bill
Junior Member
Posts: 15 
|
Post by bill on Jan 11, 2015 18:44:23 GMT -5
How big is too big a backpack for day hiking? I have a 50L pack now, but I am running out of room. I carry an extra set of clothes in case I get wet, a set of rain gear, extra fleece in case it gets too cold. I also carry spare batteries in case I want to listen to the radio, flashlight, binoculars, sandwiches & soup, as well as a pair of sneakers in case my boots get soaked. First aid kit as well. It seems that I neeed a bigger pack. I have my eyes on a Kelty Coyote 80. It seems to this newbie that an 80 liter pack for a 5 or 6 hr. backpacking trip is just too big. Any thoughts? |
|
|
|
Post by Hours Per Mile on Jan 12, 2015 11:39:52 GMT -5
Hi Bill,
Sounds like the weight you're carrying is prepping for a big backpacking trip. There's definitely nothing wrong with that, but you might be able to make some room in your pack with some reverse engineering. You could ditch the second set of clothes & shoes, and head out out with some good weather resistant gear. I (very often) break out my waterproofs as an additional layer for temperature, in addition to use for rain. For example, my eVent rain pants with my waterproof boots are part of a solid system that I never need to change out of day hiking. This might help leave room for the essentials, H20, 1st aid, etc. I use a 20+ year old Lowe Alpine 40 liter frameless daypack for dayhiking; I still can't find a superior replacement. Hope this helps...
|
|
|
|
Post by arfcomhkr on Jan 12, 2015 12:20:01 GMT -5
Many new people tend to fill a pack to the brim. It's usually a self correcting problem as they gain experience.
But 80 liters is larger than what I use for backpacking.
|
|
vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
|
Post by vdeal on Jan 13, 2015 9:06:41 GMT -5
For the past few years I've used a Gregory Z35 for all my dayhikes. This is a 35 liter pack and honestly, it carries more than enough. I can cover all the bases and even be prepared for an emergency overnight. I might not be the most comfortable but I'll survive. You're carrying too much IMO. All those extra's can go away and be replaced by skills and experience to do more with less. I never carry extra clothing on a dayhike unless it's very cold and I need to adjust my layers and then it's minimal. Extra footwear, never, not even when backpacking on multi-day trips. Ditch the redundancy and pack less and lighter. You're not going to get so far away in one day in this part of the country that you'll be in danger unless you don't have the skills. You may want to join up with a hiking group to learn techniques.
|
|
vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
|
Post by vdeal on Jan 13, 2015 10:24:15 GMT -5
+2 on what arf said also. 80 liters is about 5000 ci. 20+ years ago I would carry packs that big and larger but then I learned to go lightweight or ultralight and now probably max out at a 60 liter pack. If I were going for any extended trip out west I might up the size a bit.
|
|
hikeer
Senior Member
Posts: 63
|
Post by hikeer on Jan 31, 2015 17:10:26 GMT -5
For dayhikes I generally use an REI Flash 18. In the wintertime I'll sometimes carry a 35-40L pack just to stuff in an extra coat, etc..
There's no way you need anything near a 50L for a day hike in the spring or summer. You just don't need as much stuff as you are carrying. So what if your boots get wet? Better to wear wet boots than carry an extra pair of shoes just in case.
|
|
bill
Junior Member
Posts: 15
|
Post by bill on Mar 24, 2015 18:17:50 GMT -5
Thanks for all your feedback. Instead of getting a bigger pack, I think I will get a smaller one. After reading the feedback, I think my 50 L will be big enough for weekend trips. With all the daisy chain loops on the outside of it, I can secure my sleeping pad, & sleeping bag to the outside. That ought to give me plenty of room for a 2 person tenst & food, clothing etc... I think I 'll get a 35L or 40L for day packing from now on, (maybe even use it for weekend camping)
|
|
vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
|
Post by vdeal on Mar 24, 2015 19:30:19 GMT -5
Bill, good call. My 35L pack is a great size. Make sure you get one that fits well and for my money get one with a frame instead of frameless. Good luck.
|
|
bill
Junior Member
Posts: 15
|
Post by bill on Apr 4, 2015 16:06:25 GMT -5
I just got an Osprey Talon 33. :)Can't believe there is that much room in it. Definitl the way to go for me for day hikes. Again, thanks for all your feedback
|
|
tomas
Junior Member
Posts: 12
|
Post by tomas on Apr 16, 2015 7:50:47 GMT -5
I use a REI Traverse 35 for most of my year round day hikes. More than enough room for stuff unless it's winter and I know that I'm coming back to the car when it's already dark.
|
|
