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Post by trinity on Dec 4, 2015 18:39:02 GMT -8
I have been using an REI Flash 18 as a daypack for the past 3 or 4 years, and have liked it pretty well, but on longer hikes I am finding that it starts to hurt my back after a while, even with pretty light loads. My dayhikes are typically 8-12 miles over fairly steep terrain, and I'm in central Texas, so I often need to carry a fair amount of water. I am looking for something that is pretty small (20-30 liters, preferably around 22-24) but with a good stiff suspension that can provide good support and load transfer. I've been spending a lot of time trying on various packs, including Osprey Talon 22, Osprey Sirrius 24 (a women's pack), Osprey Stratos 24, Deuter ACT Trail 30, REI Trail 25 and 30, and Gregory Z 30. The most comfortable fit for me was the Sirrius, which I really tried on just for the heck of it, perhaps women's packs fit my frame a little better. Anyways, anyone know of any other packs in this category that I ought to try on before I pull the trigger? I generally prefer top loaders, though most of the packs in this class seem to be panel loaders.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 4, 2015 19:19:52 GMT -8
I don't know where you'd find one to try on but I think the Mystery Ranch Rush would fall into your function range. I've it's older-brother, the Snapdragon, for day hikes where I'm carrying more camera gear than is sane. Nice with loads. The access is a triple zipper in a Y design that allows top access but also opens down the center to the bottom. www.mysteryranch.com/rush-exAnd they've others such as their X-17 and X-20 If you're carrying "a lot of water" your load may not be that light at 2 lbs per quart and too small a volume pack isn't going to give you the load support a somewhat larger one can by reaching further down your back etc. The key to that "stiff suspension" may be a pack long (large) enough for that suspension to reach far enough to gain hip support. Otherwise you're just hanging everything off your shoulders.... |
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Post by turley on Dec 5, 2015 0:19:53 GMT -8
You could try Zimmerbuilt. His quality of construction is exceptional and if you know the specifications you want/need, he could build it. Price is very reasonable and time from order to receipt is pretty quick.
Cheers
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Post by dayhiker on Dec 5, 2015 22:01:59 GMT -8
Maybe Ski packs, made to carry a bit more weight. Or look at the carry weight (Osprey gives this info for example)
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,685 
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 6, 2015 19:18:23 GMT -8
The most comfortable fit for me was the Sirrius, which I really tried on just for the heck of it, perhaps women's packs fit my frame a little better. It's almost a disservice to label them "men's" and "women's". It's all about different proportions, which admittedly maybe run more one way or the other. I had to reject the women's daypacks in favor of a men's pack (though I've done very well with the Osprey Ariel 60, for my backpacking--a woman's pack. Go figure). |
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