I need a day pack.... and I'm picky

Discussion in 'Adventure, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel' started by Colton, Nov 29, 2016.

  1. Colton

    Colton Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    233
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Not that picky, I just want it to have a few things. ..

    -hydration bladder compatible
    -side pockets big enough for a nalgene
    -at least one outer pocket
    -small enough for day trips

    I like the REI Flash 22 but the reviews are not inspiring

    Any ideas?
     
    Nestea and mil spec like this.
  2. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member

    Messages:
    723
    Likes Received:
    1,048
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    South
    Tarahumara. I thought I'd hate this pack when I bought. I was wrong. Best pack I've ever owned for its size.
     
  3. JV3

    JV3 Member

    Messages:
    753
    Likes Received:
    1,989
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    NJ
    gossamer gear minimalist...the older one (without the side bottle pockets) is my winter day hike pack. the newer version has the side bottle pockets but i'm not sure if it's hydration bladder compatible too.
     
    C99c likes this.
  4. MiamiC70

    MiamiC70 Member

    Messages:
    126
    Likes Received:
    91
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Miami
    Tactical Tailor Removable Operators Pack
    MilSpec Monkey Adapt Pack
     
  5. ManOfSteel

    ManOfSteel Member

    Messages:
    4,391
    Likes Received:
    9,950
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    NJ
    I like my TT Urban Operator Pack
     
  6. Delkancott

    Delkancott Member

    Messages:
    2,522
    Likes Received:
    4,206
    Location:
    SEMA
    HPG Connor Pack. No actual experience. Tarahumara is too small.
     
  7. Colton

    Colton Member

    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    233
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    I cant find this one for sale anywhere
     
  8. JV3

    JV3 Member

    Messages:
    753
    Likes Received:
    1,989
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    NJ
    only available straight from gossamer gear as far as i know. i guess it's out of stock but it usually comes back pretty fast: http://gossamergear.com/the-minimalist.html
     
    C99c and Delkancott like this.
  9. Stone

    Stone Member

    Messages:
    3,942
    Likes Received:
    4,171
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Way Far NE US
    What is your desired size range in cu in or liters?

    I ask because "day pack" for me at this latitude is different than for those in the south.

    Then, we consider seasons (winter v summer).
     
  10. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

    Messages:
    11,371
    Likes Received:
    18,229
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Alabama
  11. C99c

    C99c Member

    Messages:
    1,345
    Likes Received:
    2,229
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Georgia
    I'm also a fan of the Minimalist. I carry it or their Riksak 99% of the time that I'm in the woods.
    The Quiksak is another option to look at.
    http://gossamergear.com/quiksak.html
     
  12. Mudman

    Mudman Member

    Messages:
    909
    Likes Received:
    1,595
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    SoCal
    In my experience, you should try out whatever your interested in. I've purchased a lot of gear based on reviews, only to end up hating it.

    I personally like anything from Camelbak, all the packs I've used with thin or no padding on the back were always uncomfortable with a water bladder. We're all different, so trying them on first makes a big difference.
     
    C99c likes this.
  13. Murphnuge

    Murphnuge Member

    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    47
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Indiana
    Kelly MAP 3500, I still can't force myself to get rid of it.
     
  14. elgatoloco

    elgatoloco Member

    Messages:
    217
    Likes Received:
    268
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Glasgow, Scotland
    I'm a pack whore and bei g such I can offer a piece of advice.

    ...haven't really found the perfect pack...yet, few come close and I love them, but as with the women... Perfect one don't exist.

    Got HPG(umlindi & Tara, Tatonka(few packs ultralight and external frames), haglofs, 5.11(rush 12/24, moab 10), Tactical Tailor ROP - along with Moab they're great as cycling companions, savotta - similar to LK70 and few cheap ones that works just fine.

    I'm a pack whore.
     
    Zeek likes this.
  15. JAD

    JAD Member

    Messages:
    1,112
    Likes Received:
    1,803
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    St Louis, MO
  16. JV3

    JV3 Member

    Messages:
    753
    Likes Received:
    1,989
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    NJ
    i forgot about my osprey kestrel 28...i use it during the summer months where i need to carry a lot of water (~4 liters) since it carries the load better than the minimalist because it has a load-bearing waist belt.
     
  17. inconel710

    inconel710 Member

    Messages:
    115
    Likes Received:
    111
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Virginia
    HPG Tarahumara with a Recon Kit Bag up front is my day hike kit. It is small, but that forces you to consider what you're bringing. There's enough room inside to pack a Mors pot and stove for cooking lunch. I lash my rain gear to the bottom.
     
    Wisdom likes this.
  18. Scrap

    Scrap Member

    Messages:
    151
    Likes Received:
    200
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    The Netherlands
    Camelbak striker. My favorite for dayhikes in the woods.
     
  19. Ferrulewax

    Ferrulewax Member

    Messages:
    66
    Likes Received:
    59
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    North Georgia
    mountainsmith day + Strappettes..... carries super well, and less back sweat
     
  20. Mike Smith

    Mike Smith Member

    Messages:
    314
    Likes Received:
    402
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Redding California
    I've been considering the Osprey Manta 36. I like the outside over flow pocket. Comes in handy for the grand kid's stuff.
     

Share This Page