View Full Version : Ultralight day pack?
I have learned a lot from reading this forum over the past couple years, and thought it was time that I actually posted something.
So, my question is, are there any recommendations out there for an ultralight day pack? I have a GG nimbus ozone that I use for backpacking trips, but for my next adventure, I will be hiking to a base camp and then taking day trips from there. I just need something that is very light, can carry 5-7 pounds, and will disappear into my full pack. Ideally, this would even replace something I already carry. I am thinking a stuff sack with shoulder straps. Is there anything like this out there? Thanks in advance for your help!!
Check into soccer equipment in a sporting goods store. They make these small bags/backpacks designed to carry yer' shoes and such. The pack straps are basically string, but you could beef 'em up a bit on yer' own i am sure. Essentially they are just that, a stuff sack with straps.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-20-2007, 18:16
Why not just add a set of webbing shoulder straps to one of your stuff sacks? With the low weight you plan to carry, suspension and padding aren't going to be critical.
hopefulhiker
11-20-2007, 18:19
That is a good idea FD...
I had been looking for the same thing. Found it in REI UL Flash. 9oz, 1027 cubic inch, $25. Doubles as a stuff sack by turning it outside in putting straps and belt inside. held all needed for a day hike and then some.
Great suggestions for MYOG.
I use a Salomon Raid Revo 20, 1037 CI at 10 oz and it came with a Platy.
Another suggestion is the Gossamer Gear Whisper, 2000 CI at 4 oz.
Put a rock in you pocket so you don't blow away.:D
Egads
Wolf - 23000
11-21-2007, 12:31
I had been looking for the same thing. Found it in REI UL Flash. 9oz, 1027 cubic inch, $25. Doubles as a stuff sack by turning it outside in putting straps and belt inside. held all needed for a day hike and then some.
I second that, except the part about it being a stuff sack - that my full size pack but anyway. There are lighter packs yes but for the value of your buck it a great deal.
Wolf
Not really ultralight when compared to Egads suggestion, but the new Osprey Talon series is very nice and carries like a regular pack...
I have been using the Golite Ion for a while now. Great as a day pack or SUL pack. I actually use it as my pack for school. I can carry a laptop as well as other things.
I used it as a day pack and it performed well.
It weighs 9 oz and is 1500 cubic inches. It's $50 but you can usually find it on sale.
I also have the REI Flash and it performs nicely as well.
UCONNMike
11-27-2007, 15:21
I had been looking for the same thing. Found it in REI UL Flash. 9oz, 1027 cubic inch, $25. Doubles as a stuff sack by turning it outside in putting straps and belt inside. held all needed for a day hike and then some.
I have that pack, and it is perfect, I use it for dayhikes, bikes rides, its super lightweight and comfotable. I wasn't expectign much when I recieved mine in the mail, but it has by far out preformed my expectations. For $25 bucks you cant go wrong, and b/c it's REI if it ever breaks you can return it no questions asked.
Check out the Mtn Hardwear Scrambler. Great little ultra light day pack! It acutualy kinda reminds me of a stuff sack w/ shoulder straps. The straps have no cushion but thus far it doesn't seem to need them.
bigmac_in
11-27-2007, 21:25
Why do you need a day pack that is ultra-light? Functionality in a day pack would seem more sensible. The whole idea of a day pack is smaller and lighter. How much lighter does it need to be? It's going to be better than your weekender, or long distance pack. Man up and get something that is functionaly efficient. Worry about ounces on the longer hikes. My 2 cents, FWIW.
Nightwalker
11-28-2007, 00:25
Mountain Hardware makes one that is just stupidly light. It feels like about 8 ounces or so.
My Osprey has a removable belt and lid that combine to make a really decent daypack. Kind of like a giant fanny pack. :)
elevenbravoMD
11-28-2007, 20:53
dont know if anyone else mentioned it but how about the ula amp? its 10.6 ounces and looks damn good too. its my new mountain biking pack. even with the hydration sleeve option its lighter than a camelbak, especially if you use the platy bigzip for your hydration bladder
vaporjourney
11-28-2007, 23:34
I second the ULA Amp suggestion. Not only does it compress really well down to a tiny daypack, but it could also be used on an ultralight overnight pack. Hell, I saw one guy on the AT using it on his thru-hike. But it is definitely perfect for a day pack, or even as Brian says on his site, for peak-bagging.
If you don't mind paying more for something made in the USA, here's one to consider:
http://www.fanaticfringe.com/page5.html
Another one:
http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/whisper_uberlight.html
envirodiver
12-06-2007, 13:37
Another vote for the REI UL Flash. Nice idea.
Another vote for the REI Flash. I've never tried the other packs suggested, but the Flash is all I wanted. I had last year's model that weighed 10 oz. with alot of extra cord at the top. I gave it away and got the new model. I use it on lots of the hikes that you described, where you hike in with a full pack, then dayhike. I even used it on a flyfishing hike to Hazel Ck. in the smokies this year.
the REI flash is a much better product than the mountain hardwear one. I've even used the REI flash as my regular pack for the AT.
OR makes a stuff sack with straps
www.orgear.com
HikeLite
12-15-2007, 08:07
Z packs Zilch
pure_mahem
12-24-2007, 08:57
This a MYOG idea for such a situation. Have an external bag that attaches to your Base gear bag. Have it attach at the 4 spot you would attach a set of straps. That way you can use it for accessory day hike storage on your way to base camp when you get to base camp unclip the pack and clip on the straps from your basegear pack. Modular pack system 2 fer. Just a Thought!
pure_mahem
12-24-2007, 08:58
Oh I've seen those bags your talking about that look like a stuff sack with rope attached. They carey them at Walmart with the basketball stuff they call them ball bags.
scrivner
12-27-2007, 00:05
Hello,
I'm new here. Was scanning and saw this thread.
Comment: I had to return my REI Flash because the shoulder straps were too short and the buckles cut into my armpits. I'm not a big guy: 6', size 46 Jacket
Question: I've been looking at the GoLite Ion on line, but haven't been able to see one. When used as a laptop/bookbag does it collapse around the contents. Been thinking about getting one for this exact use.
Thanks in advance,
scrivner
Here's a nice looking pack.
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/36600
I'll second the Golite Ion. Sure, it weighs 9 oz. (size M) off the shelf, but even after adding an ice axe loop, four webbing tie-on points so I can rig up my shock cord sleeping pad dealie, and reinforcing/bar tacking a bunch of stuff, I still got the weight down to 6.9 oz- Mostly by removing the waist strap and sternum strap, both of which I find useless, and by generally trimming off everything that can feasibly be taken off.
Great little pack, plenty big enough for any day hike and provided you're a fairly disciplined ultralight hiker it's also probably big enough for about a 3 day/two night trip in average 3 season conditions. I use it as a stuff sack for my quilt on bike trips so I can still have a small pack for side hikes, etc. One of my favorite pieces of gear. Two opposable thumbs up!
Just beware of ****ty stitching in the lower parts of the shoulder straps which I reccomend bar-tacking a couple times.
scrivner
12-29-2007, 21:30
Bleach,
How did you attach webbing tie in points to your Ion? Do you have a photo?
Thanks,
scrivner