Backpack + Trailless Peaks

So...

I'm not a newbie, but have a weird question.

In a few weeks, I'll be backpacking in the Catskills a ways in, setting up camp and hitting some trail-less peaks returning to the backcountry camp. So I'm in a quandry as I'd like my large volume (4700) pack for backpacking in... and then a daypack for the peak day.

How do people handle this? Do they carry a daypack with them? I also need to get a hydration bladder, so I am condsidering getting a hydration daypack - but I am thinking it would be ugly (heavy) to strap a hydration daypack on my multi-night backpack.

Thoughts?

We carry a small and very lightweight daypack when we backpack. It's really just a sack with a couple of shoulder straps. And we not only use it for a day pack--it's great for carrying our water bottles back and forth from camp to lake...and we fill it with clothes for a pillow at night.

I carry my backpack as a summit pack also, which saves the weight of carrying a smaller pack. Three nice things about taking the backpack with me:
I can take any of my gear needed since it already fit into the backpack size is not a problem.
It keeps my $800 pack close to me where its safer.
The pack is modular and can be from 29 ounces up to about 54 oz with all of the pockets, shovel holders and gadgets attached so I could simply remove the pockets, stiffener, etc and leave them in my tent. Backpack makers have been loath to produce modular packs since then people might only have one backpack, like me essentially. I do have an ancient Kelty Tioga external frame to loan friends. (and ok yeh I have 6 or more little packs including a Ray Way pack, but I don't ever carry them)
This was perhaps the final idea/use that made me pay $500 in 1988 for a Kelty White Cloud. A few years ago the water proofing started coming off the spectra so they sent me a new Cloud 6500. Nice people at Kelty.
Jim

I often carry a fanny pack with me and use it on day hikes from my base camp.

I bought a big one at Wal-Mart that came with two "Nalgene" type water bottles, and I have a small one from LL Bean that was given to me many years ago.

I've seen backpacks that have a detachable part that can be used as a fanny pack too.

If you have to bring climbing gear with you then I have no idea how that'd work for you. Bringing an empty, full-sized daypack might be the way to go. I think my Peak daypack weighs about 3 lbs. That'd be a tough one to want to lug along.

Since this is a lightweight forum, I'll suggest something like these:

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=770&CFID=1711017&CFTOKEN=63456768

http://www.owareusa.com/ under daypacks

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=139

One of these should fit your needs. Some of them could do double duty as stuffsack for other gear in your pack when backpacking.

Balzacom has the right approach. Very light daypacks have been around for years. I have used a Lowe "Alpine Attack Summit" for years (Anyone carrying an "Alpine Attack Summit" must be a really gnarly, tough dude, right?)

Despite the silly name, it is very light (3-4 oz), carries a day load very comfortably, and has a lid that protects the interior contents quite nicely. It even has a light daisy chain for technical stuff. On the approach, it is very nice stuff sack for the sleeping bag and/or clothes.

Don't bother with the hydration stuff unless you really like complex, fiddly gear that is heavier than necessary. It's just water. A plain bottle will hold it very well.

I normally carry a very light pack, so I just take everything up to the summit. I don't have to return they way I came. I don't need to find the gear I left behind. If the conditions turn against me, Ihave all your gear with me.

If you carry a light pack but want to save weight for the assault? Use your pack, but leave whatever you don't need behind in a dry bag or protected by your shelter. There are some packs which have been specifically designed to carry large loads during an approach, and then shrink for summiting. Example of this sort of design are a number of packs made by HcHale Packs, and modular packs like the Kelty Cloud line.

There are a number of companies that make stuff sack / daypack combo that are light weight. Personally, I haven't found one of these that is really comfortable, but some people really seem to like them.

Use an ultralight (frameless) packs from MLD, Gossamer Gear, Montbell, Zpack, etc. They will be between 4-16oz and carry pretty comfortably.. especially if you take your sleeping pad with you.

--mark

I love this line! And will repeat it, with your permission!

Good deal; thanks for everyone's responses.

I'll let you know what I do, but it's unlikely to involve a hydration pack. Bottles, those I have! Since it's a trailless peak and sounds pretty dense, I think I'm going to avoid using my larger full pack. I'll keep my eyes open for a light daypack...

Kevin