Pack for overnight to week-long treks

[Lamont]

Wonder what it is about the Aarns? People seem to either love them or hate them. Seems to be no middle ground.
Wouldn't mind putting one on myself to see what goes on.
Also just looking at the Wilderness Threadworks site-(listed some of the ready to post in the 'Specials thread') what about the Ossa FNM?
https://wildernessthreadworks.com/ossa-48l/
I had basically this model a while back and it carried well.
Something to consider at least when you work out the size you'd like.
Again, no affiliation.[/quote]

Yeah, the Ossa is still on my short (read, long) list, Lamont. Thanks! I'm just not sure I'm ready to take that step to such an UL/minimalist setup. However, one of my schools of thought at the moment is perhaps I could run with a specialist L/UL pack around that 50L mark, especially if less than $300, as it would probably. As an eg, the Ossa and a secondhand purchase would maybe set me back $450.

Looking forward to getting out of quarantine so that I determine the volume of my gear![/quote]

It's not unusual to do the two rucksack plan. One for shorter trips and maybe warm weather gear and a larger one for longer and/or cold weather trips.

[FNM]

I may have the name/weather feature incorrect, pretty sure I have a 60L though!

From what I've seen the Exped fabrics are perhaps middle weight denier, petfectly alright just the overall trade off between a pack that may tear or last a few years vs one that you can pass on to your children (Mont WE etc)


My hunch is you will collect a few.

you might be right!

I do look after my gear fairly well, bc I try to waste as little as possible (for the environment and my hip pocket!). I think the next period of my quarantine will be sussing out the materials used on the packs on my short-list! Could have a handy excel to share by the end of this

[FNM]

Wonder what it is about the Aarns? People seem to either love them or hate them. Seems to be no middle ground.
Wouldn't mind putting one on myself to see what goes on.
Also just looking at the Wilderness Threadworks site-(listed some of the ready to post in the 'Specials thread') what about the Ossa FNM?
https://wildernessthreadworks.com/ossa-48l/
I had basically this model a while back and it carried well.
Something to consider at least when you work out the size you'd like.
Again, no affiliation.

Yeah, the Ossa is still on my short (read, long) list, Lamont. Thanks! I'm just not sure I'm ready to take that step to such an UL/minimalist setup. However, one of my schools of thought at the moment is perhaps I could run with a specialist L/UL pack around that 50L mark, especially if less than $300, as it would probably. As an eg, the Ossa and a secondhand purchase would maybe set me back $450.

Looking forward to getting out of quarantine so that I determine the volume of my gear![/quote]

It's not unusual to do the two rucksack plan. One for shorter trips and maybe warm weather gear and a larger one for longer and/or cold weather trips.[/quote]

Yeah, if it works out financially similar, I guess it makes sense. Anyway, only one train of thought at the moment. A 60L Blaze or Flex Capacitor could still do the trick for all but the rarest hikes, for me.

[J M]

I'm finding the Exped Explorer 60 but can only see the Thunder in 70 (and still only 1.5kg!) ... I do like Exped - one of my preferred brands, but given that Bogong put a warning up about the durability of the pack by pointing out that it is UL and not as robust as the Exped Explore, I think it's probably less durable than I'd like. In saying that, I'm glad I took a closer look at the Expeds and the Exped Explore is now on the list! ... I also need to take a closer look at the materials used on all the packs I'm looking at, bc I'm certainly not all over that part of it!

I've had my Exped Lightning 60 for 5+ years now and it's handled everything I've thrown at it - long term international travel, cross country skiing and plenty of hiking. I can definitely recommend it!

[JohnnoMcJohnno]

I have Deuter Actlite 50-10 - its 1.5kg and one of the most durable and comfortable packs that noone in the English speaking world seems to value. I've used it for two around the world trips (22 months total) and probably 50-100 days pure hiking days. and no-one could say it by looks of it.

But its 1.5kg so most people dont look at it...yet its super comfortable

My daughter has the most recent version of this pack and I have to say I'm very impressed with it. It's well made, well featured and very comfortable. She chose this after trying on all the Ospreys, Gregory's, North Faces she could. I'd be tempted to buy one myself except I already have 4 packs. Pretty sure hers weighs 1.7 kg, but even so it's worth considering.

[Petew]

My personal preference is in the 40 - 50l range with some sort of frame/hip belt and a super simple design (roll top/side pockets for water or whatever/mesh back pocket). This style of pack has much less to go wrong with it (more reliable) and is lighter/simpler to use. Having a smaller volume pack assists in more thorough gear selection too. I used a 90l pack for many years, then a 60l pack. Current 40l pack is way lighter, more comfortable and still fits a ton of stuff if your gear is compact.

[mikeRsyd]

I have similar gear to your gear list and it fits nicely with room in an exos 48, and a gg Mariposa. Lots of room left in the bags. It even fits in a smaller bag of course less room just choose a nice comfortable bag with the features you like and fits you well. I just shoved the down in the bottom of the packs no compression bags.

Sent from my Mi 9 Lite using Tapatalk

[FNM]

Thanks Mike! Good to know that 50L is a suitable capacity! Helps me narrow in!

[Heremeahappy1]

Osprey 60l Volt, longest non-snow trip 9 days. Like not carrying anything at all, so comfortable. For up to 5 days non- snow Osprey 33l talon. The side and front mesh pockets get you plenty additional space. A little heavy at 915g but robust, use for heavy day pack loads, dragging up trees for rec climbs and great fit for around town.

[Hiking4HHH]

My go to pack at the moment is the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor out of a collection or other packs (Mountain Designs, Marmot, Karrimor, Deuter and LL Bean)with a capacity of from 40 - 75L.Highly recommend it.

The SD Flex carries so well when loaded, my normal full pack weight with food and water is 12-15kg. When I have had it up to 20kg with additional water and winter wear it still carries very comfortably.

The only design issue i have is the small lip pocket and one shoulder pocket

I am looking at the OSSA as I want to support Australia producers but for a similar weight pack once you add on hip belt pockets and extras I am not sure it will carry as well.
(Might end up with a Luxmore instead!) I am reducing weight I carry but replacing with more camera gear.
With the lightness of your setup a smaller pack (40-50L) should work well.
Hope this helps.

[FNM]

My go to pack at the moment is the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor out of a collection or other packs (Mountain Designs, Marmot, Karrimor, Deuter and LL Bean)with a capacity of from 40 - 75L.Highly recommend it.

The SD Flex carries so well when loaded, my normal full pack weight with food and water is 12-15kg. When I have had it up to 20kg with additional water and winter wear it still carries very comfortably.

The only design issue i have is the small lip pocket and one shoulder pocket

I am looking at the OSSA as I want to support Australia producers but for a similar weight pack once you add on hip belt pockets and extras I am not sure it will carry as well.
(Might end up with a Luxmore instead!) I am reducing weight I carry but replacing with more camera gear.
With the lightness of your setup a smaller pack (40-50L) should work well.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the response! I’ve been torn between the Granite Gear Blaze 60, the Flex Capacitor and a Wilderness Threadworks pack! Have spent way too many hours reading/watching reviews.

As it stands, I’ve all but settled on the Blaze 60. There are two things making me hesitate. First, is the price. At best, it’ll cost me $80 more than the Flex Capacitor (which I’ve found a good deal on), but more likely $140-150ish, which is a bit, especially in the current climate. In saying that, I’m always prepared to pay a little extra for durability and I get the feeling the Blaze is more durable than the Flex - not certain though. I do have a massive soft spot for Sierra Designs gear, and if not for the Blaze, I’d be all over it. I’d love to support WT but to get the kind of specs I’d be after (which, tbh, would likely be very similar to the Blaze), would cost another $150+ again, I’m guessing. I’m also not sure I’m ready for such an UL style, lovely as they look. I’m sure I’ll get one down the track though. Second is the torso measurement. I’ve contacted Granite Gear, because my brother measures me at 17.5”, which is borderline between Short and Regular on their frames. The response I received wasn’t all that convincing - at first I was recommended Regular, then it changed to Short Will contact them again.

The one thing that I needed to know about the Blaze before settling on it was how well it would handle smaller loads - ie, loads in that 40-50L you mention. Posted questions on various sites but didn’t hear back and then somehow found a review I hadn’t already read and it touched on just that. I was able to contact the author and he said it handles smaller loads very well with the compression straps. It also has a removable lid. My ‘feeling’ now is that it’ll handle loads from 40-70L comfortably, which probably will do everything I need.

I have been known to chop and change my mind when it comes to gear, so every chance I end up with the Flex, or a WT but if I can get a convincing response from GG re torso length and I can get my head around the price difference with the Flex, I’d be surprised if I don’t end up with the Blaze

[wallwombat]

There is a mob called Spearpoint Technology. They seem to mainly sell tactical/hunting gear but they also import Granite Gear stuff. They sell the new Blaze 60 for $410 aus . I imagine that would be cheaper than buying it from the US and getting it shipped.

[Temple]

Massdrop Granite Gear Crown X60 owner here - It's a fantastic pack for the price and under 1.2kg.
The only issue I have is that it prefers to be full, if I'm taking less, I jam my down bag and jacket in loose rather than compressed

Removable brain option and ability to convert it into a fanny pack thing is not a terrible idea either.

[markg]

Paddy Pallin did have a sale on Osprey, good savings to be had when I checked them out.