jonslater Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Hi, can anyone reccomend a good backpack for day hikes ? Needs to be able to carry waterproof coat, fleece and some sandwiches etc etc. preferably on with a hydration pack on it. thanks Quote Link to comment
+Billy Goatee Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 This is what I have been using. I had a MULE to start with, but it is too small, IMO. The Alpine Explorer has plenty of room with 1862 cubic inches, and a three liter bladder. Quote Link to comment
Ferreter5 Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 I have a Montainsmith Approach II, which isn't in production anymore, but the Approach 3.0 appears to be its successor: http://mountainsmith.com/products.asp?prod...ubCategory2Id=1 I love that I can compress mine every which way, have room for extra clothes, fit in an ammo box, adjust the waist belt as the load changes, put a 2 liter water bottle in the inner sleeve, etc. I don't use it when I'm only going on short jogs, but for an all-day hike it's on my back. Quote Link to comment
+belair56 Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 If you want I have a Army type ALICE pack medium in size, pay the shipping and it's yours. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 (edited) Consider the Mountainsmith Approach. Great pack. I have the Approach II, but the approach 3.0 is functionally the same. Just some cosmetic differences. Edited February 4, 2008 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+Team Perrito Blanco Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 I love my Camelbak Commander: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...mberId=12500226 This is the larger of this "class" of Camelbak packes. There are 3 smaller sizes Check them out here: http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm Under "Sports/Recreation" - "Hydration Packs" - "Hunting" Quote Link to comment
+jpwrangler Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 There was a thread on the Approach last fall in this catagory. It's on sale at Campmor for 49.95, at least it was this weekend. I plan to order one today. I didn't want one that big, but it will give me more options, for instance, plenty of room for a coat, extra layers.. And I believe it will be ok for overnighters as well. Quote Link to comment
jonslater Posted February 4, 2008 Author Share Posted February 4, 2008 If you want I have a Army type ALICE pack medium in size, pay the shipping and it's yours. Thanks for the kind offer. But as i live in the UK, postage would be quite expensive. Thanks anyway. Quote Link to comment
jonslater Posted February 4, 2008 Author Share Posted February 4, 2008 (edited) I love my Camelbak Commander: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...mberId=12500226 This is the larger of this "class" of Camelbak packes. There are 3 smaller sizes Check them out here: http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm Under "Sports/Recreation" - "Hydration Packs" - "Hunting" That looks like a perfect backpack for me! Maybe the smaller camelbak Ranger. I live in the UK and it looks like this is a US only product. will have to find a store that will ship to the UK. Thanks for the advice Edited February 4, 2008 by jonslater Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 If your looking for something the same size as a Camelback Commander the Mountainsmith pack Briansnat reccommends is very good. You may want to consider the 3 Day Assualt Pack. I'm sure the British Army has their own equivalent. Quote Link to comment
Ferreter5 Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 There was a thread on the Approach last fall in this catagory. ... I plan to order one today. I didn't want one that big, but it will give me more options, for instance, plenty of room for a coat, extra layers.. And I believe it will be ok for overnighters as well. One of the things I like about my Approach II is that I can compress it down with the built-in compression straps so it's rather flat. Conversely it can be expanded to allow me to carry loads of stuff when necessary -- the waist belt is really a shoulder-saver when carrying lots of stuff. Quote Link to comment
+ergomaniac Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 If you are looking for something a little lighter, the GG Wisp is a really nice pack. The shoulder straps and waist belt are really comfortable for loads up to 20 pounds and the pack only weighs 1.5 pounds. I bought the Wisp because it was the only day pack that I could find that fit a long torso... if you are tall watch out for this because you'll never be comfortable wearing the waist belt if the pack is too short (and this is a common problem with day packs). Quote Link to comment
+jpwrangler Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 If you are looking for something a little lighter, the GG Wisp is a really nice pack. The shoulder straps and waist belt are really comfortable for loads up to 20 pounds and the pack only weighs 1.5 pounds. I bought the Wisp because it was the only day pack that I could find that fit a long torso... if you are tall watch out for this because you'll never be comfortable wearing the waist belt if the pack is too short (and this is a common problem with day packs). Good point. I'm 6'3", I'm wondering how the Approach will work out. Any thoughts, owners? Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 If I remember correctly Brian is close to that height. Quote Link to comment
Ferreter5 Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Good point. I'm 6'3", I'm wondering how the Approach will work out. Any thoughts, owners? I'm 6'3" tall in real-life and I play a 6'3" geocacher on the forums. My older Approach II fits me just fine. The length of the shoulder straps are adjustable (within limits of course) so the pack has a range of torso lengths it'll fit. Here's a decent basic page on torso length. Quote Link to comment
+Jedi Cacher Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 If you are looking for something a little lighter, the GG Wisp is a really nice pack. The shoulder straps and waist belt are really comfortable for loads up to 20 pounds and the pack only weighs 1.5 pounds. I bought the Wisp because it was the only day pack that I could find that fit a long torso... if you are tall watch out for this because you'll never be comfortable wearing the waist belt if the pack is too short (and this is a common problem with day packs). Good point. I'm 6'3", I'm wondering how the Approach will work out. Any thoughts, owners? I also own the Mountainsmith Approach 3.0. It is still on sale at Campmor and runs $49.97, you can't beat that price for a quality pack. It was highly recommended by Briansnat and have not been disappointed of my purchase. I am 6' and it fits perfect, however you are 3 inches taller than me. This medium size pack has allot of cool features and storage pockets. I especially like the giant clam shell pocket for stuffing in a jacket or rain gear. The clam shell pocket also holds an ammo can quite nicely. It also has an internal bladder holder in which I placed a 3 liter Camelbak Unbottle. I like the unbottle because it is insulated and keeps your fluids cold, and I can transfer it to my larger overnight pack. Overall the Approach is perfect for my needs for geocaching and day hikes in the hills. It is lightweight and comfortable, and well constructed. Quote Link to comment
+Team Perrito Blanco Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 Wierd, I'm 6' 3" too. We should start a club. Quote Link to comment
+imajeep Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I like my Camelbak RimRunner. 3 liter resevoir, very comfortable to wear. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 If I remember correctly Brian is close to that height. no, just 6' Quote Link to comment
hwyhobo Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 Wierd, I'm 6' 3" too. We should start a club. Where do I sign up? Quote Link to comment
+Jeepergeo Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 Kelty Redwing 3100 I've had great results with this pack. It has the benefits of a great hiking day pack combined with book pack features. In a pinch, you can go two days with it in mild weather (no tent). The pack's volume provides for carrying day hike cargo and two options for hydration (water bottles on both sides and hydration sleeve for a bladder). I still prefer Nalgene bottles, so I've not used the bladder sleeve feature, but it's pretty simple and works like a Camel bag. I typically carry two one liter bottles, one in each mesh side pocket. The mesh side pockets have elastic in the top to hold bottles firmly, yet allows you to slip the bottle out and in without removal of the pack. The book pack features provide organizational elements such as outside pockets with inner pockets that allow you to keep things like pens, note pads, wallets, car keys, maps, GPS, compass, and the like in organized and easy to access pockets. I really value this feature after using a one cell day pack for the last 15 years (which required digging for everything!). Here's what Kelty says about it... Size: 3100 Torso Fit Range: 18.5 - 21" / 47 - 53 cm SKU #: 22060012, 22060013, 22060014 MSRP: $100.00 (I purchased mine for $65 on sale). Usage: Trail Suspension: Internal Specifications: Volume: 3100 in3 / 50.81 liters Weight: 3 lb. 6 oz. / 1.5 kg Dimensions: Length: 25.5" / 65 cm Width: 16" / 41 cm Height: 14 / 36 cm Materials: Body Fabric: 420D nylon micro ripstop Reinforcement Fabric: 600D polyester kodra and 500D nylon kodra Packbag Features: Front-panel loading Zippered side pockets Large front pocket with organization Security pocket Daisy chain Lash tabs Zippered stash pocket Side compression straps Fleece-lined optics pocket Mesh water-bottle pockets Ice-axe loop Hydration-compatible Reservoir sleeve Suspension Features: Single LightBeam™ aluminum stay Breathable Airmesh waistbelt Removable, stowable waistbelt Belt stabilizers Scherer Cinch™ (US Pat #5,465,886) Padded backpanel Padded shoulder straps Breathable backpanel and shoulder straps Sternum strap Removable, stowable waistbelt Quote Link to comment
mdrj6783 Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 Checkout Backpacker magazine's gear review. http://www.backpacker.com/gear/11047 Quote Link to comment
+TakeTheLongWay Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 (edited) I'll second camelbak alpine explorer as a regular day hike pack. Its a great pack, though I wish it would be a little bigger. Though I do tend to over pack / prepare when I go on my hikes, so it should be big enough for most people's needs. Until this thread I've never seen those hunting style camelbaks, those might be worth looking into they look a little bigger then the apline explorer. oh..and I'm only 5'4 / 128 ...so can we start a little guy's club too? Edited February 5, 2008 by Limhi Quote Link to comment
+Mopar Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 It's a little too small for a weekend, but I really like this one for day hikes. Quote Link to comment
+Kit Fox Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 This is what I have been using. I had a MULE to start with, but it is too small, IMO. The Alpine Explorer has plenty of room with 1862 cubic inches, and a three liter bladder. That is exactly what I did. I rarely use the MULE anymore, because the Explorer is what I upgraded to. I've thrown the 100 oz bladder inside the main pouch (on the bottom), for a total of 170 oz. On one 13.5 mile hike I carried two water bottles, and the two water bladders (210 ounces total). My only gripe with the Explorist is the poor padding in shoulder area. When carrying as much water as I did, those straps really dug into my traps. No amount of adjustments (including the waste strap) made the pack very comfortable. Quote Link to comment
kokodoug Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 I recently purchased REI Lookout. It has a hydration compartment. I've been very pleased with it, being budget conscious I think I got fine value for the dollar here. REI Lookout Quote Link to comment
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