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CptMillenium
0
Jun 23, 2018
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I'm currently shopping for my first hiking backpack and am wanting some pointers. First, I am wondering what size would be best to choose. I will mostly be going on trips less than 3 or 4 days long, but would also like to be able to go on week long trips. Would a 48 liter pack be too small for this or could I make it work? Also, would this make for a good beginner pack or would I be better off going for another, like the Osprey Exos or something?
Jun 23, 2018
ChrisinQueens
26
Jun 23, 2018
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CptMilleniumIt sort of depends on what else you carry. If you have bulkier synthetic gear then I think a 48L may be too small. But if you use all down that compresses well a 48L may be fine. Also if you like bringing extra clothes (I only bring sleep clothes and hike in the same clothes every day) it may be a squeeze.
I took a 50L on a 2 week thru hike last fall while carrying about a 15 lbs base weight. Mostly down gear but I brought a heavier double walled tent instead of my tarptent. The longest period between resupply I had was 7 days and the 50L was very full but it was absolutely fine. Most of my meals were prepackaged dehydrated meals but I also carry lots of coffee, creamer and sugar.
Jun 23, 2018
CptMillenium
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Jun 23, 2018
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ChrisinQueensThanks for the reply! I'm still in the process of getting all my gear together, so I'm not entirely sure what all I'll have. I am thinking about going with some down gear, so I may be able to get away with the 48. We'll see.
Jun 23, 2018
ChrisinQueens
26
Jun 23, 2018
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CptMilleniumDown is definitely worth the price and now many manufacturers are making duck down gear that compresses and insulates just as well for a fraction of the price. And a lot of the market is moving towards ultralight products - not just the cottage manufacturers. Switching from a traditional sleeping bag to a closed footbed quilt was the best move I ever made. I can get my quilt and my down puffy and camp clothes compressed to about the size of small watermelon in a 8-10L compression sack.
Its definitely becoming the norm to carry gear for long trips in a 45-50L pack instead of the 70-80L packs that have always been on the market. The only "traditional" gear I bring sometimes now is my double walled tent and that is only if I know I will get a lot of condensation when many of the campsites I will be sleeping at are on the water. But the tarptent with the trekking pole set up is otherwise just as comfortable.
When I go out in the summer for 3 or 4 days I will take an even smaller pack now...I bought a Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L off a friend and it's even better. I was never really one to count ounces in years of backpacking- but once I started to it made every trip SO much more fun and enjoyable. You can do many more miles without fatigue or back/shoulder pain. So if you are still gathering gear my advice is definitely get the lightest you can afford because it's better than fully featured traditional gear with features you likely wont use anyway.
Jun 23, 2018
Wonkwonk
54
Jun 24, 2018
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CptMilleniumIf you are a beginner it might be a good idea to get the larger pack. Having to buy lighter more compact equipment can get expensive and become a headache so it seems like the larger one would give you time to slim down. $15 and one ounce are a fair price for the certainty that it will work for your gear in my estimation. I don't think this and the osprey exos are different enough to choose besides based on personal fit and pricing. If it's your first make sure you have the right size for your torso length.
Jun 24, 2018
itskier
1
Jun 26, 2018
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CptMilleniumI don't have a ton of experience. The biggest problem I have is The Bear Vault. Everywhere I go a hard side bear can is required. They are heavy and large in volume. I do pack it full so tool repair kit, electronics, as well as toiletries, dog food, deet, oh yeah and food go in it. It is not easy to get into or out of my 60 liter pack. This was not something I took into account at first.
Jun 26, 2018
Tbrad425
122
Jun 27, 2018
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CptMilleniumMy gear changes as new, "improved", and lighter gear is introduced and as I can afford it. I just purchased a Lanshan 2 UL double walled tent that weighs 2.5#. Super excited to try it out. It has great reviews; it is a Chinese knock off of the ZpacksDuplex for $100. I like to buy American, but $600 dollars for a tent is totally out of my budget.
Jun 27, 2018
ChrisinQueens
26
Jun 27, 2018
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Tbrad425Oh awesome! Lots of people love the Lanshan and its pretty light for a double walled tent! Packs down tiny too. You will like that. If you are interested in trying a quilt, the Hammock Gear Burrow Econ is one of the best deals out there. Can get the 20 degree version for $160 (duck down) and it weight 24 ounces. If you don't need something as cold you can save even more weight. Switching to a quilt changed how I backpack and really set me on the path to a sub 10 lb baseweight. Good luck and enjoy the new tent!
Jun 27, 2018
Tbrad425
122
Jun 27, 2018
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ChrisinQueensI got the Econ Burrow 10 ( I sleep cold) and LOVE it! I think with my Octal pack, Econ quilt, and Lanshan 2 I will be set. Very happy with my big 3 . I have tried to reduce unecessary weight everywhere I can. Impressive base weight; I am at 18# and I thought I was doing pretty well!!
Jun 27, 2018
Mattrules
0
Aug 4, 2018
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CptMilleniumIt mostly depends on the volume of all your gear. For a first pack you my want to look at something with an adjustable torso. A good place to start would be the massdrop x granite gear, or an osprey atmos.
Aug 4, 2018
Tbrad425
122
Aug 16, 2018
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itskierA BV500 will fit horizontally in the Octal 50 (I have them both). Like everyone is saying here, make sure you have a good torso measurement. If you can I would go to REI or similar retailer and have them measure me for a pack and try some on while there.
Aug 16, 2018
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