Post by almostthere on Oct 18, 2015 20:51:10 GMT -8
I use a trash compactor bag for a pack liner. I put the quilt in a stuff sack, wrap the pad (an inflatable, folding once or twice) around it, push it all the way down in the bottom, stuff hat, gloves, base layer, down jacket, extra socks, second pair underwear and my little inflatable pillow in around them to fill the air space. Roll the pack liner down squeezing out as much air as possible, until I'm leaning on the squishables and compressing them more. Then everything else gets packed on top of them. Maximizes space in the pack, minimizes bulk. With a large Bearikade Weekender, I start out the same except the bear can goes inside the pack liner on top of the quilt and mattress, then the clothing items go in around it to keep the edges of the can from wearing holes in the liner. I'll put the first aid kit, the water filter and other small items in as well, even the rain gear if it's looking like a nice enough day, to fill the spaces around the can. Roll down the pack liner, finish filling the pack.
The hydration bladder can spring a leak, rain can soak the pack, and nothing insulative gets a drop of water on it. The weight of a full canister (up to 15 lbs on a long trip) sits lower in the pack. The quilt and other soft items fill space without gaps, and are compressed as much as they'll go.
Stuff sacks are on the gravity filter (after use it can be wet, so it's a waterproof sack; I also want to keep it clean), the first aid kit (keeping all the small stuff together - and clean), the fishing gear (plano of lures, stringer, line nippers, forceps - so it can be carried easily in the mesh pocket outside the pack), and the emergency kit (firestarter, spare lighter, small waterproof container of matches, small waterproof container of cotton balls dipped in vaseline, roll of duct tape, roll of tenacious tape - yes, the two tapes do different things, one sticks well where the other does not - and my PLB). Everything else? no need for a stuff sack.
I have a ZPacks critter resistant cuben fiber food sack, for hanging food where the bears don't live. It stays home if I use the canister.
The hydration bladder can spring a leak, rain can soak the pack, and nothing insulative gets a drop of water on it. The weight of a full canister (up to 15 lbs on a long trip) sits lower in the pack. The quilt and other soft items fill space without gaps, and are compressed as much as they'll go.
Stuff sacks are on the gravity filter (after use it can be wet, so it's a waterproof sack; I also want to keep it clean), the first aid kit (keeping all the small stuff together - and clean), the fishing gear (plano of lures, stringer, line nippers, forceps - so it can be carried easily in the mesh pocket outside the pack), and the emergency kit (firestarter, spare lighter, small waterproof container of matches, small waterproof container of cotton balls dipped in vaseline, roll of duct tape, roll of tenacious tape - yes, the two tapes do different things, one sticks well where the other does not - and my PLB). Everything else? no need for a stuff sack.
I have a ZPacks critter resistant cuben fiber food sack, for hanging food where the bears don't live. It stays home if I use the canister.