i was wondering what size (cubic inches) packs most of you use? im not an UL backpacker, i probably carry things that would make some of you shutter but i would like to lighten my load but im wondering if my 4000cu pack is too big.
Your 4000 CI pack is too big if you're not carrying 4000 CI worth of stuff.
I go up to about 4-5 days tops with an 1800ci "daypack" with my sleeping pad strapped on the back. though. Technically now I'm using a 50 litre (3200 CI) pack most of the time, with my sleeping pad as the frame - basically a tube on the inside that everything stuffs inside for most three season lightweight backpacking, trips up to about 7-8 days. I'm betting I'd max out at about 10 days food in that pack, with the gear I carry.
In winter I carry an enormous 70 litre jobby.
So the answer is "it depends". Your pack size shouldn't matter as much as how much weight you are carrying.
Registered: 03/04/10
Posts: 34
Loc: spotaylvania, va
i dont buy anything at the military surplus stores. nothing there worth your time. i buy what military people consider "aftermarket". yes military issue stuff normally sucks in backpacking scnerios but you have to remember thhe size of their equipment and it cant fail in the field
My "main" pack, or the one I find most comfortable, is a BD Shadow, that is rated at 55L, or 3356 Ci. I have heard that this pack is kind of lousy at it's upper weight limit, but I have usually kept it at 25 pounds or less and it has done great for me. I also have a couple other packs for vehicular hikes, and I must admit the Gregory handles more weight better, but it just doesn't "feel" as good as the BD.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
My pack is an older model Six Moon Designs Comet, unfortunately discontinued, a "little brother" of their Starlite. It's about 2700 cubic inches (~45 L) in the main bag and weighs 27 oz. with the "optional" (mandatory, IMHO) aluminum stays. I use the outside pockets a lot (tent in one side, water/snacks in the other, rain gear and a few other odds and ends in the front) but so far have never had to use the 400 cubic inch extension collar. I do have that space available should I have to carry bulkier gear. It has held up just fine to considerable use over the past 5 years. I did have to have some stitching redone after its first summer, but SMD did that for free! It has a Dyneema main bag and silnylon extension collar.
The ideal pack size, though, is the one that fits your gear plus the equivalent in weight/volume of a week's food for you and that feels good to you when you're carrying it for long periods. That's why it's important to get the rest of your gear first! If the pack is only part-way full, it usually won't balance well. The same happens if you have to tie stuff on the outside.
Edited by OregonMouse (03/05/1005:25 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Now c'mon - we're not talkin' the Vietnam era ALICE packs & external frame.
The new military packs ARE well designed. The MOLLIE (Modular) pack is big (around 7,000 cu. in.) and has internal stays. The top compartment detatches & becomes a "Patrol Pack" (butt pack on a separate harness).
Many of the smaller packs are Camelbaks of one size or another. Others for special units are Blackhawk packs, which are very well designed.
SOME for certain special operations forces are even packs made by Dana's new company (whose name I forget). The man is no slouch at designing packs.
Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
Actually, I am sure you are right. My perceptions are warped by the wonderful time I had carrying the junk that was military gear back when I kept you all from growing up speaking Russian.
Winny hey man, you could soundlessly slip your Alice pack off with the noiseless strap release. The first sound you heard was a loud BANG. I always wanted an Alice pack but couldn't afford it. My wife made me tell you all that I only have 4 major backpacks and maybe another 6 or 8 day packs. I do have 5 tents, but one is her big 8x8 car camping tent and I just sold one. Jim
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.
300, all those packs aren't standard issue, even now. For an infantry soldier, the MOLLE is standard issue. But for the rest of the troops, ALICE. Special Forces have their own gear acquisition system and own budget. They don't count.
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!