What is the best light weight camping backpack... probably used for hiking not to long of distances.?
I am starting to LOVE camping and am planning on going camping more offen but most of my equipment is bulky old and no longer very usable so i am planing on getting a few new things one of them is a smaller camping backpack. I need suggestions and possible links (hoply in stores so i dont have to order online if online is the best way of getting the pack then online is fine.
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It really depends on how long you plan to camp. If it is for a weekend or a week a Internal frame is comfortable. It should be a quarter of your weight. Remember, pack stuff you least nee don the bottom and if you are carrying a stove or perhaps something destroyable you can wrap it up in with clothes or towels. I'm in Boyscouts and we usually roll our clothes up to provide more room and make it more compactable.<br /> Have fun and Good luck=-)
Apr 21, 2011. 10:21 AMjveigel
says:
The Maxpedition Vulture II might be a good bag if you're looking for something without an internal frame. Or maybe the Osprey Porter 46.
Oct 21, 2009. 1:39 PMecknight6754
says:
if you want something cheap and rugged go to the army surplus store and get a medium size ALICE pack external frame so it easy to remove and lots of storage they even sell the in large sizes i know i picked one up for like $30
Oct 19, 2010. 2:10 AMafridave
says:
I agree and my preference is for military gear because it is so well made and is almost indestructible (especially the older type canvas stuff) but this quality comes at the expense of bieng somewhat heavy.
Oct 20, 2009. 5:37 PMBurf
says:
I love hiking and backpacking, I do it regularly. No finer way to get away from it all and enjoy life.<br /> Okay, it sounds to me as though you are looking for a daypack. But, buying a pack is really variable, depending on you and what you intend to use it for. <br /> Your body size and strength,<br /> Overnight, multiple nights or just long hikes,<br /> Don't get brand conscience, figure what you need, how much you can afford to spend and learn the qualities of a well constructed pack.<br /> For a beginner, (and even some of us old timers) check out the Boy's Life Outdoor gear section. Lots of great information to help you make the best decisions.<br /> http://boyslife.org/section/outdoors/<br /> The links to the outdoor gear buyers guide is on the right side of the page.<br />
Oct 19, 2010. 2:05 AMafridave
says:
For a daypack weight of the pack is not really a issue, its what you put in it that makes up the weight so choose carefully what you take with you.I personally like military gear because it is so very well made and is almost indestructible but this comes with the disadvantage of extra weight.
May 26, 2010. 11:00 AMtrf
says:
Im a bit late on an answer but i searched backpack out of boredom and came up with this. I happen to love hiking in its many forms. I have an Osprey Atmos 65 as a backpack for smaller trips. http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3662106 . I have used it overnight a few times. Ive brought this thing with me on 3 day overnight trips in the dead of winter is temps as low as -10. All i can say is its very light, very durable, and best of all comfortable.
Dec 17, 2009. 4:50 PMsockless
says:
1. External Framed
I personally prefer to have an external framed pack, but they are very rare these days. If you do decide to go for an external framed pack, DON'T get an army surplus one (ALICE pack), they aren't designed for regular hiking and don't work that well for regular hiking I've found.
2. Frameless
You should also stay away from frameless packs, as they can get really uncomfortable and you have to pack them just right.
3. Internal framed.
I've used internal frames before and I've found them to be alright, everyone seems to use them these days, but I find adjusting them a pain.
The choice is really between external and internal framed. What you should do is find mates who have both internal and external frames and put a load of bricks or something inside and go for a walk around the block to see which suits you. You could also go to a hiking shop and try them out there.
I also think that canvas is the best material to make packs out of, but they are rare too, canvas is rather waterproof and it pretty much rip-proof. Don't go for metal zips though, as they can corrode and then jam and you have to pour vinegar or CRC spray all over the zip to fix it.
It's also good to have a couple of side pockets to fit items you need handy, like torches, water bottles and beef jerky. I bottom pocket for your sleeping bag is also really useful.
I suggest you don't buy a pack online as you can't try it out and shipping can be expensive.
I don't go for the quarter weight rule either, for me it's the 1/3 weight rule. You should ideally be able to get your base pack weight (Clothes and stuff, but not food and water) down to about 10kg (22lb). You should pack all your stuff in big rubbish bags inside your pack too, so that it's waterproof. Also, don't bother rolling your clothes up, just jam them down the bottom as hard as you can.
I really need to write an instructable about this sometime.
BTW, my pack is 30 years old, just to let you guys know, and it works perfectly.
I think that's about it.
I personally prefer to have an external framed pack, but they are very rare these days. If you do decide to go for an external framed pack, DON'T get an army surplus one (ALICE pack), they aren't designed for regular hiking and don't work that well for regular hiking I've found.
2. Frameless
You should also stay away from frameless packs, as they can get really uncomfortable and you have to pack them just right.
3. Internal framed.
I've used internal frames before and I've found them to be alright, everyone seems to use them these days, but I find adjusting them a pain.
The choice is really between external and internal framed. What you should do is find mates who have both internal and external frames and put a load of bricks or something inside and go for a walk around the block to see which suits you. You could also go to a hiking shop and try them out there.
I also think that canvas is the best material to make packs out of, but they are rare too, canvas is rather waterproof and it pretty much rip-proof. Don't go for metal zips though, as they can corrode and then jam and you have to pour vinegar or CRC spray all over the zip to fix it.
It's also good to have a couple of side pockets to fit items you need handy, like torches, water bottles and beef jerky. I bottom pocket for your sleeping bag is also really useful.
I suggest you don't buy a pack online as you can't try it out and shipping can be expensive.
I don't go for the quarter weight rule either, for me it's the 1/3 weight rule. You should ideally be able to get your base pack weight (Clothes and stuff, but not food and water) down to about 10kg (22lb). You should pack all your stuff in big rubbish bags inside your pack too, so that it's waterproof. Also, don't bother rolling your clothes up, just jam them down the bottom as hard as you can.
I really need to write an instructable about this sometime.
BTW, my pack is 30 years old, just to let you guys know, and it works perfectly.
I think that's about it.
Oct 25, 2009. 12:07 PMTarzanJr (author)
says:
You All answered my question and i think i know what i want to get...
Oct 21, 2009. 5:07 AMRe-design
says:
If at all possible go to the store to try it out to see how it fits before you buy unless you can have return priviledges.
Would you buy walking or running shoes thru the mail or net? A pack that you're really going to use is going to treat you back and shoulders like you walking shoes are going to treat your feet.
Good luck and happy trails.
Would you buy walking or running shoes thru the mail or net? A pack that you're really going to use is going to treat you back and shoulders like you walking shoes are going to treat your feet.
Good luck and happy trails.
I just bought the PodSacs Blackice. It's uber. Especially since I go climbing and it's nice and strong and well designed. It might be a bit overkill for camping and walking though.
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