ul pack size?

[jellywerker]

I was wondering if this pack could hold gear for 2 night trips. It would be in the summer, so I wouldn't think any temps under 50f, so I'd only be packing a summer quilt and maybe a hammock sock type thing for wind. It only has around ~1000ci so I thought it might be quite small, as I have heard people recommending 3500ci for camping.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47856735&parent_category_rn=4500509

I know I could probably make one lighter, but at the moment I don't really want to, and for $25 it doesn't seem bad.

I'd just be doing a basic lightweight setup for some local bike camping with a quilt, alcy stove, hammock+tarp+sock, small resevoir, food, and some bike stuff, don't plan on needing much else, maybe a light jacket. WIth that design, I could probably put the hammock and tarp on the outside of it too.

[DavidR]

This all depends on multiple things although it may be a bit tight for all the things you listed.

My pack is 2900ci and I don't carry as much as you. Of course my pack isn't even close to full but I would have a hard time fitting it in 1000ci.

[wacbzz]

Your best bet is to go to REI with your stuff and check it out. Or, you could just purchase the bag, try it out, and if you find you don't like it or it's not big enough, REI has the greatest return policy in the world. They WILL take it back. One caveat for you...when I was last at REI looking at packs, the salesperson told me they would not own an REI pack because of the suspension, design, etc. That, however, is just one opinion. 1000ci sounds small though for 2 nights.:sun

[jellywerker]

DavidR: What do you carry?

[Just Jeff]

That sounds small to me...if you have to ask the question, you're probably not there yet. JMO - take your gear and see if it fits.

And I'd be surprised if you're warm at 50F with no bottom insulation other than a hammock sock. Maybe if you sleep really warm, though.

[jellywerker]

The quilt is for in the sock, but I think I'll do what you guys are saying, once I have all my gear that is.

[jellywerker]

oops, in the hammock that is.

[jellywerker]

SOrry for all the posts, seems you can't edit. Anyways, you are saying I probably WILL need an underquilt? If so, would you suggest a size and loft?

[Programbo]

[quote=jellywerker] It only has around ~1000ci so I thought it might be quite small, [quote]

I think that might be to small for your average middle schoolers book bag :p

[Just Jeff]

IMO, you'll need something once you get below about 70 F. The hammock sock might get you to 60-65 by cutting the wind (convective heat loss). But below that you'll need a pad, underquilt, peapod, windshield reflector - something. I usually use underquilts.

Size - big enough to cover your body. JRBs are 48x78 for the regular size. KAQs are a bit bigger.

If you're just getting into hammocking in cooler temps, you might find this link helpful:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingWarm.html

[Wolf - 23000]

I was wondering if this pack could hold gear for 2 night trips. It would be in the summer, so I wouldn't think any temps under 50f, so I'd only be packing a summer quilt and maybe a hammock sock type thing for wind. It only has around ~1000ci so I thought it might be quite small, as I have heard people recommending 3500ci for camping.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47856735&parent_category_rn=4500509

I know I could probably make one lighter, but at the moment I don't really want to, and for $25 it doesn't seem bad.

I'd just be doing a basic lightweight setup for some local bike camping with a quilt, alcy stove, hammock+tarp+sock, small resevoir, food, and some bike stuff, don't plan on needing much else, maybe a light jacket. WIth that design, I could probably put the hammock and tarp on the outside of it too.

jellywerker,

I used that same pack hiking from Hot Springs, NC to Springer Mt., GA about 280 miles and several over night weekend trips. It has enought room for 5 days food and gear if your into ultra light backpacking and for $25.00 you can't bet it. I cut off some of the extras and got it down to just under 6 oz.

Wolf

[Programbo]

I just went to the site and looked at that thing..Its just a stuff sack with shoulder straps and a web waist band...You know sometimes a pack can be larger and heavier but since it supports and transfers the weight better the load you will be carrying actually feels lighter and you conserve more energy..I think a lot of people just look at the weight and size of things and miss this very basic fact of pack design and function

[jellywerker]

Well my last reply to this didn't go through, I guess this site dislikes me. It was something along the lines of what did you carry Wolf, and do you sleep cold Jeff? I'm comfy in a t down to 60, so I though a quilt+clothes would be fine a 50f.

[Just Jeff]

I do sleep cold, but I don't think that's the issue here b/c there's general agreement that 70 F is about the cutoff for some sort of bottom insulation. When you lay on clothing/sleeping bag in a hammock, you compress the insulation so it's not helping you much. On the ground, this isn't a problem - in a hammock, the wind is blowing under you and stealing your heat so you get cold faster. A simple pad or underquilt helps a lot.

But you may be fine at 50 F b/c we all sleep different. I'd definitely try it out at home first, though.

[Wolf - 23000]

Well my last reply to this didn't go through, I guess this site dislikes me. It was something along the lines of what did you carry Wolf, and do you sleep cold Jeff? I'm comfy in a t down to 60, so I though a quilt+clothes would be fine a 50f.

Jellywerker,

What did I carry??? What kind of question is that? I think I already said I was carrying the REI Flash UL, 1050 cb/in. Didn't you read my post??? As I said, it has enough room for 5 days food and gear if your into ultra light hiking.

Do I sleep cold? Not on the last couple trips but thank you for asking. I did get snow on a few days walking in the Smokies and in N.C. but I was fine.

Wolf

[jellywerker]

I did indeed read your post Wolf, and was referring to what you carried inside the pack. Most people are saying it is much too small, yet you say you did quite well with it, so I am wondering what you packed for your trip as opposed to what I intend.

[Just Jeff]

Jellywerker, Wolf like to tell everyone about his lighter-than-theirs pack but doesn't tell anyone what's in it...apparently it's not ethical to share knowledge, b/c "it's enough for you to know that it can be done" or something mystical like that. And he's light in the pack and heavy on the attitude, as you can tell.

No worries - there are plenty of others here who are more than willing to politely help you lighten your load.

[jellywerker]

Thank you Jeff. I still think I'll check it out, but I've been looking around at other larger UL packs. That aside, making my own is a recurring thought, although I would prefer not, but I am thinking a rectangular bag with a roll and clip top and perhaps just steal the harness from another bag (like that stuffsack bag)

[Wolf - 23000]

Just Jeff get over yourself. I don’t mind helping others out but I think it just a little silly someone would ask about a small backpack design for ultra-light backpacking and then need to ask “what do you carry?” Maybe you don’t think there anything wrong with that but before someone goes out there unprepared, I kind of like them to know already know what to carry. What do you think?

Wolf

[Wolf - 23000]

Thank you Jeff. I still think I'll check it out, but I've been looking around at other larger UL packs. That aside, making my own is a recurring thought, although I would prefer not, but I am thinking a rectangular bag with a roll and clip top and perhaps just steal the harness from another bag (like that stuffsack bag)

Jellywerker,

I would suggest going with a larger pack. The Flash UL is really design for ultra-light backpacking. You really need know your stuff and what to carry. I'm not saying you would or don't but I've seen to many hikers get themselves in trouble traveling light-weight.

Wolf

[wacbzz]

Jelly...why don't you check out www.ula-equipment.com (http://www.ula-equipment.com) This is Brian Frankle's UL site. He makes his own UL gear and is a great help with any questions and advice. I bought my Pacerpoles from him. I'm sure either the Relay or Conduit would work out for you - both very lite and there would be no trouble with you putting your gear in either for what it seems you want to do.:sun

[Just Jeff]

Wolf, I know how to drive a car, but I still ask about what options a friend gets when he buys a new one. Asking what you have in your pack doesn't mean he has no idea what to put in his. Maybe you have an idea he'd like to consider.

I like reading others' gear lists. Doesn't mean I don't know how to use my gear or what gear to use. For me, it's not enough to know it can be done. I like to analyze it and look for new ideas everywhere.

[QHShowoman]

I have the REI Flash Pack. I use it as a daypack. It really is "just a stuff sack" with a harness and small web waist belt attached. When I began using it, I HATED it because of the lack of organizational features compared to my former daypack -- everything just kind of got lost inside. After a week or so of use, I got accustomed to it, but I can't really imagine using it for overnights and such because it is just so small. I was in Pisgah National Forest and I had a camera in it, a change of clothing, and a beach-sized towel (we were going to Sliding Rock) and it was pretty much stuffed to capacity. I could probably fit my summer weight sleeping bag in it (fully compressed) with room enough to spare for 1-2 days of food, alky stove, and that's about it. There is a sleeve for a hydration bladder inside it, but I don't see how a FULL 2-qt bladder will leave room for much else. I envy folks who can pack that light, but not enough to want to try it myself.

[DavidR]

DavidR: What do you carry?


If your still interested send me an email address and I can send you an excel spreadsheet.

[Wolf - 23000]

Just Jeff, Why is it so important to you that me or any backpacker tell the world what they use??? News Flash: Every backpack, sleeping bag, stove, sleeping pad, etc. has been used backpacking by someone. Does it really matter who is carrying what? Some people are going to like a REI brand pack, other may not. It is all personal preference.

“Asking what you have in your pack doesn't mean he has no idea what to put in his.” If someone is asking about using a small pack for a two day hike would it make sense he has already equipment to go inside. You ask a question when you don’t know something. I’m sure a lot of people use the same pack. Would you expect all of them to post their list???

Finally, “Jellywerker, Wolf like to tell everyone about his lighter-than-theirs pack but doesn't tell anyone what's in it...apparently it's not ethical to share knowledge, b/c "it's enough for you to know that it can be done" or something mystical like that. And he's light in the pack and heavy on the attitude, as you can tell.” I have not said word one about how much or little I carried. I responded because I use the same pack. And if you read my post on Pack Weight, you would find out I think the whole issue on pack weight is silly. I don’t care how much weight someone else is carrying. Why would I, I’m not the one carrying it. I worry about what I’m carrying and let others carry what they want to.

[Booley]

I got $40 on Jeff. I think he can take you Wolf. He's younger and has lots more posts, lol. Quit yer beechin' y'all!

[blindeye]

i bought a rei ul45 on sale about 4 months ago. although it is an acceptable pack, i don't think i would attempt a long distance hike. i have never thru hiked the AT, 2008 is my year, the ul45 seems a bit movable. it seems to sway a little bit. i think i have decided to get a GG vapor trail for the thru hike. hope this helps

[jellywerker]

Well, Jeff, I tested my hammock last night and you are definately right, I do need some underside insulation, although a cheap wal mart sleeping bag worked fine. What I really need now is some bug netting, I was woken up around 3am with something large enough that I could feel it's individual feet on my face, creeped me out! I had no clue what it was, so I retired indoors. So now bug netting! I'm thinking a simple sized to fit tube with a drawstring at one end and the other end fitted. The end near me head (drawstring end) would have some velcro or a zipper to make it possible to put my head and hands outside, etc...

As for the insulation, I am thinking of taking that walmart bag, surgering it in half, and then making a foot bag on one half and some sort of tie up assembly on the other for use as an underquilt, should work just fine. It's pretty lightweight too, about 2 lbs, but since it's synthetic fill, it doesn't compress as well as down would.

One more thing, I think I might have found a pack: http://www.eaglecreek.com/10047.html
Unlike most it opens like a book which would seems more useful to me, plus I like the size and design, not too bulky for biking with.

[jellywerker]

One note about the pack: It's not a UL pack, but I don't think it will matter enough for me to care, as I won't be taking it on 3 month long trips and such.

[Just Jeff]

The Hammock Sock sounds like the design you're looking at for a bugnet:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearHammockSock.html

I have an Eagle Creek pack and a few of their travel bags. Pretty high quality stuff and built to last - great for military travel, airports, car trips, etc. Probably overbuilt for a backpacker who's reasonably careful with gear, but if the price is right, that one's only 34 oz so it's not a big deal.

[wacbzz]

JW-

I don't know if you checked out Brian F's site but I think that if you are looking at this Eagle Creek(?) pack, you ought to take a look here www.ula-equipment.com/conduit.htm (http://www.ula-equipment.com/conduit.htm) Bigger pack, weights less, and costs less. There are many many folks who can vouch for Brians work - his Catalyst pack was just picked by Backpacker magazine as best all around UL pack - while I would think that there aren't many here who even know who Eagle Creek is, let alone how their equipment is. Just my thoughts...:sun

[jellywerker]

Seems like a good pack, but I don't know how it would work for biking, it doesn't seem to fit rather close at the top and be very streamlined, that was one of my considerations with the eagle creek pack. While I realise that rei pack isn't streamlined or anything either, it was small enough that the back would "shelter" it. Still though, if I could get some pictures of one in use, I will take it into consideration.

[jellywerker]

Jeff: I actually was modeling it after the hammock sock, and I'll probably take along a ridgeline to make it more airy and less constricting. Bugnets won't do much good if it is laying on your face so that bugs can bite you right through it. I am also considering not taking a tarp at all and just a modified hammock sock, modified so that it has something of a vestibule flap extending from the part by the ridgeline and requires 2 stakes, enough to let you cook while staying dry and in that hammock, although I don't expect rain. This would either be simply a sewn on flap or a velcro section that would make something like a door in the side of the sock.