- That pack looks really nice, where'd you get it? Try Campmor LL Bean also sells it, but I paid about $30 less at Campmor. Quote
+Team Webguy Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 For ages we used a day pack, but it tends to attract a bit too much attention while urban caching. So, now we have slimmed down to a fanny pack or bum bag whatever ya wanna call it. A few swaps, palm, torch and ready to go. If we know we can do bigger swaps, then we either carry them or break out the day pack again. Quote
+MLP-76C Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 (edited) In the course of my work, I use number of backpacks, fannypacks, shoulderbags and vests to transport equipment into the field. The system I choose for any given assignment is determined by the SIZE & WEIGHT of the equipment load, the DISTANCE that it must be carried, and the TIME available to cover the distance. My geocaching kit is comprised of less than ten pounds of fairly compact gear. Most of the caches in my area are within one mile of parking areas. Life is short. My goal is to locate that cache NOW and get on to the next one. Conventional packs and bags are not neccessary nor desirable I wear a BLACK BELT from Kinesis Photo Gear. It allows equipment pouches to be securely attached anywhere along its length. Once attached, the pouches do not slide around the belt - they remain in stationary - even if the belt is removed. http://www.kinesisgear.com/images/B108InfoBig.jpg Attached to the belt are two double AK47 magazine pouches. This gives me four 63 cubic inch storage compartments that are vertically divided, padded, covered and secured with snaps and velcro. http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Merch...ategory_Code=23 What fits? Garmin GPSMAP 76C Nikon Coolpix 990 camera Palm IIIxe Maglite AA flashlight eight spare AA batteries Brunton Eclipse compass Leatherman PST multitool notebook and two ballpoint pens interchangable blade screwdriver 12' tape measure [just a prop] 0.5 litre waterbottle and 6oz cup 24" leash to control my dog if necessary geocaching swag [coins, cards, stickers] The system is comfortable to wear and all the gear can be instantly accessed and replaced. It is lightweight, low-profile and allows the operator to move quickly thru most any terrain without snagging. It leaves the hands free for operating equipment, climbing, defense, etc. It can also be worn while seated in a vehicle or riding a bicycle, making for rapid movement to & from the objective site. Add a hard hat and blend in with all the other building contractor and utility worker types who roam suburban environs during daylight hours. Edited August 29, 2005 by MLP-76C Quote
+One of the Texas Vikings Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 I use, instead, a fishing vest. Put a Geocaching.com patch on it. I have all those small pockets for all kinds of things. Inside the large pouch in the back, I slide my Camel Back in. keeps my back cool. By doing it this way, I keep the load equalized side to side. I can cary quite a bit. One pocket for my digital camera, one for flashlight and expanding mirror for looking in holes. first aid kit, extra medicines, leatherman tool, wire for fixing caches. Texas Viking stickers, extra batteries, on my hiking staff, pepper spray permanently fastened to it. Cargo pants with laces on the bottom of the legs for tightening them, my "boonie" hat and I'm ready to go.... Quote
Team WorldPeaceTurtle Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 Wow, everyone is so high-tech! I just use my old Eastpak backpack from college - one big pocket, and a couple smaller ones on the outside. The Garmin goes in the biggest outisde pocket with the compass and bug spray; pens and other little things go in the smallest outside pockets, and the main pocket holds a water bottle, snacks, a sweatshirt or rain gear, and all the swag! So far none of our hikes have been too far (we've only done a max of 2 terrain) and we've been able to fit everything into one backpack. As we get more adventurous we might have to look back at some of the suggestions here! ~~~ Emily Quote
+WhatsRNutts Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 (edited) I use a hydration pack that has a few extra pouches on it(bought it at Wal Mart for $30). the bladder holds 2 liters. i can hold my baggie of swag, my cell, wallet, sun screen, bug spray, PDA, snackage/granola bars. And I still have room for other items if need be. out here there isn't really a whole lot of places to hike so I usually pack everything and then when I get to my cache destination I will take out my swap stuffs and head in w/o my bag. While I was at Academy Sports this weekend I bought a new bite vavlve for it. Had to do a littler surgery to get the Camelback valve to fit on mine but it is good to go now. I use the same hydration pack when I go mountain biking. Edited August 29, 2005 by wreckelite Quote
+tirediron Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 I use the Lowepro Rover II since whenever I go 'caching, (well, almost whenever) I'm toting about 40# of camera gear along with me.... Quote
+WhatsRNutts Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 I use the Lowepro Rover II since whenever I go 'caching, (well, almost whenever) I'm toting about 40# of camera gear along with me.... I was about to ask you why you carry so much photo stuff but then I saw your signature line! lol I love to take pictures but I forget my camera half the time. its hard enough to remember to pack my water and other necessities. Quote
+Mad Cat Posted August 29, 2005 Posted August 29, 2005 Man I've been lugging around my old army map case bag for 2 years now, its got all my army patches on it and a geocaching patch in the middle , I hate to get rid of it , but i like the idea of a olive green vest with a geocaching patch on it, because i dont have a po cket for the digital camera i carry. What i do carry is my GPSNAVsMap, a pocket pc PDA, a Kodak Digital camera, a bag of handmade buttons, a bottle of water and a cell phone, i dont have room for anything else. Quote
+ADKcachers Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 I found some great prices at: modernmountainman Quote
+Team Wildebeest Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 I have a Camelbak Cloudwalker for normal caching trips. 2L of water, plus swag, a huge raincoat in a tube, basic first aid kit, and snacks. I usually bring my camera too. I also got a Kelty Moraine 3600 for longer treks. It’ll hold 4L of water, all of the other stuff, plus a change of clothes, 2 days of food and my homemade camping stove. I’m planning on getting a Hennesy hammock and a water filter, so I can ditch one of the water bladders. Quote
+WhatsRNutts Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 (edited) I’m planning on getting a Hennesy hammock I have a parachute nylon silk hammock that I absolutely love. it is from ticket to the moon. I use it every time I go camping and some times I set it up at my house just cuz. note: that is not me in the photo...I got it from their website Edited August 30, 2005 by wreckelite Quote
ATMouse Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 Briansnat - (tones of awe) You gotta Mountainsmith...! Quote
+briansnat Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 Briansnat - (tones of awe) You gotta Mountainsmith...! I like Mountainsmith packs, they are well thought out and durable. My main backpacking pack for years was a Mountainsmith Elite 5000. A real load monster and very comfortable. I eventually "upgraded", but still wish I had that pack, it was the best one I've ever owned. Quote
+Yamahammer Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 Fanny pack although I need to upgrade to include a water bottle or two. At first, I used a backpack but with the NE Texas heat, it didn't take long to dump it and use a fanny pack. Comfort, weight, use, it's difficult to beat. Quote
+WhatsRNutts Posted August 30, 2005 Posted August 30, 2005 Fanny pack although I need to upgrade to include a water bottle or two. At first, I used a backpack but with the NE Texas heat, it didn't take long to dump it and use a fanny pack. Comfort, weight, use, it's difficult to beat. where abouts are you from? I'm from abilene and can TOTALLY relate to the heat factor. Quote
+robert Posted August 31, 2005 Posted August 31, 2005 CamelBak Cloud Walker here too. Works well, holds just enough stuff (keeping the temptation down for carrying too much). The 2L is generally enough for a day unless it's really hot... but in that case there are two side mesh pockets I'll put water bottles in for extra. Quote
Lesbaru Posted September 2, 2005 Posted September 2, 2005 Freebie Subaru backpack. Has mesh pockets on the sides (one for water bottle, one for plastic pick-up bags); little front organizer pocket for GPSr, extra pencils, zippy bags, dissicator packets, paper, and sig items; and main compartment for McToys (my son trades for other McToys), trade goods, snacks, Mom-can-you-carry-this, and other stuff. Best of all it says SUBARU on it. Doing my part to promote automotive consumerism! Quote
+jamrasc Posted September 2, 2005 Posted September 2, 2005 We use my old LL Bean backpack that I used in college. It is great, lots of room for everything. Quote
+Cool Librarian Posted September 3, 2005 Posted September 3, 2005 The vast majority of the time I use my Marmot fanny pack (with water bottle holders) for the swag, gps, phone, compass, and a few first aid/safety things. It's big enough for a space blanket and small flashlight as well. My only complaint is that I have no waist and feel like this just emphasizes this fact (sorry, I'm a girl). I was lucky enough to get a women's EMS hydration pack for $15 because the bladder leaked. Since I prefer bottles, this was a GREAT deal for me - plenty of room for basic gear and sized right for my short stature. I plan on using this more in colder weather, when the fanny pack was sometimes a pain to combine with a heavy coat, and couldn't carry my layers as I peeled them off. Quote
+Yellow Alligator Posted November 29, 2005 Posted November 29, 2005 I have had two experiences where I wish I had packed some of those essentials mentioned in this thread. I told no one where I was going on either adventure... On one late fall hike in a deserted area, I took off wearing nothing but shorts and a t-shirt and a cheap non-rainproof stuff jacket. A strong storm blew in, and I was quickly drenched. Temperatures dropped 20 degrees in an hour and I started shivering to the point that hypothermia was setting in. I was on a hilltop in thick brush over a mile from my car. I had my old dog with me, and she started to shiver too. Luckily we made it down, but not after alot of cuts, bruises, and those awful mind games and pain (the mind does weird things when you think you're gonna die after going for a geocache!) The second incident took place in an urban park. Who thinks about packing gear when you're just going for a stroll with only an inch of snow in 25 degree weather? I was doing a multi, and slipped on the second waypoint. When I tried to stand up, I knew my ankle or leg was broken. The only other folks I saw in the park were two suspicious characters, and I was too scared to call for help, fearing they would come to my "rescue". I butt-crawled down the basalt knob and layed in the park, with nothing, absolutely nothing to attract attention. I could even see I-90 from my position, but I think if they even saw me, they just passed me off as a whino laying in the park. A small miracle happened when another geocacher showed up, and as soon as I saw him I did nothing but flash my GPS above my head, and he came directly to my rescue. If he hadn't have been there, I don't know how long I would have laid there in the freezing cold in that deserted URBAN park. I think this is an excellent thread, and I hope others are wiser than I was and at least take a cell phone and some basic first aid items on ANY geocaching adventure (and if you go solo, tell someone where you are going). I also think one other essential, in respect for the GC hunt, is a cache-repair kit. (Yeah, those multi's on the first hike I mentioned were drenched and in need of repair). Here's a link to a fun little cache repair kit, including a small flashlight, a sharpie, camo tape, and other really cool stuff: Cache Repair Kit Happy Trails and Trials, YA Quote
+Colorado Cacher Posted November 29, 2005 Posted November 29, 2005 Ammo cans fit real well inside of Camelbak Rimrunners. My Snowbound shall probably arrive tomorrow. Hmmmmmmm. Quote
+One of the Texas Vikings Posted November 29, 2005 Posted November 29, 2005 I use a fishing vest...all kinds of pockets and a big pocket in the rear for my camel bak with ice water in it... Also have my PDA in an Otter case, water proof, and tough to hurt. Daughters keep calling me "Indy" Rick Quote
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