View Full Version : Daypack
kayak karl
03-24-2010, 06:21
i never owned a daypack before. will be doing some day hikes in the pines this year and figured since i'm going to be near REI today might get one. ill be carrying packa(rain gear), socks, extra shirt, lunch, clippers and small saw. any suggestions. also im 6-3 if that matters.
TY
KK
ps..i don't like fanny packs. i don't have an a$$ or waist to make them stay up:D
MedicineMan
03-24-2010, 07:01
Fellow brother of the paddle trust me on this one:
http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=0_1&p_id=34
The way it holds the pack into the small of your back is awesome...the two side pockets
will carry 1.5 liter bottles....enough room inside for the basics.....nice shoulder straps and hipbelt....and the inside is waterproof.
I'm 6'-6" and use the Camelback Rim Runner daypack, works great :)
Karl,
I use one of these http://www.rei.com/product/749966 and in conjunction with these http://www.rei.com/product/671335 it is really a multi-use day pack. I'll use it for the gym, cycling, day hikes, ultra-light overnigths and paddling. My experience has been, that the pack is very stable when used with the strapettes and fits well (I'm 6'4"). They can be had fairly inexpensively if you shop around.
Usually, plenty of Jansport day-pack models on ebay. Most likely REI sells them?
The Marmot Highlander is a bit like the other fanny packs, that previous responders have linked to. Occasionally available on ebay. I have had good experience with mine. Side straps on the waist belt to tighten up the waist area and snug it to your back. In fact, I believe most of their pack line now offers this feature. I feel it is a great innovation to the hip-belt.
Good luck in your search. :sun
Alligator
03-24-2010, 09:04
Given your height Karl I'd suggest making sure whatever pack you find fit more than one size, say M and L. Every manufacturer is different but I find that I tend to fit large (longer torso) size packs. One size fits all day packs don't tend to carry well for me.
Maybe an Osprey Talon is something to look at. They are a little loud though:).
If you are using it for maintenance you will want something to keep the tools from snagging other stuff.
Since you are 6' 3" you might want to look for a daypack that comes in multiple sizes (S, M, L). I'm guessing 30 liters would be plenty large enough for you.
Here's a couple to look at:
REI Flash 30 (Very lightweight and compact)
http://www.rei.com/product/778467
Osrey Talon 33 (Better Suspension for heavier loads)
http://www.rei.com/product/748229
Osrey Kestrel 32 (Panel Loading and a Built-in Raincover are nice features)
http://www.rei.com/product/764216
Go into a store and try a bunch of different packs on with weight in them. Decide what features you want and which ones you can live without. These are just a couple examples.
Osrey Talon 33 (Better Suspension for heavier loads)
http://www.rei.com/product/748229
The Osprey Talon is great. The 33 is a nice size for day hikes, and if you need a bit more, the Talon 44 is bigger. Great suspension as mumblez mentioned.
Cookerhiker
03-24-2010, 16:26
Karl, I bought the REI Lookout (http://www.rei.com/product/778463) about a year ago and am quite happy with it. I'm a shade under 6'0 but only 32" leg measurement - I have a long torso.
Most of the daypacks and fanny packs don't seem to be as light as they could be.
This one is very light though, and fits me really nice. I have an older version...
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-lightweight-travel-pack-backpack?slc=en_US&sct=US&p=48816-0-804
You might consider a UL backpack as a daypack, if you can get one that fits well. The extra volume is handy. Allows you to just through stuff in. Especially good if you become the depository for kids extra layers if you go with a group. I use my Jam2 on dayhikes with kids, but that is probably bigger than your needs.
Something like the ULA Conduit maybe, if the large fits:
http://www.ula-equipment.com/conduit.asp
I thought they made a smaller one. Anyhow, it is pretty light, and it might be quite compact when you tighted it all up when it isn't completely full. There might be some other UL pack that is a bit smaller and might fit you better. A simple waist strap might be sufficient. I like the waist strap on the Patagonia daypack. It is a great pack for trail running.
p.s. I am 6' 0.5", but have a short back and long legs and arms for my height.
Karl, I bought the REI Lookout (http://www.rei.com/product/778463) about a year ago and am quite happy with it. I'm a shade under 6'0 but only 32" leg measurement - I have a long torso.
Though I have never used or even seen one of these rei packs, they do look nice. If you have the $ to spare, I would still go with the Osprey, about fifty buck or so more.
I carry a camelbak mule. It carries very good. Has a water blatter. 2 Pockets. Daisy chain and velcro attachments.
Threads like this always make me chuckle. If you get 100 responses, you might get 100 different recommendations. Eventually there are so many different suggestions, they become meaningless.
In the spirit of useless recommendations, let me tell you about my day pack.
Hine Snowbridge is not a widely-known brand, but if you saw this pack, you would want one. The size is perfect for day trips. It has an extension collar with a drawstring closure, allowing the pack to be used for weekend trips in warm temps. A close-fitting lid provides storage for small items and keeps rain out of the pack. The PU coating makes the pack virtually waterproof; I've never used a rain cover.
External side pockets are sized perfectly for water bottles. The internal stays provide just enough support without adding too much weight. The pack carries well, even fully loaded.
Ice axe loops and lashing patches allow tools to be easily tied to the pack, making it a trail-maintainer's dream.
So why is this useless information? Well, the company went out of business decades ago. Although I've been using this pack since 1973, there's still lots of life left in it. I've bought a lot of new packs since 1973, but none can replace this old workhorse.
They just don't make things like they used to!
If there is a moral to this story, it is to buy the best quality you can afford. Doing so is almost always cheaper in the long-run.
Good luck finding the right pack!........and, NO, my pack is not for sale. ;)
kayak karl
03-24-2010, 19:33
Maybe an Osprey Talon is something to look at. They are a little loud though:).
If you are using it for maintenance you will want something to keep the tools from snagging other stuff.
a little loud ...My last day pack years ago had a Care Bear on the back:rolleyes:.
I'm doing maintenance in the pines. hand clippers and a folding saw is all i need.
Alligator
03-24-2010, 19:54
a little loud ...My last day pack years ago had a Care Bear on the back:rolleyes:.
I'm doing maintenance in the pines. hand clippers and a folding saw is all i need.Well I've got an orange Talon 11 myself but my Care Bear left me:jump.