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Post by tkrick27 on Nov 23, 2015 18:08:10 GMT -8
Why do you want to get a daypack at all? I want a daypack as a starting point. I'm going to be backpacking with the wife and need to start out with day hikes before we jump all the way in. I wouldn't want our first trip to be an overnight that we're not prepared for and she ends up hating it(not that she is in any way high maintenance).
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Post by tkrick27 on Nov 23, 2015 18:19:11 GMT -8
I stopped by REI today to try out a few packs and my frame doesn't seem to be making it easy. My shoulders and chest are so broad that the pads on the shoulder straps(don't know the terminology) barely make it around my shoulder to the edge of my armpit. He measured me to make sure I was getting the right size, but he seemed to be at a bit of a loss. The packs all felt alright, the pads just ended up much higher on me then what he was used to seeing, and the guy was worried it might cause issues once I go longer distances. He put weight in it and I walked around for 5-10 minutes and it was very comfortable, but I could see where it could possibly rub if I don't watch it. Anyone else run into that issue?
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 23, 2015 18:30:35 GMT -8
Why do you want to get a daypack at all? I want a daypack as a starting point. I'm going to be backpacking with the wife and need to start out with day hikes before we jump all the way in. I wouldn't want our first trip to be an overnight that we're not prepared for and she ends up hating it(not that she is in any way high maintenance). What sort of hikes in what sort of terrain and weather? I find the biggest absorber of volume is clothing, the more variety I need the bigger the pack gets. While on a short summit run an REI Flash 18 is almost overkill. Perhaps another way to go is split the volume asymmetrically? You get a larger volume (and so larger physical size) for bulky parts of the kit while she gets one sized for her frame.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 23, 2015 22:22:38 GMT -8
ktrick, if I'm following you correctly the shoulder straps are basically a little too short, so the padding ends before the straps curve in under your arm? If that's the case, it may or may not be a problem. My pack actually fits that way, probably because the proportions on the woman's pack weren't quite right for me. I have been carrying it since 2004 and it doesn't bother me But by all means try lots of different packs and styles to see what may work. Also checking if I follow you: you are thinking about a daypack because you don't know if you'll really go on to backpacking, but you are thinking about a daypack that might do for an overnight before you decide about a larger pack. Perhaps another way to go is split the volume asymmetrically? You get a larger volume (and so larger physical size) for bulky parts of the kit while she gets one sized for her frame. By all means do this if it seems right. But I am NOT a fan of the situations where I see one member of the party carrying everything and someone carrying nothing. IMHO (and I have violated this often enough myself with the family on short hikes or daytrips from a backpacking camp) everyone should be carrying water, whistle, and a jacket at the bare minimum.
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Nov 24, 2015 4:50:01 GMT -8
However, when out backpacking, and not fishing (thus less gear needed), still always carry a UL day-pack - (part of my kit), a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack (20-Liter) - 2.4 oz., (folds up tiny!), and then have a choice what pack to then carry depending on what volume needed that particular day. That's a pretty impressive little day pack! I like the OR ones: the Peak Bagger and the Summit Sack. They both have attachments for climbing gear (axe, pons, etc; a must on my packs) as well as simple hip straps.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Nov 24, 2015 8:14:22 GMT -8
Amarug, Also looked at the OR packs - quality stuff there...but a little heavy. When out wilderness, camp set, going out for the day's adventure, and needing an ax or 'pons...anything heavy or needing a loop, then will just carry my 60 liter pack...sans tent, bag, kitchen, pad, etc. Not re-inventing the wheel here...thinking of the lightest option possible. Some days you need a larger day pack (summit push or for fishing); other days, the a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack (20-Liter) - 2.4 oz. - works for me. I see no need for any other dedicated day pack.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Nov 24, 2015 9:49:54 GMT -8
Our man from Illinois has the correct strategy, his plan is right on. As for the day pack. I've had an Osprey Strato 24 for years. It works and serves as a decent 3-season all-round day hike pack.
From an investment or anti-up perspective, I'd recommend a focus on outerwear and footwear. A nice wind & rain outer layer, hiking shoes that fit followed by a mid-layer fleece jacket or vest is my advice. Cost-effective yes, frugal no...spend the money here first.
If the hiking game plan doesn't work out, you can still use the clothing day-to-day, no financial loss. Your financial exposure becomes the cost of the day pack.
Westy's Cardinal Rules for Start-Up Hiking Families
•Wife and children shall never be cold, wet or uncomfortable due to weather.
•Happy feet make for a happy wife and a happy hike!
•Start with short, easy hikes, slowly and incrementally increase distance and terrain difficulty.
•Objective: To encourage the hiking family member to go again
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