- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Backpacking pack size
Posted on 1/15/18 at 7:07 pm
Posted on 1/15/18 at 7:07 pm
Looking to get a new pack as I've upgraded other gear. Stuck between either an Osprey Exos 38 or Exos 48. I've got a super small down sleeping bag and hammock most of the time so my "big" items are pretty small. Being able to fly with it as a carry on bag would be a very big plus.
Looking to see if anyone has done multi day (2-4 day hikes) using 3 season gear with packs this small. Would like to be able to get away with the 38 if possible.
Looking to see if anyone has done multi day (2-4 day hikes) using 3 season gear with packs this small. Would like to be able to get away with the 38 if possible.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 7:23 pm to jimbeam
Jansport is what I used in high school
Posted on 1/15/18 at 7:45 pm to jimbeam
I had plenty of space in an Osprey Aether 45 for 3 season backpacking (4 season in Ga, TN, and Al down to 20 degrees) with a Tarptent Cloudburst, Western Mountaineering Megalite, and an inflatable sleeping pad. My friend used the same pack with a Hennessy Hammock, a under quilt, and WM sleeping bag.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 8:16 pm to jimbeam
Take a look at Vaude backpacks. They have a great range of sizes and they have a bunch of accessories (multiple places for strapping bed mats, tents, rods, etc). Plus they're really adjustable. Just make sure you look at packs that have a solid backing (the part that hits your back). And...if you want to stay comfortable....look for a pack that has some ventilation on the back as well.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 8:19 pm to jimbeam
quote:
Looking to see if anyone has done multi day (2-4 day hikes) using 3 season gear with packs this small.
The sticking point is going to be shelter. Are you carrying your half of a full 2-man tent setup? And then food - I think 38 is just way, way too small to be on your own with.
For our Philmont long-trek, I had a Red Cloud and Deuce had a Coyote - we had the heaviest packs (empty), and the lightest skin out weight - of course that was 80+ miles and 10 days. But, we weren't carrying 10 days of food - just enough to get us from staffed campsite to staffed campsite - which we hit every other day or so. We were carrying 4 days of clothes, full tent, fly, mats, etc.
But, if you're ultralight and committed to these choices, it's only, what $25 to $40 bucks and less than 1/4 pound difference? I'd go with the 48.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 9:37 pm to jimbeam
I use a Deuter Futura Pro 36. I got the 36 bc it meets the international carry on requirements. I mostly use it for traveling abroad. They also make a 42L. If you have modern ultralight equipment you can for sure fit everything in the 42.
I did a lot of research and there’s several YouTube vids of people packing stuff in different packs. I sized it to fit a week’s worth of clothes bc I’m never off the grid more than a week and if I can launder once a week I can travel for however long I like.
I feel pretty confident I can hike and solo camp for several days with only the 36, but I’d have to strap the tent to the outside. I’m talking sitting on a stump and eating MREs or protein bars type camping. If you’re camping involves a skillet and chairs you may want a bigger bag. When I do that type of camping I’m close enough to the truck that I only bring a daypack.
I haven’t tried the Osprey packs but people love them. They sort of scream noob backpacker and I don’t like how sleek they are but I think the farpoint is a pretty awesome travel bag and may end up with one. The Futura Pro was the most comfortable and I really needed something I could wear all day. Again, I intentionally sized down bc I know it’s big enough and will keep me from overpacking.
There’s probably a billion threads on lonely planet and travel blogs dedicated to backpack size, but I feel like they’re mostly instagram travelers bringing laptops and camera gear. I like to travel pretty light and enjoy the challenge. Some of the new gear is impressively light and small, but expensive. If you’re out often enough it’s worth it.
I did a lot of research and there’s several YouTube vids of people packing stuff in different packs. I sized it to fit a week’s worth of clothes bc I’m never off the grid more than a week and if I can launder once a week I can travel for however long I like.
I feel pretty confident I can hike and solo camp for several days with only the 36, but I’d have to strap the tent to the outside. I’m talking sitting on a stump and eating MREs or protein bars type camping. If you’re camping involves a skillet and chairs you may want a bigger bag. When I do that type of camping I’m close enough to the truck that I only bring a daypack.
I haven’t tried the Osprey packs but people love them. They sort of scream noob backpacker and I don’t like how sleek they are but I think the farpoint is a pretty awesome travel bag and may end up with one. The Futura Pro was the most comfortable and I really needed something I could wear all day. Again, I intentionally sized down bc I know it’s big enough and will keep me from overpacking.
There’s probably a billion threads on lonely planet and travel blogs dedicated to backpack size, but I feel like they’re mostly instagram travelers bringing laptops and camera gear. I like to travel pretty light and enjoy the challenge. Some of the new gear is impressively light and small, but expensive. If you’re out often enough it’s worth it.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 10:16 pm to jimbeam
I have a Gossamer Gear Gorilla. I think it’s 45 liter. That depends on if you get large or medium torso.
I’ve done hundreds of miles with it. Two hundred on the Colorado trail this summer. Fly all over as a carry on.
Size really depends on how big other gear is. I wouldn’t carry more than 25 pounds with the Gorilla.
I have a Ula Catalyst for when I want to carry a little more. That’s mostly for trips with the kids and scouts. I bring more luxury things on those trips. Just hiking by myself my gorilla is almost too big for 5 days.
I’ve done hundreds of miles with it. Two hundred on the Colorado trail this summer. Fly all over as a carry on.
Size really depends on how big other gear is. I wouldn’t carry more than 25 pounds with the Gorilla.
I have a Ula Catalyst for when I want to carry a little more. That’s mostly for trips with the kids and scouts. I bring more luxury things on those trips. Just hiking by myself my gorilla is almost too big for 5 days.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 10:44 pm to jimbeam
Whats your gear weight?
Have you looked at the Zpacks (.com) packs they are pretty light.
Have you looked at the Zpacks (.com) packs they are pretty light.
Posted on 1/15/18 at 11:34 pm to jimbeam
I am a Lowe Alpine fan.
I always go for a bigger backpack and can sinch it down if I don't need the space but want a good balanced arrangement.
I always go for a bigger backpack and can sinch it down if I don't need the space but want a good balanced arrangement.
Posted on 1/16/18 at 3:27 am to jimbeam
I have the Atmos 34 and have done multiple weekend trips with it. You're going to have to be pretty minimalist, but its certainly doable. I have used it as a carry on as well. That being said, most trips I'm using a 55 liter bag because I like to bring beer and a few extras.
Posted on 1/16/18 at 6:15 am to jimbeam
Exos 38
2197 Cubic Inches 2 lbs 1 oz
Exos 48
2746 Cubic Inches 2 lbs 6 oz
Source:REI app
Considering the weight I would buy the 48. I think you'd be happy in the long run with 25% more space. Personally I couldn't do a 38 unless on a bet but I'm also the guy that will haul a 6 pack of pounders around.
Just a helpful hint when looking at packs. Don't compare the sizes in liters. There's no industry standard. I always compare cubic inches. After that go with a good fit.
2197 Cubic Inches 2 lbs 1 oz
Exos 48
2746 Cubic Inches 2 lbs 6 oz
Source:REI app
Considering the weight I would buy the 48. I think you'd be happy in the long run with 25% more space. Personally I couldn't do a 38 unless on a bet but I'm also the guy that will haul a 6 pack of pounders around.
Just a helpful hint when looking at packs. Don't compare the sizes in liters. There's no industry standard. I always compare cubic inches. After that go with a good fit.
Posted on 1/16/18 at 6:18 am to jimbeam
Most of the brands rate them differently. Like not including outside pockets and such. Check out some of the cottage brands as well. I love my ula ohm. Total weight comes into play as well.
Posted on 1/16/18 at 1:39 pm to jimbeam
When I planned on doing some of the AT I bought an osprey atmos 60. It was probably overkill for 3-4 days, but it felt the best out of everything I tried on at REI. I ended up returning it because I had a kid . One day I'll get out and do some long weekend backpacking, until then it's just day trips to the AT...
Posted on 1/16/18 at 4:01 pm to jimbeam
I managed to make the 38 Exos work for 2 nights and 3 days, but I also dropped off the water beforehand in gallon buckets along the trail.
You can rig the tent to stay between the top section and main section of the bag, or put it where most people put the sleeping bag pad. Once you start getting around 30 pounds, the waist straps on the 38 are borderline useless.
You can rig the tent to stay between the top section and main section of the bag, or put it where most people put the sleeping bag pad. Once you start getting around 30 pounds, the waist straps on the 38 are borderline useless.
Posted on 1/17/18 at 6:44 pm to jimbeam
Osprey Atmos 50. I've thru hiked the Appalachian Trail with one and cant say enough about it. I still love backpacking and continue to use a Atmos 50 for most of my trips. I try to get back to the A.T. A few times a year and I expect it's probably the most used pack on the the Trail (from my observations anyway). Ospreys have lifetime warranties and their customer service is first class.
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News