View Full Version : backpack size
Is there any general guidlines about backpack size? I am going to be going on my first backpacking trip next summer. I am starting to gather my gear and have no idea what size pack to get. We should be gone for a 7-9 days. I was looking at this one-
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/311,85007_Lowe-Alpine-Backcountry-Backpack-Skyline-55.html
and
also the aether 70
Should i be looking at bigger packs?
bito
Amigi'sLastStand
09-12-2006, 16:59
4300 is pretty big.
Remember, the bigger the pack, the more you pack, the higher the weight.
If you're out for 9 days and need to carry all of your food, then this pack is probably ok. If you can resupply, it may be a bit big.
This also depends on your body size, amount of crap you need to carry, etc. A common approach is get all of the gear you are going to carry, then get a pack that will hold it all comfortably. I believe in that. The pack should be the last thing bought.
If you read other posts, general advise is to buy all your other gear first, and then find a pack that fits you and your gear.
However, if you really have no clue, perhaps a better solution is to start with a Walmart special and do some training treks to shake out gear. Once you have done some backpacking then you will have a much better idea of what works best for you.
Thanks for the responses... i know i should get the gear first but my wife is up for me getting a pack now so I gotta do it before she changes her mind or she buys more furniture:). The rest of the gear i am gonna make or can buy slowly.
Please give us a little more info about your trip? Like if you'll be able to resupply, where it'll be, and stuff. Asking what size backpack without any other info is about like asking what size uhaul would be good for moving. That pack is probably going to be much bigger than what you'll need for a summer trip. I tend to be on the lighter smaller side, but even at that I'd be going at least two weeks unsupplied in winter before I'd even consider a 70L pack. I'd go to the REI in Colorado Springs and try on different packs with dummy weight. Walk around the store for a bit. Put weight in it comparable to the size of the bag. A little more than 1 lb per liter is about what most people starting out seem to put in their packs. Also, do you think you'll want a tent or a tarp or a hammock. ;) This alone will make a huge difference in your space needs.
There is one principle which you practically cannot avoid. If you have the space, you will fill it up. I just don't want you to end up with a lot of gear that you only use once or twice and realize you don't need. Then you're left with a backpack that's twice as big as you need and can't compress enough to support your new load size. This happened to me. Thankfully I was able to sell my backpack a lot easier than I should have been, but you might not be so lucky. :D speedy
Amigi'sLastStand
09-13-2006, 08:54
Summation of previous threads for you assistance:
How tall and how much do you weigh?
Will you be resupplying?
Is this a one time 7-10 day trip, or do are you planning on be coming an addict like the rest of us?
What weather will you be hiking in mostly?
You said the infernal word "wife", will she or any kids be going with you in the future ( you'll end up carring more )?
Let us know so we can make a better recommendation for you.
Summation of previous threads for you assistance:
How tall and how much do you weigh?
Will you be resupplying?
Is this a one time 7-10 day trip, or do are you planning on be coming an addict like the rest of us?
What weather will you be hiking in mostly?
You said the infernal word "wife", will she or any kids be going with you in the future ( you'll end up carring more )?
Let us know so we can make a better recommendation for you.
im 6ft4-180lbs
will probably not be resupplying
I plan on making more trips
Mostly summer trips but would like to do fall and spring also.
The wife and kids will not be going this time but at some point in the future we will do family trips.
I plan on hammocking...
we will be hiking in the Siearra Nevadas around tahoe.
thanks for the input..
bito
Almost There
09-13-2006, 11:06
I just got myself a new pack...an Osprey Aether 70. I have two other packs, one smaller and one larger. If I was gonna thru hike I would have gone with an Aether 60(3900ci). I went with the 70(4400ci) because I have all of my gear and needed a little more space when I winter hike, my wife is starting to hike with me and so I will carry a little more gear when she hikes with me...and because as I am a bigger/stronger guy than most I will carry a pack that weighs a little more...because it is more comfortable for me. Know yourself....your first pack probably won't be your last pack for years to come....In fact I will probably be selling two of my packs real soon.
For a trip like that with a hammock you'll probably be carrying around 35 lbs when you start. I'd reccomend something in the 3500-4000cu. in. (55-65L) range, as much smaller and you'd have to start adopting the religion of ultralightism. Which wouldn't really be good for your first trip. I've never been a huge fan of Lowe Alpine. Check out the Gregory Z Pack (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47786954&parent_category_rn=4500574&vcat=REI_SEARCH). I'd think it'd be about perfect for your trip/experience level. If you are wanting to get more into the ultra light in nature, check out the GoLite Intuition (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39202361&memberId=12500226). :D speedy
Amigi'sLastStand
09-13-2006, 13:46
Yup, what the speedster said. Lots of packs in the range of 3500-4000.
Make sure the pack offers either a pocker for a bladder ( my recommended hydration system ) or two outer pockets for nalgene bottles.
Yes, dont try to ultralight the first time out, get some gear you think you'll like, try it all out at home, hike with it, and see what works and what doesnt.
And careful on a 7-9 day hike with no resupply. Set a strict schedule on your meals. By day four, you're going to wake up ravenously hungry and will want to eat more than you should, so either carry an extra two days worth ( ugh ) or stay on a schedule.
PS - bring a small bottle of olive oil. Lightest food/calorie that can be added to everything, including oatmeal! I do. Great for energy.
Almost forgot, Welcome to WB!
For a trip like that with a hammock you'll probably be carrying around 35 lbs when you start. I'd reccomend something in the 3500-4000cu. in. (55-65L) range, as much smaller and you'd have to start adopting the religion of ultralightism. Which wouldn't really be good for your first trip. I've never been a huge fan of Lowe Alpine. Check out the Gregory Z Pack (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47786954&parent_category_rn=4500574&vcat=REI_SEARCH). I'd think it'd be about perfect for your trip/experience level. If you are wanting to get more into the ultra light in nature, check out the GoLite Intuition (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39202361&memberId=12500226). :D speedy
Go lite and the z pack are about the same weight. :-?
hey guys, im starting to look for a good weeklong pack, something in the 3500 - 4000 range. the Gregory Z Pack (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47786954&parent_category_rn=4500574&vcat=REI_SEARCH) says it dosnt have a sleeping bag compartment. so this is kind of a newbie question, but where the heck am i supposed to put it? also does that go lite pack above, have a spot for a bag?
:confused: :-? :confused: :-?
Go lite and the z pack are about the same weight. :-?
Wow, I'm kinda stumped at the moment. I knew they were the same weight, but I thought the GoLite I posted was ~3000 cu. in. Oh well, of those two I'd recommend the Z, even though I normally love golite. For this long of a trip your pack is going to shrink a great deal, and the Z's compression ability is hard to beat. Nothing worse than having an uncompressed half loaded pack with everything being thrown about every step.
MattC, as for the sleeping bag compartment, no worries. Seperate sleeping bag compartments are becoming less and less common. There's just no need for them. Just goes in its stuff sack (and thin plastic trashbag if you're smart) in the main compartment with everything else. :D speedy
sum41punk91
09-17-2006, 09:30
hey guys, im starting to look for a good weeklong pack, something in the 3500 - 4000 range. the Gregory Z Pack (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47786954&parent_category_rn=4500574&vcat=REI_SEARCH) says it dosnt have a sleeping bag compartment. so this is kind of a newbie question, but where the heck am i supposed to put it? also does that go lite pack above, have a spot for a bag?
:confused: :-? :confused: :-?
if you have a small enough one you put it side ways at the bottom of the pack if it wont fit you could always strap it to the back by sewing on staps.