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Post by downriver on Jul 29, 2023 16:38:42 GMT -8
Greetings, Basecampers…
I’m looking for a lightweight daypack. I prefer a slim style. What recommendations do you have for me? Thx…!
Regards,
DR
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 30, 2023 5:53:47 GMT -8
Size? How light do you mean when you say lightweight? I don’t consider my Deuter Jade 38 UL, but it’s not bad, and carries everything I need for both short and long dayhikes (and overnights in a hut; I carried it all through Europe last summer and was comfortable with 20 lbs and more).
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Jul 31, 2023 7:39:30 GMT -8
I personally differentiate a "daypack" from a "backpack" by whether it has a real hipbelt, i.e., something that transfers weight off of your shoulders. So, will you be carrying enough weight to warrant having a hipbelt?
For a no-hipbelt light daypack, I really like my REI Flash22. It was actually a swag gift from work and I confess I probably wouldn't have bought it on my own -- but I've found it super easy to use and it's become my go-to daypack for short dayhikes (under 10 lb). I love the way the drawcord closure works, especially to open. Nice deep side pockets (the tall 32oz Smartwater bottles fit securely and it's wide enough for a Nalgene), lid pocket, bladder sleeve/port, and another secure zipped pocket big enough for phone, wallet, etc., and loops + bungee to strap on something like a collapsed hiking pole. All that said, it looks like it's been redesigned since I got mine -- mine closes with a single clip and doesn't have the fabric "hipbelt". I don't know that the changes are for the better...
For more substantial dayhikes with bigger weights, I just use my ULA Circuit cinched down, but if I were buying a new pack, I would consider the ULA Photon or something with a similar design. At that point, I think fit becomes a lot more important.
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Post by gcvrsa on Aug 4, 2023 13:12:25 GMT -8
What I'm currently using, and what I've used for a long time, is an ancient Nike ACG Karst 18 L daypack. What I am considering getting is the new LL Bean Continental Weekender, which is a new slightly taller version of their long-running Continental Rucksack.
I like that the Continental features side pockets large enough to hold a 1 L Nalgene bottle, and a rear pocket large enough to hold things I want quick access to on the trail. The main compartment is large enough for an overnight/weekend trip in Summer, when I won't need Winter-weight shelter and sleep systems.
What I don't like is these newer types of packs that have nothing but mesh pockets on the outside so everyone else on the trail can see what you are carrying, or that have only elastic closures so everything can fall out if you even bend over. No thanks. And I definitely don't like packs that have no outer pockets, unless it's for a very short day hike (like my old Nike).
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 4, 2023 13:16:40 GMT -8
REI Flash series are quite lightweight. I use an 18 as a summit pack on multi day backpacks. With no inherent structure of it’s own it’s very lightweight but not tolerant of heavier loads as something heavier with stays or a stiff structural back panel would nicely carry.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Aug 9, 2023 15:11:06 GMT -8
I don’t consider my Deuter Jade 38 UL, but it’s not bad, and carries everything I need for both short and long dayhikes Same way I feel about my (now ancient) Osprey Talon 22/33. The bladder arrangement (if you carry such) on my old packs is a bit different than normal (IME) because it's part of the suspension - right behind the front suspension panel. (I have no idea if this has changed or not in newer models.) I remember thinking it was "genius" back a decade or so ago - it was spacious enough to allow me to wrap the bladder in reflectix for hot dayhikes in the late spring/early summer.
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Post by cweston on Aug 9, 2023 17:25:31 GMT -8
I concur on the REI Flash 18 as a summit pack. It just barely holds enough for a day away from a base camp.
My actual real day pack (with a real hip belt and suspension) is a Deuter, I believe about 28-30 L. I love it.
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Post by cweston on Aug 10, 2023 5:21:40 GMT -8
Update: The pack I have is actually a Deuter Speed Lite 26.
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Post by oldbill on Aug 10, 2023 10:16:53 GMT -8
I'll have to look at that Deuter Speed Lite (32L version, 2lb) if I replace my Gregory Zulu 30 (2.7lb). The Zulu has been a great pack - excellent ventilation which helps on the humid East coast. Use it 4 seasons unless I need to carry snowshoes. Then I switch to my 3.3 lb Deuter backpacking pack. Deuter makes really comfortable packs.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 10, 2023 12:29:26 GMT -8
For slim in general I’d say look at Nordic skiing packs, they tend to be narrow to keep out of the way arm/pole movement.
In the past I’ve been pleased by my Mystery Ranch 3 zipper Snapdragon, but it and it’s current incarnation (3-day assault) are not that slim, but are good load carriers for my camera gear.
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Post by downriver on Aug 10, 2023 18:32:41 GMT -8
Thank you all for your replies…! I spent some time looking at packs online and at REI. I came close to getting an Osprey pack that was discontinued. Considered the Flash, too. Osprey’s Talon was considered as I came close to buying it in the past. I’ve always liked the looks of Mystery Ranch and Deuter packs, too. Switchback Travel had a good article on best daypacks for 2023… www.switchbacktravel.com/best-daypacks-hikingHowever, in the end, I went a different route and got a climbing pack. I’m branching out in my interests/hobbies. Climbing is something I want to get into. I always enjoyed bouldering in the past. I ended up with the pack below… Regards, DR
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 14, 2023 8:37:36 GMT -8
And that pack is???
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Post by hikerchick395 on Aug 21, 2023 8:27:32 GMT -8
I'm using a ratty old REI Flash 18. It is at the end of it's life. I use a piece of a Ridgerest for back support. I got a new REI Flash 22, but I have yet to transfer light dayhiking gear to it.
My go to, most of the time, is an old Kelty Redwing but it is not lightweight. I have to be prepared when hiking solo.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Aug 21, 2023 9:59:45 GMT -8
The logo is Salewa, and it says "Salewa" and "Apex Climb 25" on the side, albeit faintly.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 21, 2023 12:57:36 GMT -8
Stuff does go faintly after a while.
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