Summer list, solo in the south with Ion

Jeff, you're going to love packing with the Ion. Your list looks pretty good and fit shouldn't be a problem. You can search the forums for a few ideas on what works and what doesn't in the pack. Just wanted to say welcome to a soon to be Ion fanatic!

Thanks Don. Everything fits perfect. Even using an old thermarest heavy pad as a frame. It feels great to. I am almost disappointed I didnt buy one sooner. I have been keeping up on the ion threads and am looking forward to adding some features to it as I use it. I love the idea of the top lid pocket you made on yours and that will be the first thing I add. Will probably help eliminate the stuff sack I am carrying all those loose small items in. Plus it just adds so much convenience keeping everything at the top.

The list I have above fits with a huge down jacket and a good size rei primaloft jacket to simulate a bag at the bottom. It also all fits with a 2l platty in it. Currently though I am thinking of ways to get around that storage hog. Thats why I am thinking about going to an A.R. style shoulder pack and then just a one liter platy inside. I have to just buy one and see if I like having a water bottle on the shoulder strap.

Anyone ever experimented with a water bottle holder on the bottom strap part of the shoulder strap(the unpadded section)? Or is there any storage bags for this area? I am used to hip belt pockets but I dont think I am going to keep the hip belt. I just like having a camera and energy bar handy while im walking down the trail.

Hi Jeff,

I often just use a water bottle with a short loop of string around the neck. Add a little carabiner to this, and you can clip it to the bottom part of the strap.

It looks and sounds like it should bounce around all over the place, but in reality, it really doesn't. Very cheap and easy to try out.

Rod

Jeff,

I'd recommend keeping the hip strap on for at least one trip. I was going to cut mine off originally but now intend to keep it permanenly.

I put my camera on the hip strap for quick access. Since its easy to grab I find that I take a lot more pictures and get much better shots because I'm less reluctant to get the camera out. I use a cheap camera case from WalMart that weighs next to nothing. Its light, offers some impact protection and is mildly water resistant. I keep the strap tight enough to eliminate sagging but its never tight against my waist. Its obviously useless for weight transfer… if you're doing it right you don't need that anyway, right?!

Because the hip belt is 1/2" webbing all the way around you can slide the camera case back behind you next to the pack and it stays there nicely.

I like the idea of the AR bottle (stands for adventure racer btw) on the front. I may give that a whirl on my next trip. My impression is that it will be overkill with the bladder hose but you never know until you try.

Don, I was planning on keeping the hip belt on for a while till I make my mind up. I do like the idea of adding pockets or camera or whatever to it. And for the record if I went A.R. style(thanks for the definition) I would lose the drinking tube and only use the 1L platty as water storage.

The hip belt is nice if you need to carry bear spray on a holster.

I just finished Lighten Up for the millionth time. Its the best 8oz I own. Ali