Backpack size

“I need a backpack that is a little big for a weekend, but I can squeeze an ultralight four day-er into. I was thinking around the size of 3800 cu in. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated”

“It ain't the size that matters, it's the way you use it!

Seriously though, I ran into the same dilema a coupla months ago. I looked at the Arc'Teryx Bora 60LT and Khamsin 62, the Osprey Aether 60, and the Gregory Gravity and Reality. I finally settled on the Bora 60LT. It's fantastic. If you're really into going ultra-light though, I'd recommend the Osprey. 3 lbs. is hard to beat.”

“To try and get a pack that allows outside attaching of items (ie tent or accessory pockets). Some of the smaller packs don't have straps on the bottom, so if you need the room inside for more clothes or food, you can put your bag or tent or whatever outside.
Also lash spots on the cap (lid) help with this too.
Pisgahforest made my choices.”

“If your going to be out in colder weather the pack should be a little bigger than a warm weather pack. Although you can always lash a jacket or some extra clothes in a stuff sack to the pack. My smaller backpacks are between 3300 and 4500 ci. for shorter lighter trips.”

“I've found that my 4200ci is good for three or four day trips. Add a couple of side pockets and I'm good for a week. Versatility is the key.”

“Yeah, 4200 is a good all around size. I like plenty of outside pockets for better organization. Plus outside straps for lashing junk to the outside.”

“Many internals can be cinched down quite small while still being able to expand for larger loads. My Lowe Alpine Hyperpacker 90+15 liter can and does work for an overnighter and up to a week or more just by adjusting the numerous straps.”

“There's an Osprey Silouhette in the gear classifieds that I'd highly recomend.It will handle anything from overnighters to weeklong trips,as it has an excellent compression system.”

“I think Hyper has the right idea, especially if you don't want to buy more than onw pack.

By the way...which part of J-Hawk country are you from?”

“For what it's worth, I used a good old US Army issue large A.L.I.C.E pack. Seems to work very well.”

“Can someone tell me if any of the recommendations talked about would work for a woman 5' 5" and 125lbs? Also, just enough for a 2 - 3days.
Thanks”

“I did a seven day trip last summer out of my 3500ci Kelty Gale. It weighs less than 3 lbs. and only cost $50 (on sale).”

“be sure that you try it on first.”

“Another option is to look for a pack that allows lashing a sleeping bag to the bottom, then for those shorter trips you can pack everything inside and on the longer ones you can lash your bag to the bottom of the pack. I am using a Cirque Works pack (3800 cu in) and this works well for me. Gregory's Reality should also work like this.

Be sure the sleeping bag does not sway or bounce around, otherwise you will regret trying this setup. Like radagast said...be sure to try it on first...with weight!

On another note...my partner mentioned the other day that for every pound a pack weights, it will carry about 10 pounds of weight comfortably....granted there are exceptions, but this seems to be pretty accurate. Anyone else notice this?”

“I didn't think size mattered to a woman.”

“Only when it's on my back. Opps that didn't sound very good, did it?”

“They're just trying not to hurt your feelings, bacpac. It's rude to laugh at a time like that.”

“ROTFL@ AZhiker and Kleety!

Good ones!”

“I just did a 3 day with "Slasher" who is the same physical description. A 3400 cu in and 25 lbs. were fine. I'd like to get the weight down, but gotta have a tent cuz of ze bugs.

Slasher got her name because about a mile in, she tripped and fell on a tree that had been cut like a pungy stick. You know, about 1/2 diameter, pointy, and cut 4 inches above the ground. Well, anyways, she slashed her legnot too bad, but was a trooper, and didn't let it slow her down.”

“I can do a 10 day summer/late spring stint with a 40 liter pack. I've done 3 day stint with 900 cubic inches during winter on Mt. Hood. But I'm a lightweight freak, so adjust according to your needs.”

“I hope 900 ci is a typo. 12 x 12 x 6.25 = 900. That isn't even a briefcase.”

“Hey Uphill what brand name BP did Slasher use? I understand about falling down. There is a hike yet that I haven't tripped on something. Does she use external or internal frame?”

“I think the pockets on my shorts are around 900 cu. in.!!”

“I got her an internal frame for the stability, as she admits, she's a tad clumsy. Of all places I found it at LL Beans in Conway New Hampshire, marked down and an additional 20 % off and no sales tax!!! LL Beans!! Something like $60.00. It says Quest on it. 3400 cu.in.

All I know is that I had her try it on, and I was taking stuff off the shelves and loading it up for it and it fit well and felt comfy under a full load. Then I just couldn't pass up the bargain, along with the guarantee. This is the first backpack for her that wasn't a book bag and she really likes the support belt, especially 4 miles in.

Only thing, it needs a bac packing style sleeping bag, small, compact, warm, warm and light. The bag compartment isn't very roomy. Kinda forces us to travel lighter. Uh, is that a bad thing? By the way, for the summer, we are using Walmart fleece bags and a fleece blanket. They zip together well, are light and warm without being too hot for summer.”

“She sounds like a trooper, Uphill. I like the gear details. I can't carry more than 25 lbs. and I thought that was terrible but maybe it's more normal than I thought.”

“Thanks Uphill
My hubby and I discovered the fleece blankets and thought they wre great. You can really roll them tight. Now I will look at internal frames, I'm so unstable... I can use all the help I can get.”

“Those fleece sleeping bags are all I use now. I?m hot natured so they are just perfect for me. Our Wal-mart usually has them on sale for about $10 most of the time. My old sleeping bag has been retired except for hunting trips during the winter. Still can't stop using my 4200 c.u. external frame though. I bought an internal but I like old faithful better.”

“Just bought a fleece bag. I'll use for the first time this weekend on the Black Creek Wilderness Trail.”

“okay so I'm getting annoying, but here is another backpack thread.”