(Part 3) Best hiking backpacks & bags according to redditors
We found 1,398 Reddit comments discussing the best hiking backpacks & bags. We ranked the 813 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
http://www.jamesmcadam.co.uk/table_for_sale.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shield-Bamboo-Defense-Night-Bedside/dp/B00OXVHJLU
https://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/self-defense-night-stand/
Here are a couple links that are the same idea.
Not OP, but it appears to be a thing:
http://www.jamesmcadam.co.uk/table_for_sale.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shield-Bamboo-Defense-Night-Bedside/dp/B00OXVHJLU
The best I've found, and what I personally use, is the the Eagle Creek Daypack. The material is not shiny unlike most packables, so it looks slightly more professional. It's not perfect, but it's good enough. It's also a lot lighter than some of the "packables" mentioned here.
Strap to a frame like
https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Deluxe-Freighter-Aluminum-Frame/dp/B001RL5PHY/
Mountaintop 40 liter pretty good for 40 bucks, however I'm upgrading again soon. This one is great and I've had it for about two years now with no sign of wear and tear but I wish I had gone with a 50 or 60 liter bag as the 40 really strains for space on a week long trip. Its perfect for about three days however and that's usually what I do anyway. here's some pics of mine the thing I was most concerned about was support and this does a decent enough job, I'd say 7/10. It has molded foam support which is good but a external frame style seems better to me ( however that's a opinionated subject ) id reccamend going ahead and getting either this one or a larger Teton, or the larger version of mine if your planning on staying out for more than 5 days or so. Less than that and I'd highly recommend mine :)
From my experience these are good:
https://www.amazon.com/Hydration-Reservoir-Military-Replacement-Climbing/dp/B071DQSZB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=waterbags+bladdrs&qid=1563148472&s=gateway&sr=8-1
It looks like some cheap Chinese brand.
If you’re looking for something cheaper that will still hold up I suggest these
https://www.amazon.com/TETON-SPORTS-Explorer-Internal-Backpack/dp/B002XF8106
Or this for a little more
https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Coyote-65-Backpack-Black/dp/B01JHK9UOU/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=kelty+internal+frame&qid=1568936212&s=gateway&sr=8-9
Edit. Here’s a clone of the first link rebranded as Amazon Basics. This is a better price depending on the size and color
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Internal-Hiking-Backpack-Rainfly/dp/B077P17P2N
Have you seen the Amazon Basics hiking pack? $55 US for a 55L internal frame with an actual warranty. Only downside I can see is it's a bit heavy at 4.27lbs. And possibly those bottle holders on the side.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Internal-Hiking-Backpack-Rainfly/dp/B06Y58B6RY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&th=1
My vote would be this, or this.
Light & Cheap. & Light.
Yes! What you do is get a frame back pack with just the frame, put the gravel in a burlap sack, and strap the sack to the pack using either bungee cords or paracord. Something like this is ideal https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Deluxe-Freighter-Aluminum-Frame/dp/B001RL5PHY
Here ya go!
Yes - this is a common complaint with the bladder that comes with the Mini. It is just too small.
I switched to using the Evernew 1.5L bladder and its WAY better. I highly suggest it.
Or - another option I've experimented with - putting the filter in-line with my Platypus bladder. The 3 Liter bladder lives in my backpack, with the tube running over my shoulder next to my head. I fill the bladder with dirty water and drink all day. No real work to filter, on-demand clean water. The only problem here is that you need a second filter to make clean water for cooking (unless you full boil your water each time).
Great video! Can't believe you're bringing an external monitor/keyboard/mouse with you, but I guess it makes sense given your job. Is the water bottle necessary? You can use plastic bottles or try out a rollable plastic bottle like Evernew (https://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASIRMO?th=1&psc=1). I'd also recommend against the UE Boom. I love mine and it is nice for travel, but it takes up quite a bit of space. If I'm desperate for a speaker nowadays I take the UE Roll which is much more compact and has an elastic band making it easier to wrap onto things.
You can definitely get away with a few less boxers/socks, but if you hate doing laundry then it is what it is. To go a step further you could probably ditch the Chucks and just keep the Nike/sandal combo, but I'm the same way and usually pack Chucks or Vans because they're great casual shoes and pack up relatively small.
I have a Gonex zippered bag that I suspect is from the same exact manufacturer.
I cut some stuff off and its about 8 oz. Its a pretty good day pack or beach pack, and you can easily fit an overnight load in it if you so pleased. Side pockets arent durable but the holes in mine so far havent affected performance.
Its not as good as a Flash 22, but its also a third the cost. I got mine as a gift in one of the UL secret santa gift exchanges, but its a lot of backpack for the price.
I have the escape 4300 that I have been alternating to when I'm not packing my REI Flash 45, and I have no bad feelings about it. Budget pack that I got for less than $60, one main compartment with side mesh is nice, plus the lid compartments are plenty big for stuff I need quickly (snacks, tp, first aid, etc). Adjustable shoulder harness is easy to fit, and has plenty of ventilation. Other than maybe being a little heavier than some of the other big named brands... I haven't seen a reason to change to another pack (other than when I downsize to my Flash 45 when hammock camping)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01G7SQCCS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1496851832&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=LifeStraw&psc=1
I bought this and I love it, so you can always have safe drinking water.
Sun screen is outrageously expensive. I literally just bought sunscreen yesterday 125ml for almost 400 baht.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HNSSV3U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496851895&sr=8-1&keywords=sunscreen+sticks
These are great and don't count against your liquids
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I8Y4GE6/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496851979&sr=sr-1&keywords=conditioner+bar+coconut
Again; then your conditioner doesn't count against your liquids. The off spray (high deet) I bought yesterday was 125 baht. So super cheap. I also brought these and they've helped a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01F85OLV0/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1496852045&sr=8-14&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mosquito+repellent+bracelet
Good luck. Seriously don't really worry about clothes. They're so much cute and cheap stuff here that you'll want to buy. I'm on day 36 of a 6 month trip and I hardly packed a full weeks worth of clothes, I've bought elephant pants and some sun dresses and tanks. Bring clothes you're going to wear out and then just toss by the end of your trip. Also if you get your clothes laundered almost everything will shrink. So seriously. Bring crap clothes.
Also. Something I always do before a long trip which is super tough for me is, pack your bag like three or four days before you're going to leave. And then carry your bag around for like thirty minutes. Is it too heavy?!? Is there stuff that you might not need? Seriously the humidity is so awful you're going to want the lightest pack you can manage.
Also, Sorry for all the amazon spam;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014EMLHDI/ref=sxts_bia_sr_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496852346&sr=1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2973120562&pd_rd_wg=yJVQ3&pf_rd_r=JGQZZHPMCMNCVT60Q1KT&pf_rd_s=mobile-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=9701&pd_rd_i=B014EMLHDI&pd_rd_w=rgIAm&pf_rd_i=new+outlander+daypack&pd_rd_r=WR7FRCG79DFHJ886G5V0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65
This bag is a god send. I used it as my carry on bag, for my essentials for the flight and then it folds up super small! So when I want to go out for the day and want to bring a few things I shove it all in that. Also. I love my money belt. I use it here all the time. I actually have the "spy belt" brand and so when I go out at night I have some cash and a place to stash my iPhone and I'm still hands free. I think it looks less desiring that a large shoulder purse that someone may want to take. 😊sorry if this is too much info. Holla if you have any other questions!! I might be able to help.
She doesn't necessarily need to buy a hydration pack, just the bladder which is much cheaper.
I bought this one for Bonnaroo last year and it was perfect. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DQSZB8/
Hey all. Relatively new to the ultralight scene, but have been trying to go lighter weight over the last few years. Will probably still be a while before I'm true ultralight (6lbs for the big 4?), but my current plan would have me at 7-7.5 lbs for the big 4. Was curious about your input / any suggestions for improvements:
Overall, $350/7.4 lbs for the big 4. I definitely know there's room for improvement and I will probably be replacing things as I can afford it. The most obvious place for improvement is the bag, but I'd actually bought one for my wife as a temporary hiking bag for our first hike-in camp together but we ended up both really liking it. It's comfortable and for $27 it was hard to pass up, especially as it has all the compartments I like in a hiking bag (i.e. access to the bottom section for the sleeping bag). Welcome to criticisms and suggestions.
[This is the pack I just got from amazon recently] (http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Escape-Ultralight-Internal-Backpack/dp/B006JYHI24/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345071118&sr=8-2&keywords=Teton+ultralight). Its made by Teton sports, which I had never heard of but has good reviews. Honestly the material is the same as a $200 plus pack just without the frills. Zippers are nice and strong and the stitching looks quality.
I packed about 45lbs into it to test when I got it. I'm heading out for a week in the mountains on Friday. Its fully adjustable and has removable aluminum stays that you can shape to your back to get the best comfort and weight distribution which is awesome. It takes a bit of trial and error with the shoulder straps to get the distribution right but I got it to where it felt really nice and did a mile out and back with no pain.
Its just over $100 bucks so its in your range and qualifies for free shipping from amazon. But honestly if its just one day I think you could get something smaller and cheaper.
[Maybe this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Summit-Ultralight-Internal-Backpack/dp/B006JYHH34/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345072392&sr=8-4&keywords=Teton+ultralight) which is half the size and considerably cheaper
EDIT: Also in the past I have found really nice packs for cheap on craigslist. You can almost always find a nice REI or north face pack in good shape around your price range. Another option at least
I would recommend the Teton Explorer 4000. 65L and you can't beat the price. I only hear people talk about Osprey and Eddie Bauer on here, but I've seen a few people live out of their Teton packs.
http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Explorer4000-Internal-Backpack/dp/B002XF8106
This one I found is apparently sold out.
I've got one of these. Haven't used it much yet, but it seems to be well made.
Edit: Since mine's not available now, this one looks to be virtually identical. And if you want name brand, the Osprey Ultralight is similar.
I am looking into getting a farpoint 40 for my first main pack.
I have just bought the sea to summit pack today, waiting for it to arrive, could be worth a looking. 20l.
Was the aim of getting the farpoint so it can travel with you as a carry on [thats why im thinking of getting it]
I bought one of these things. You can wear it on your back like a reverse fanny pack, or turn it around and wear it on the front. It also comes with shoulder straps if you are hiking or something to take the weight off.
I kept it strapped on and towards the front on any ride I went on and had only one issue where an operator said that I had to take it off. As it had my pump in it, I said no, it has medical equipment inside and I must wear it. The last thing I need is for a ride to get stuck and then there I am trapped for a half hour or more without juice or insulin.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GMTZLIS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Actually, most all Osprey packs are on sale on several websites. This must be one of their approved clearance times.
REI has a discount on Osprey packs. Any Osprey packs in the REI Garage are an additional 20% (could get a Stratos 24 for under $80).
Moosejaw has a sale going.
Even Amazon, as mentioned above, is running good prices. Picked up the Talon 22 for sub-$90. Great all around backpack for trails, bike rides, commuting, photography, etc.
I'm sure there are some other sites worth checking out, but those are the ones I browsed before pulling the trigger on the blue Osprey Talon 22 from Amazon (and it arrived within a day!)
A couple years ago I had been hiking a lot and decided to see if backpacking was for me. I didn't want to jump too deep into the gear money pit without knowing how I'd like longer overnights so I bought a set of cheaper gear and have been slowly replacing it.
I started with this pack from Amazon. (I think it was only $50 when I got it) Its not the best pack in the world, but I was really happy with it on my first several trips. I've since replaced it with a nice Gregory and the main differences are that the Gregory carries its load more comfortably and feels more reliable (meaning it will last longer). The front end of this pack felt perfectly solid, but the connection between the pack and the shoulder straps seemed like it might give out after a couple years.
I bought this tent and still use it. There are lighter, more backpack-y options for sure, but for $100 I'm very pleased with it. It takes up way too much of my pack, but it holds up well and has never leaked on me.
Re pack size: Some folks would probably have no problem getting gear + supplies for a 4 night trip in a 45L pack. However, for folks like us who are newer at this I'd say go bigger. Get a 65L for anything over 2 nights. Part of cutting down your pack size is experience in knowing what you will need and what is dead weight. Also people who are more experienced have invested $$ in lighter gear or learned to fashion their own light weight gear.
Get a backpack. It's super easy and convenient, much more so than a purse, since your hands are free.
I have a heavy duty one for my laptop (plus whatever), as well as a smaller collapsible one like this. The latter is great for when I'm out on a walk since I can just fold it up and keep it clipped to my belt until I'm ready to load it up.
I am a fan of the Osprey Talon 22. 22 > 18 I know, but it was close enough that I figured I would mention it.
I have used this pack on a couple winter day hikes this year. Its comfortably fits my food, up to 100oz of water, microspikes, and emergency overnight gear on the inside and an ice axe on the outside. I havent used it yet in the summer, but I see it being perfect for day hikes and single overnight hikes.
EDIT: Corrected 100L to 100oz. 100L is a lot :)
In your first post you said:
>although they mentioned it was radio controlled in the final versions.
I assumed you wanted to know how to emulate that with modern electronics.
It looks like for the passive movements they went for passive spring action.
You might think about starting with an alice pack frame. Cheap milsurp frame for a pack, but they're excellent for attaching any kind of load bearing apparatus to yourself comfortably because they're intended to distribute the weight.
Find a way to attach the support members for the head and the tail to the frame.
Since the tail is thick I'll bet you could use a flexible metal rod going through the middle of the foam, and with a cable at the end tied to somewhere higher up on your back. That would make it cantilever so that it would swing back and forth at a level height.
The neck is going to be tricky if you're going to make it like theirs. Kind of looked like they used a urethrae or some other kind of stiff rubber honeycomb. You might be able to 3d print something like that.
You also may be able to use the same trick for the head as the tail, only with a rigid beam and a ball-and-socket joint, or something like that.
Those are just thoughts.
As already mentioned, digitigrade stilts will give you the foot angle you're looking for. They're tricky to build, but it can be done with just a drill press, a vice, a flat bastard-file, and a hacksaw.
They'll also make you taller. The longer they are, the harder they tend to be to balance on. I've played around with using passive pneumatic springs on a set I've got about half-built. The foot piece is still a crude prototype, but the upper components are pretty much where I want them. Here's a quick video of one of them
These have a pretty long metatarsal member, I stand roughly 7'6" in them resting, and if I lean forward I can get up to 7'8" when I lean forwards. So it would definitely make for a more impressive costume.
PSA - this pack goes on sale [BRAND NEW/never used] every few months on amazon for less than or around $200.
http://camelcamelcamel.com/Osprey-Atmos-Backpack-Graphite-Large/product/B00PZKUXU2
It can be a PITA but also it weighs very little and is pretty simple to use - just gets annoying "squeezing" a lot of water through the filter, specially if you are filling up like 4L of water for camp. I did buy a 900mL Evernew water bag that works much better than the bag that comes with the squeeze. I also saw a post AT hiker review where he mention that getting the regular squeeze is better than the mini, since it has much better flow. He suggested for short (non thru hikes) that the mini should be fine but he preferred the regular, even with the little weight penalty.
I did one like this so I could fold it up and keep it in my jacket until needed
Gonex 30L Lightweight Packable Backpack Handy Travel Daypack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0116Z6F7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lopqDbW3RDAQZ
I used baby oil for chafing. It worked pretty well, and I use it before swimming/getting wet so I don't need a shower afterwards.
And as far as a light back pack, I used this one it worked fairly decently at keeping the contents relatively dry during a rain storm. And it dried quickly afterward.
You don’t need to buy a whole new pack. This happened to me and I bought this from Amazon and have never had problems.
https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-EBY207-Evernew-Water-1500ml/dp/B001ASIRMO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1533760953&sr=8-2&keywords=evernew%2Bhydration%2Btube&th=1&psc=1
super light, super packable, quite durable. I've been using a pair of these for years.
Compatible with sawyer squeeze as well
Current bag is this backpack, although - full disclosure - I haven't used it yet! My go-to was an eBags crossbody (Piazza) which I highly recommend if anyone prefers crossbody, but after a full day at the parks and a fully loaded bag I would end up with ONE sore shoulder. I finally decided to get the same backpack my friend had when we went to DL. It's the perfect size and folds up into a pouch for easy packing!
EverNew are the water bags that fit, and they're a lot better than the bags that come with the Sawyer.
But right now it's kind of hard to find them. Once word got out they they're a good fit on the Sawyer filters they've been sold out.
http://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-900-ml/dp/B001ASIRMO
I got some straps like these at the hardware store and fastened my case to a pack frame like this one. It's decently comfortable.
Just FYI: If you go for the Squeeze, get one of these Evernew bags.
They are much nicer and way easier to fill than the standard bags Sawyer ships with that filter.
Alice frame?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0033ZMY1W for the Brits.
Just ordered one, will be great for my commute to work, no need to carry the empty pack back after lunch!
Amazon sells a 55L for $55.
Keep in mind it may catch fire and explode into a million pieces your first night out, but ya never know. Packs are something that you get what you pay for. It may be all you need for a few light trips, though. Give the reviews a look and report back if you get one and use it.
I have never tried this, but if I did I would give it a go with an A.L.I.C.E frame.
I have one of those frames and you can use it for all sorts of weird unwieldy things that need transporting.
Nice example, a friend of mine took the radiator out of his truck to take to a radiator repair shop. Having no second car he put the radiator on the A.L.I.C.E. with straps and cycled off to the shop.
He was not on a brompton but could have been.....
Also I have used it for a full jerry can of fuel.
I've been using a regular sized backpack while my fiancee uses a fanny pack. After lugging around too much stuff, I realized that we only need another fanny pack. I bought this one (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GMTZLIS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it is pretty awesome!
Its hi-tech bag made for hiking (super comfy!!!) little stretchy and waterproof. I put camera with lens into shoulder bag and then into rucksack. If you carry extra lens, just put it in pouch or something. Looks good as well and coz I cycle a lot its perfect bag for biking too.
My daily load is 13" laptop+d810+105f1.4 and there's still space for jumper or jacket. It has flexible outside pocket where you can put lots of stuff as well. go somewhere to shop check it out.
Here's mine and here is rain cover, It has straps on sides where you can attach tripod.
Using the evernew compressible bottles with the sawyer screwed on to the top is my favorite option by far, and solves all problems. But they ain't cheap.
Also, as a side, planning on following this DIY pre filter add on before my next trip.
If all I'm carrying for the whole trip is a daypack, then I'll use my Osprey Daylite Plus.
But if I'm backpacking, setting up a basecamp, and then running around exploring during the day with a daypack? I just bring my tiny stowable Naturehike 18L backpack. Only weighs 120g and is worth tossing in my main ruck when backpacking so that I have some flexibility to leave the big bag back at camp. The side pockets hold a Nalgene perfectly, and the waterproof fabric has held up pretty well to what I've thrown at it.
I am 6'6, 205 and just picked up an Osprey Atmos 65 AG for $183 all said and done. Should be on my doorstep by the time I get home.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PZKUXU2/
Amazon had this for ~$195 last week, but an amazon seller had it ~193 without tax, free shipping, REI-level return policy, and with the amazon prime store card I did get 5% back.
I was debating the Flash 65 but it didn't make sense at the same price as the Osprey.
I have the same daypack, the Sea To Summit Ultrasil Day Pack, and it's fantastic. I'm actually on my second one because I wore the first one out.
Not sure what you are asking, but the quality/durability issues with the No Limits brand seem chronic. My buddy wanted a really cheap pack to get into backpacking and settled on the Teton Scout 3400 (55L). It's a decent quality pack with plenty of features for a beginner. Currently available on amazon for $65: http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Scout-Internal-Backpack/dp/B00AE31RJQ
They also make a larger (65L) pack: http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Explorer-Internal-Backpack/dp/B002XF8106/ref=pd_sim_468_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41i6Oh9FSNL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR162%2C320_&refRID=1N8YEFCF077RTS8AHSZ7
Be careful about getting into huges packs (anything over 65L is a big pack). It's hard not to fill out all the space in your pack, so the larger your pack, the more you will bring. I understand you are new to the sport and may not have "ultralight" gear, but just be aware that the amount of weight on your back will have a huge impact on your enjoyment, especially as a beginner.
I don't use your bag, but I carry a 12" Macbook with me everywhere abroad. My laptop goes in my day pack 99% of the time, but it fits in my reservoir sleeve as well.
My Laptop Case - Not waterproof or anything, but it protected my laptop (minus an issue with the screen) in a motorcycle accident where I broke my sternum. It doubles as a stand of sorts.
My Daypack - 2.4oz, tiny, everything I need.
great deal and really nice features on that pack. Anywhere to get it in the US?
I got this one recently - 18L and 4.5ish oz for about $15. Wanna trade? :-)
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753ZQDGN/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon Basics is a brand a lot of campers go to. They're crazy cheap while being very very well made.
Get a nice 40L or 55L Amazon Basics backpack and not only will it serve you for many years of active use, but it's innocuous, low profile, and very comfortable to wear over long distances if you have to.
Example: AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly, 55 L, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y58B6RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ODF4AbBMPD8RC
They have high ratings for a reason. Really quality product.
I'm thinking i might end up on this one but it's definitely still an open field.
Bags
I’m actually a two bagger (don’t kill me!). However that is everything I own. My main bag is a Tortuga Air. I would love to go fully one bag, but I have a CPAP that takes up a bit of room. I also have a Tom Binh Synapse 25 (I just got it, before that I was using a Timbuk2 messenger bag as my personal item). I switched to the Synapse because When I have to carry around both for a while having my heavy gear bag around my neck caused an incredibly sore neck. I needed something with real straps.
Tortuga Air
First I’ll deal with the Tortuga. I love that bag. I’ve been using it for about 1.5 years now and it looks almost the same as when I bought it. I’ve wanted to get a new bag, but I can’t justify replacing it while it’s going so well. Their are tons of in-depth reviews of the Tortuga that will go more in depth then anything I’ll do, but I’ll go over it a bit. I love that it lays completely flat when open and that it has compression straps inside the main compartment as well as the outside. The half mesh zip side of the bag is also nice for separating out smaller things if you aren’t using packing cubes. The mesh is surprisingly strong too. I put my CPAP in that mesh area for the past year and it hasn’t ripped through. Just be sure not to put anything pointy in there (like power cables). It holds as much as you really need.
The only stuff that annoys me about it is that the smaller front compartment can get squished out if you put too much stuff in the mesh compartment. This is probably not an issue for most people, but my CPAP makes the bottom part of the front pocket pretty unusable. Although I managed to put my big li-ion battery in there (20,000 mah). The “Water bottle” pocket isn’t big enough for my water bottle, however I don’t really use the bag for stuff like that. I keep a deck of cards (plastic) and my head torch (Petzl) in that pocket. Always ready for the dark or a good drinking game.
Tom Binh Synapse 25
Like I said earlier I just got this a week or two ago. I got it with the padded hip belt, and the Freudian Slip. The Feudian Slip doesn’t look like something that I’ll use though. It takes up WAY too much room and I use quite a few pens and notebooks but it’s too much even for me. I’m replacing it with some Tom Binh stuff sacks. The hip belt was probably superfluous, but when I’m just going for a couple of weeks the Tortuga is overkill and I figured I could get by with the Synapse. My initial thoughts on the bag when I got it went something along the lines of, “DAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!” I’m very impressed with the overall worksmanship. That nylon is super durable feeling and the zippers are on point. I am pretty rough on bags and I think that this one will do me pretty good for quite a while.
I love the front pockets and the water bottle pocket, although I’m currently using that for my umbrella and have my water bottle (a collapsed Vapur Eclipse). The bottom holds my over-sized but very nice toiletry/first aid kit, and I have cables, pens, batteries, and eating utensils in the side pockets. The inside is one of my laptops, I’ll probably put my iPad in there too, my notebook, my cable/tech organizer, and a small packing cube of clothes. It’s probably a week worth of clothes if you pushed it. This is so that if my main bag got lost while traveling I wouldn’t be screwed.
I know that I could probably get by with just the Tortuga, but well I don’t feel like it and I like having a separate work bag. Also I don’t pack too many clothes. I pack too many cables. WHY do I fell the need to pack 3 cables of every type when I know that micro USB and thunderbolt cables are ubiquitous? I blame society, and my hatred of cables constantly breaking. Oh well, USB C is still pretty hard to find at convenience stores anyway.
Stuff I don’t like about it, hmm, I haven’t road tested it yet. I’m staying with family to help my brother with the baby once he’s born (hopefully today). However I hope to get it on the road in the next month or so, and do a weekend trip in a couple of weeks. The straps are pretty stiff, but I’ve read they break in really well after a little while. I wish the adjustment straps for the main straps had a clip to make them not bounce around when you’re walking. That’s minor and I’ll probably just rubber band them, or maybe make a clip out of something.
Odd Bags
I also just got a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack which replaces the old Tortuga packable day pack I had. Don’t grab one of those by the way. Mine ended up having the bottom completely shredding along the seams after about 6-7 months. Granted I was pretty hard on it, but still. It looked like a cat had shredded it finely. No way to repair. I like having an extra bag like this for the beach, or just to grab some groceries.
I also got a Scrubba to replace my old dry bag I got in the Philippines. It allows me to wash my clothes in it very easily, and it packs down MUCH smaller than my old dry bag, although it doesn’t feel as durable. The old one was just a big bag of rubber and felt like you could throw it down a rocky hill and it would be fine. I also used it as a cooler periodically. That’s actually a pro tip for you guys. Put ice in your dry bag and some beers for the beach. BAM instant (not very effective) cooler.
Eagle Creek Packable Daypack, Black, One Size
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH44JXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3Ol4CbT45H8PD
This guy is the greatest! Used it all across Europe and it weighs nothing. I even wore it backwards to make it theft-proof
This:
http://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASISRS#
With this:
Evernew Hydration Tube EBY271 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQYY2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5xkJub17B09EB
If you don't need it to last long, there are a lot of cheapo bags on Amazon. Amazon Basics will probably last you a few trips.
These packable bags seem interesting, no idea if they're any good.
LL Bean and Jansport also sell reasonably priced bags that will last a while.
http://www.amazon.com/A-L-I-C-E-BackPack-shoulder-straps-waistbelt/dp/B000KD3GTE
Theoretically, yes.
Get a few of the batteries, each of those is only slightly larger than the built in battery, you will be lucky if you get about a half hour each.
Also, for the pack, go with a frame.
https://www.amazon.ca/Stansport-Deluxe-Freighter-Aluminum-Frame/dp/B001RL5PHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458344933&sr=8-1&keywords=hiking+frame+pack
Carrying that much on your back is always going to look stupid, so at least make it comfortable.
I've recently purchased this bag but I've still yet to use it.
Found these 3 so far, reckon any of them would fit my needs?
​
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019N5CYEW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=skyscanner05-21&linkId=0e8b29cd0edbce646dc19ae05c83f0a9
​
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowe-Alpine-Lightflite-Carry--Backpack/dp/B00SN0RZ7K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1468410936&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Lowe+Alpine+AT+Lightflight+Carry+On+40+ltr&linkCode=sl1&tag=skyscanner05-21&linkId=7e3a13ab44fb243163d50fba5883b5b0
​
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ventura-40l-rucksack-p13377.aspx/black/
I bought this backpack/fanny pack combo last year and it was a game changer.
As many of the other commenters have stated - buy your pack to fit your gear. If you buy your pack first you will find all sorts of things to fill it with.
That said - I have the Deuter pack a size larger than this - the Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10 Pack. and it works great for my needs. I have used it on many weekend trips and one 10 day trek. All my trips are Boy Scout trips, so we tend to carry more gear than non-Scouts. The 10 day trek was to Philmont last summer. Philmont required us to carry several days worth of bulky food at a time. My gear took up about 2/3 of the pack and then I had plenty of room left for food or large water dromedaries when needed. The +10 expansion worked great for this as I could fill to the brim and then shrink it down as we used up the food and water.
A couple critiques I have about this line of packs.
If you are a beginner and want to try something cheaper to get started - we
have had luck with Teton brand backpacks for our Scouts. My son took the
[Teton Escape 4300](
https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Ultralight-Internal-Backpacking-Mountaineering
/dp/B006JYHI24/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481035907&sr=8-1&keywords=teton+4300)
to Philmont and it worked well for him. The Teton Hiker
3700 might be more the
size you are looking for.
The trouble is I'll have camera gear so maximising and have backpack mode is a must. Currently looking at this:
Lowe Alpine AT Light Flite Carry-On 40 Backpack - Anthracite, One Size https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SN0RZ7K/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_QplNwb6G2Z2HQ
I use a super cheap foamy pad kinda like this one and an Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt. For shelter I carry the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout. Wish I could afford the Skyscape X... saving my pennies for that one maybe in another year or two.
No joke, the dish rags I use are paper thin. I wish I could find an example of them on Amazon. Maybe I'll get spunky later and upload a picture.
While we're recommending gear, I highly recommend snagging one of these. It's weighs 0.4oz, clips to anything, puts out a tremendous amount of light, practically indestructable, and the battery lasts forever. I keep one on my keychain all the time and it's my backup flashlight if my head lamp were to croak.
Also, your day pack is really heavy. What do you really plan on carrying? Something like this would save you a full half pound.
I started my 2015 thru hike with the z65, I don't recommend it. I switched to the Osprey Atmos AG. I wrote and in depth review about it on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Atmos-Backpacks-Graphite-Large/dp/B00PZKUXU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451355752&sr=8-1&keywords=atmos+ag
IDK What sort of weather you'll be camping/hiking in, but this is a pretty basic list of gear that I would take if I were on a budget:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JYHI24/?tag=ultrastuff-20
http://www.amazon.com/Suisse-Sport-Adventurer-Ultra-Compactable-Sleeping/dp/B001TR7QZA/ref=sr_1_3?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1408072994&sr=1-3&keywords=ultralight
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FB7XYXM/?tag=ultrastuff-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002COCF3M/?tag=ultrastuff-20
That's a bag, tarp, hammock and sleeping bag. They all have great ratings and should get you through just about anything.
Me, personally, I carry my hammock, a wool blanket and my tarp from http://www.bushcraftoutfitters.com/ ( http://www.bushcraftoutfitters.com/Coyote-Tarp-10x10-tarp-10x10-coyote.htm ) in my army surplus bag. I also carry my stainless steel pot and cup, cordage, zip ties, leather gloves, folding saw, axe and knife with me when I'm out in the woods. I have a "space blanket" too.
My pack could be lighter for sure, but everything I have serves a purpose.
Whenever you decided you want to get into campinp/hiking/bushcraft/whatever, decided what you really need/want to have with you. Don't just jam random "camping" supplies in your bag. Take your time, research and pack carefully. Your back will thank you.