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  1. #1

    Default What Size Day Packs?

    I don't really day hike, because any hike not involving corn fields is 3-4 hours away so it's not really worth it. However, I'm going to college in northern minnesota. With all my classes I think hikes of only a few hours are probably gonna be the only thing on the menu, but I need a daypack first. I guess I just never realized the range in size with day packs. I was looking into the Osprey daylite, or maybe the Gregory Miwok in 18 or 24 liter. For winter day hikes I have my REI Flash 45, so I'm just looking for a warmer weather pack that's good for some speed hiking and maybe a bit of trail running. Any suggestions?

    ps - I'm broke so some lower budget suggestions (<$100) would certainly be welcome. Thanks

  2. #2
    Hiker bigcranky's Avatar
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    There are so many decent technical day packs. I'm a fan of the Osprey Talon packs. Here's the 22 liter version on sale at REI Garage:

    https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/produ...-talon-22-pack

    $75.

    Decent suspension (no frame, of course), well thought out features, handles a normal daypack sort of load.
    Ken B
    'Big Cranky'
    Our Long Trail journal

  3. #3

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    I prefer vests for running. Normal packs just flop around no matter how much I tighten them.

  4. #4
    Registered User Maineiac64's Avatar
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    If you're broke just use the flash.

  5. #5
    Leonidas
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    Quiksak 26, 8.9 oz, $66.

    http://gossamergear.com/quiksak-739.html
    AT: 695.7 mi
    Benton MacKaye Trail '20
    Pinhoti Trail '18-19'
    @leonidasonthetrail https://www.youtube.com/c/LeonidasontheTrail

  6. #6
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    Default What Size Day Packs?

    For short and fast day hikes, a small lumbar pack or fuel belt might be a good option. You can spend around $12 at Wal-Mart or up to $60 on a brand name.
    You can walk in another person's shoes, but only with your feet

  7. #7

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    I have a 10L Osprey Raptor bladder pack. It is mostly for the water carry but I can add in a camera, food for the day and light poncho and my phone plus other doodads. I haven't found a need for anything else for a day hike.

  8. #8
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Get a pack that will let you carry all your needed books to class/library, and has adequate padding on the back and shoulder straps. A simple (unpadded) waist strap to keep the load from bouncing on your back, and you've got a pack that's also usable for day hikes. You don't need much: just reasonable comfort and capacity.

  9. #9
    Registered User MikekiM's Avatar
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    How about the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack?

    Under $30 on Amazon. Super lite. 20L, so plenty for a day hike. Packs down to the size of a baseball. Can double as a book bag for school...

  10. #10
    Registered User DownEaster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MikekiM View Post
    How about the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack?
    That's what I'd call a bag, not a pack. It's got no padding at all, which means corners of books or whatnot will be poking you, and your shoulders will take a beating. Capacity is good, and weight is excellent -- but it's the sort of thing I'd only use in emergencies when I didn't have an actual day pack. You'd be a fool to put a laptop in such an unpadded bag, for instance.

  11. #11
    Registered User MikekiM's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DownEaster View Post
    That's what I'd call a bag, not a pack. It's got no padding at all, which means corners of books or whatnot will be poking you, and your shoulders will take a beating. Capacity is good, and weight is excellent -- but it's the sort of thing I'd only use in emergencies when I didn't have an actual day pack. You'd be a fool to put a laptop in such an unpadded bag, for instance.
    Quote Originally Posted by loguon_theguy View Post
    ...... but I need a daypack first. ....
    hmmm.. The OP asked for a low budget day pack. S2S calls it the Ultra-Sil Day Pack. It sure looks and is worn like a day pack. Reviews from folks who have used it as a day pack are quit good..

    Works for me.

    The fact that it can hold a book or three is a bonus for any college student.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by DownEaster View Post
    Get a pack that will let you carry all your needed books to class/library, and has adequate padding on the back and shoulder straps. A simple (unpadded) waist strap to keep the load from bouncing on your back, and you've got a pack that's also usable for day hikes. You don't need much: just reasonable comfort and capacity.
    Just use your book backpack. If you can carry your books etc. around campus in it then it will work fine as a day pack because you won't be carrying as much weight on a day hike as you carry around campus most likely.
    If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

  13. #13
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    When I was in the college boat, I just used my book bag. It worked fine. I've actually used it for a few forays into the UL overnight world and even then, it holds up pretty great. Just a cheap Targus bag from Wally World if I'm not mistaken.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by TexasBob View Post
    Just use your book backpack. If you can carry your books etc. around campus in it then it will work fine as a day pack because you won't be carrying as much weight on a day hike as you carry around campus most likely.
    +1

    Some background:
    My kids used LLB Deluxe bookpacks for years. Very sturdy, capable, comfortable. Has a waistbelt, though just a strap, and no frame, so weight transfer is not super efficient. I had a spare one, in fact, that I picked up inexpensively on clearance. Thought that one of them would end up using it, but they never did. So I finally put it into dayhike service.

    Some stats:
    21 oz, 31.7L capacity. That's 0.66 oz per liter. That's really quite low, if you ever compare weights and capacities of various packs. It's about the same ratio as REI's flash 22L, but this has much more capacity. I see nothing else on REI's site as capacious that has a ratio that low.

    Now, it may not work for you. You load it (or any pack) up heavy, it's going to weigh on your shoulders, even with the ersatz hip belt (i.e., strap). If you need tpo carry that much, you probably need a good hip belt and a frame to transfer weight well to your hips - and then you're not in the 0.66 oz/L range.

    One exception: the MyTrails 70 pack, which is near 0.50 ... but also heavier (in absolute terms), possibly uses lighter, less durable fabric, and costs much more. On the plus side, it can be compacted to be a less capacious (25L) pack.

  15. #15

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    I use a 13L "Outdoor products" pack from Walmart. It's plenty big for a rain jacket, a sandwich and some water - all you need for a day hike. It's probably big enough to use around campus too. And it doesn't cost very much.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  16. #16
    Leonidas
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    Quote Originally Posted by cspan View Post
    +1

    Some background:
    My kids used LLB Deluxe bookpacks for years. Very sturdy, capable, comfortable. Has a waistbelt, though just a strap, and no frame, so weight transfer is not super efficient. I had a spare one, in fact, that I picked up inexpensively on clearance. Thought that one of them would end up using it, but they never did. So I finally put it into dayhike service.

    Some stats:
    21 oz, 31.7L capacity. That's 0.66 oz per liter. That's really quite low, if you ever compare weights and capacities of various packs. It's about the same ratio as REI's flash 22L, but this has much more capacity. I see nothing else on REI's site as capacious that has a ratio that low.

    Now, it may not work for you. You load it (or any pack) up heavy, it's going to weigh on your shoulders, even with the ersatz hip belt (i.e., strap). If you need tpo carry that much, you probably need a good hip belt and a frame to transfer weight well to your hips - and then you're not in the 0.66 oz/L range.

    One exception: the MyTrails 70 pack, which is near 0.50 ... but also heavier (in absolute terms), possibly uses lighter, less durable fabric, and costs much more. On the plus side, it can be compacted to be a less capacious (25L) pack.
    Another exception is the GG Virga II, 19 oz 54 L in a Regular. 0.35 oz/L $105 on Amazon. It compresses smaller as well but I don't know if I would want to carry it as a book bag.
    AT: 695.7 mi
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    @leonidasonthetrail https://www.youtube.com/c/LeonidasontheTrail

  17. #17

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    There are day packs that work well for running. But you have to test them before buying. (over 45 ultras completed while wearing daypacks FWIW).

  18. #18
    Going for A walk left52side's Avatar
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    Quiksak 26, 8.9 oz, $66.

    http://gossamergear.com/quiksak-739.html
    Green one on the clearance section for 37.00 bucks.
    Gonna be hard to beat that.
    Or honestly for day hikes you can always go to local wally world and get A pack that will be fine for day hikes.
    I use the outdoor products brand packable ultralight bag similar to the sea to summit sil version only it costs 6.99 and has been pretty good for day type hikes.
    There are kits of options available out there but honestly I would not overthink it,as mentioned above you can always use your flash.
    Enjoy northern minnesota,I went to the UMD there and love the SHT. It is a great trail and lots of cool stuff all around.
    If I die trying now I wont die wondering how life could have turned out.....


  19. #19
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    love osprey packs..

  20. #20
    Registered User JJ505's Avatar
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    I have an Osprey Daylite 13 L. I like it pretty much. Nice pack organization; shoulder straps; color choices; and zippered pocket at the top (also has key fob). I would have liked a mesh pouch in front, if I were to design the pack (funny thing, older versions have one). Mine is 2 years old and nearly looks brand new. Have also taken as a personal item on airplanes. I only use an iPad, and it fits in the hydration pouch. Hate the side mesh pockets. I don't trail run, but maybe this might help someone.

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