UL Daypack?

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any suggestions for a UL daypack that would be used out of a base camp? I typically backpack into an area and then do bushwacking type day hikes, so the pack can not be too fragile. The REI-UL-Flash is exactly the concept that I am interested in, but I would like to have the weight under 10oz. Also, I only need approx 300-500 cu/in instead of the 1000 the REI model provides.

[David Lewis]

Wow… 500 ci is pretty small! That’s like a big fanny pack (or lumbar pack if you prefer :). I was gonna say the Gossaner Gear Whisper… but it’s a lot bigger than that. Maybe the Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet 20 (as in 20L)? It’s 2 oz. I think. It doesn’t have the mesh pocket of the 25 tho… the pics on the site are potentially confusing.

For mainstream packs… I bought a little pack for running home from work that is really nice and pretty light. It’s the BBee 12 by Black Diamond. 732 ci and 13 oz. It has about a mile of grosgrain (give or take) for the waist strap that I’ve been meaning to trim off. That might lose another oz. I mean really… the waist strap is long enough for someone with a 50 inch waist!

[D G]

Dana designs makes a small pack that weighs 10oz:

http://www.danadesign.com/packs/specialist/kompressor.asp

I’ve seen it in person and it looks pretty neat. It has a 1000 cubic inch capacity but it is actually designed to be a compression stuffsack so the volume can be reduced.

Dan

[Courtney Waal]

I have an REI flash and get giddy thinking of all the possibilities for this cheap, cute pack. Since it’s only $25, I won’t feel too guilty if I rip it on a rock, but the back and bottom are all heavier ripstop. The heaviest part is probably the organizer pocket which could be fixed with a minute and a pair of scissors. It has comfortable straps and would be perfect if they had just swapped the interior organizer pocket for some exterior mesh- but remember, $25- get cuttin’!

[jacob thompson]

Just buy yourself a stuff sack the size you want and attatch straps to it. Stitch them similar to rays pack and you will have yourself a daypack. You could also stitch on pocets etc.. Good thing is that it can be used in your main pack as a stuff sack.

[paul johnson]

like another poster has already stated, a fanny/lumbar pack is the size that you need.

i have tried several. all but one is robust enough for your “bushwacking” needs (some use cordura nylon).

here’s a link to a nice pack that i have (it comes in diffierent sizes; the largest are over 10oz though). this one is a bit smaller than you mentioned (it’s 5L and weighs 9oz)
Montbell lumbar pack

i haven’t checked the volume for myself (using packing peanuts, sand, or any other method), but i’m surprised that the above pack is only rated at 5L (~305 cu in). it seems larger. would have thought that it was at least 400 cu in if not more.

some of the larger montbell lumbar packs have nicely padded hip belts.

Campmor.com has (had in the spring at least) a wide assortment of very inexpensive lumbar packs in various sizes, some in the 6oz range.

Not sure if it’s made anymore, but someone must make one similar. maybe 23yrs ago, i purchased from Eddie Bauer a fanny pack with two good sized zippered wing pockets. lash points on top of the main 400 cu in pocket. made of all heavy wt. cordura nylon, but the pack weighed only 6.5oz. still have it today.

hope this info helps.

[J R]

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1303&hinban=1123507

Montbell Cross Runner

9.9oz, 610ci

[paul johnson]

Joe,

good suggestion. i have one question though, is the 3D mesh fabric tough enough for bushwacking? i purposely did not mention some other lighter and larger packs because i felt that they were too fragile for bushwacking. what do you feel is the minimum requirement in fabric durability for a typical bushwacking scenario?

[J R]

Id say thats a personal skills assessment question. It also requires an assessment of terrain, vegitation, and so on.

I, personally, in review of my skills and likely stomping grounds, have no issue with a mesh fabric. I have even less concern when reviewing the actual item, as it would fit quite easily under a shirt or jacket if the terrain became SO imprenetrable that I had serious concerns of durability.

Also, the exposed material is quite tightly woven all things considered.

Just my opinion, YMMV

[paul johnson]

Joe, thanks for the swift reply. Good insight. appreciate it. Given your clarifications, i’d have to vote for your suggested Montbell pack, over the Montbell pack i suggested.

[Bill Law]

I second the nomination for the REI Flash. One feature it has which is missing from the Montbell pack is a tool loop (essential for me, since sometimes I have to carry an ice axe).

It’s also has 50% larger capacity.

I have been real happy with this pack. It serves as a great organizer/stuff-sack in my backpack and holds everything I need for dayhikes. The shoulder straps are very comfortable.

I plan to try fitting a closed-cell foam pad to the innner sleeve to see if that makes it carry better (I’ll use the foam pad as a sit-pad).

Bill Law

[J R]

The REI bag is a good bag… but as the original poster says, its too big.

Heres another bag which might work… I dont know what its fit characteristics are, but it meets the criteria.

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1402&hinban=1123199

[Author]

Posts