View Full Version : is my backpack big enough for a thrue hike?
balloonatic
02-07-2011, 18:39
hi every one. so i am getting things ready for this summer and I have two packs the one i want to take because of comfort and ease of use is a
Emerald Bay Internal Frame Backpack
Size 26"x16"x5"
it is older and dose not have the tags any more and i am terriable with the math. will this work, I am not a ultra light gram counter but do enoy as light as i can get. any views would be great thanks
balloonatic
aka tim
flemdawg1
02-07-2011, 18:41
Will all your stuff fit in it?
Feral Bill
02-07-2011, 18:54
If it were a box, it would come out to a bit over 2000 cubic inches. Probably a bit skimpy for most people.
If its 2000 cubic inches I think thats a bit too small. My ULA OHM's main body is 2,100ci but it has anextension collar and a bunch of pockets so it adds up to 3900ci and its just big enough and I am an ultralight gram counter.
Ox97GaMe
02-07-2011, 19:11
I agree that 2000 ci is a bit small. I think most hikers are in the 3500-4200 range. There are ultralight hikers that go a lot smaller than that. So it is really based on the type of hike you plan to do and how much you want to carry with you.
As others have said, that's on the small side. You might be able to make it work if you store your pad, shelter and water externally.
Jack Tarlin
02-07-2011, 19:36
The problem with having to pack lots of stuff outside your pack (and I mean LOTS of stuff, not just a few things) is that your pack will ride funny; it's cumbersome and sometimes a pain to tie/strap everything down every day; stuff will get wet; and sooner or later, something important will fall off. Anything less than 2800 cubic inches is a pretty small pack for an extended hike; anything less than 2500 is very small; anything around or less than 2000 is REALLY small. Unless you are an experienced ultra-lightweight hiker, I personally would look at something a bit bigger.
balloonatic
02-07-2011, 19:37
thanks it looks like i have some things to work out.
balloonatic
Buy all your gear then buy the bag. I didn't buy a "family car" until I needed one.
Appalachian Tater
02-07-2011, 20:00
It's too small. If you are going to thru-hike, get a good pack that fits well because you are going to be climbing up and down mountains with it on your back for 2,000+ miles.
mweinstone
02-07-2011, 21:10
a pack is large enough if you can load it sitting down. if you need to stand up and jam your foot in it and get it tight as a drum to close, its too small. this rule is my own and it searves me well. i never want to struggel stuffing my pack. and i want room for strap on hogies and steaks to share with jack.
Chubbs4U
02-08-2011, 00:11
So how big of a bag would we suggest for a thru hike? Or even a couple of nights on the trail how big of a bag would you need? Complete newb question but the first bag I bought is huge and dont think I need that much space. Sorry to pennyback off topic a bit.
I'd start off by figuring out what bag/quilt and clothes you'll bring. If you use a down quilt and your only clothing insulation is a down jacket, there's a chance you could use a 3000 cu in pack. If you use a 0°F synthetic sleeping back and carry 2 pairs of thermals, sleeping gear and a thick fleece, then you'll probably end up needing at least a 5000 cu in pack.
It's really too hard to estimate online, especially since the volume for a lot of gear is either not provided, or must be calculated, but I doubt that can get you within 90% of your actual volume.
If you can't go try on packs... Why not get a trash bag and throw all your stuff in it? The trash bags have their rated volume on the box. Or use a big box and jam your stuff in, but keep the top flat. Cube shapes are very easy to calculate volume.
Toolshed
02-08-2011, 00:34
hi every one. so i am getting things ready for this summer and I have two packs the one i want to take because of comfort and ease of use is a
Emerald Bay Internal Frame Backpack
Size 26"x16"x5"
it is older and dose not have the tags any more and i am terriable with the math. will this work, I am not a ultra light gram counter but do enoy as light as i can get. any views would be great thanks
balloonatic
aka tim
Too small, though I admit, on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310253255757) it looks a lot bigger. I would aslo probably want something a little more "name brandish" in terms of quality if I were setting out with all my gear..
For that price or maybe a tad bit more, you can get some much better made packs by Jansport, Kelty or GoLite here (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/SubCategory___40000000226_200368421?ip_navtype=sea rch&catFilter=&searchKeywords=200368421&ip_sortBy=priceAsc&filters=&ip_constrain=&pageSize=24&catType=&searchCategory=browsefilter&manNameFilter=&sizeFilter=&ip_state=&priceFilter=¤tPage=0&colorFilter=)
balloonatic
02-08-2011, 02:04
Too small, though I admit, on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310253255757) it looks a lot bigger. I would aslo probably want something a little more "name brandish" in terms of quality if I were setting out with all my gear..
For that price or maybe a tad bit more, you can get some much better made packs by Jansport, Kelty or GoLite here (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/SubCategory___40000000226_200368421?ip_navtype=sea rch&catFilter=&searchKeywords=200368421&ip_sortBy=priceAsc&filters=&ip_constrain=&pageSize=24&catType=&searchCategory=browsefilter&manNameFilter=&sizeFilter=&ip_state=&priceFilter=¤tPage=0&colorFilter=)
Well the thing is i already habe this one it has been with me on several hiking trips of a week or so and all over the world with me for balloon work and ministry and so i am rather attached to it. I might modify it to work. In the bottom section it holds all my sleeping stuff and on of the side pockets holds all my cooking so i am feeling better. Unless i can find a good used one.
flemdawg1
02-08-2011, 09:13
If you've used a pack for a week long BACKPACKING trip, then it will obviously work.
I used a 4000cu pack and at times it was way too big and at other times it seemed way too small, usually when there was a long resupply. I was amazed how much more food I carried after a while.
SunnyWalker
02-09-2011, 23:54
Look through some of the articles on WB. They would really be a help and blessing at this point.