nevermind

Too bad. I just got a new one and wanted to chat about the pack.

It looks to me as if the 3800 cu. in. is based on use of the volume in the "convertable lid". That lid is roughly 3" X 6" X 12" or 216 cu. in. or call it 200 cu. in.

I held this up next to a Vapor Trail, listed as 3800 cu. in. and the vapor trail sack envelope was about 3" longer than the sack envelope for the Nimbus Meridian.

So, I'll have to count on either greater squeezing during packing, or trimming some volume out of my pack contents. Perhaps a higher loft sleeping bag as an expensive way to gain some internal cu. in. in a pack.

Or, I can make /buy some external waterproof side pockets for the thing.

Pack manufacturers always list volume that includes all the pockets, so if it has a lid, or stupid side pockets, or whatever, that is usually counted in the volume.

I personally hate it, but pockets on a pack are a pet peeve of mine - I prefer my packs simple and light - pockets just add complexity and weight. everything I need immediate access to is in the top of my pack in my ditty bag, and I certainly don't need a plethora of outside pockets, convertable lids, or whatever...

Well, I suppose that you wouldn't be interested in how to convert those inexpensive WalMart 3/$9.95 drybags into easy to use external pockets for most bags. :-)

You could save valuable future time by posting a list of all of your pet peeves.

I actually was going to ask in my original post about the front flap (zipper part) not sewed to the bottom fabric. Then I found out that was normal looking at other pics and reviews from other users.

Being an absolute noob in backpacking, do you guys mind tell me where you stuff your tent and sleeping pad? I'm guessing the tent can go inside at the bottom layer and then the sleeping bag on top of it. The sleeping pad can hang outside latched to the compression straps near the bottom of the pack.

Thanks!

There is no hard and fast rule. I usually put my sleeping bag at the bottom of my pack. my clothing and shelter overtop of that. My pad (depending on the pack I am carrying, and the pad(s) I am carrying might be inside the pack, rolled up and carried outside, or (in the case of my usual pack) rolled in a tube with everything stuffed inside it, inside the pack.

Don't overthink it - it's still just walking while carrying stuff

[quote=swau..... do you guys mind tell me where you stuff your tent and sleeping pad? I'm guessing the tent can go inside at the bottom layer and then the sleeping bag on top of it. The sleeping pad can hang outside latched to the compression straps near the bottom of the pack.

Thanks! [/quote]

I do pretty much like what you said. I elected to put the tent at the bottom because there are often overnights when the tent is not used at all. A noon rest or a dinner fix and move on stop doesn't need the sleeping bag to be out, so the sleeping bag is the next large item from the bottom.

These two steps serve to reduce the total dumping of backpack contents except for a Tent And Sleep stop.

I also carry an oversized silnylon bag into which the tent gets loosely placed if it is wet. You could opt for carrying a tight light water resistant stuff sack for the tent, but you can end up with a large hard ball that packs poorly. You could decide on a folding pattern for the tent, and neatly fold the tent and insert it into a custom made water resistant bag which makes an easy to pack consistent shape. Of course, there is the chorus of voices who claim that by repeatedly folding the tent the same way, you are ruining it from constant creasing. Somehow, stuffing it tightly into a sack with tons of wrinkles and creases, many of which get refolded nearly every time, does not cause fabric damage. :-)