Trying to figure out a backpack?

If you definitely will be using it for winter, than I would say you need 60L at minimum. Winter loads are also going to be heavier…mine are usually in the 30lb-40lb range depending on if I'm bringing winter tools (crampons, snowshoes, shovel, etc). To be honest, I'm drawing a blank in terms of finding a capable pack thats under 100 dollars. You may be able to score a used golite quest for that price, and it fits the bit in terms of capacity and capability. If you're wiling to spend more in the $150 range, you're likely to find a used ULA catalyst or a Granite Gear nimbus meridian.

Some people use frameless packs in the winter (e.g. Golite pinnacle, ULA exodus or ark etc). I don't it comfortable at all, and I need a true frame around 30lbs so I've ruled them out for winter use.

But I'm not even sure you're talking about true winter, since you're only bringing a 30 degree bag, and smartwater bottles (which would freeze shut in the winter) If you're talking more like 3-season where expected lows are above freezing…than with what gear you've listed, I can estimate that a 40-50L pack would be suitable. There are a lot of options out there. But honestly, give us a more complete breakdown of what you expect to pack…describe everything. Thanks!

Konrad, thanks! I think you're right– not true winter. Let's go with 40-50L as you suggest. What is that in cubic inches– and are they equal and interchangeable measurements of volume?

Here's a photo of my gear. This is for temperate weather but I want a pack that's a little more capable than that.

Do you need a list for that stuff? For size reference, those are standard sandwich Ziploc bags. I'd like to get a microbottle to take only half of that Bronners, too.

Not pictured:

Tent
Sleeping bag
2 1L Smartwater bottles
5 pounds of food (indian food foil pouches, trail mix, dehydrated veg, crackers, etc.)
2 socks
2 underwear
1 shorts
2 pants
2 shirts
1 light jacket
1 rain coat
1 pair of Topsiders (shoes)
1 pair of light flip flops

2 books

I'd like an option for:

Stove
Pad
Winter clothes (but like you said, not necessarily true winter).. problem is, I don't even know what I'll have.. we'll just have to guess on that.

Just 'cause it's fun to list stuff, here's what's pictured:

First aid:
Tissue travel pack
Various meds/supps
Small repackaged Neosporin
Bandaids
Alcohol pads

2 lightload compressed towels
Small compass
Alum whistle
Headlamp + 2 batteries
50ft Paracord
24 tabs Aquamira
Bronners soap
LightMyFire Spork
Map
Notebook (half paper removed) + pen (shell removed)
1 Crayon

Fishing:
30lb test mono mini-spool
2 DOA shrimp
Mini bobber
Top Pup topwater lure
5 Circle hooks
3 Swivels

Fire:
Vaseline soaked cotton balls in alum. foil
LightMyFire Steel
Mini-bic
Waterproof matches

Hygiene:
Toothbrush (handle cut)
Spool of floss
16 applications of toothpaste repacked in plastic

Also have two dry bags not pictured.

Steven, the photos don't help. Put all of your stuff into a big cardboard box that fits it, then measure the box.

1000 cubic inches is about 16.4 liters.

3000 cubic inches is almost 50 liters.

–B.G.–

OK, thanks Bob– the stuff pictured fits 4x10x2 and weighs 2 lbs.

+ 5.5 x 16 for the Seedhouse and 7 x 14 for the Arroyo.

Unfortunately I don't have access to all the clothes right now.

Is the Vapor Trail a good pack for me? 3,600 cu. in. / 59 liters / 2 lbs. 5 oz. / <30 lbs

I have a GoLite Trek, very similar to todays GoLite Pinnacle. Mine is about 70L, but cinches down if you don't need the extra room. It is pretty lightweight at about 2 lbs. I bought the Trek on these boards for $50. As I said the newer version, the Pinnacle is also a very good choice IMO.

The Vapor Trail has recently been discontinued by Granite Gear. You may be able to find one used or on sale for less than $100. FWIW I am about the same weight, height, and size as you and found the GG Nimbus Meridian to be very uncomfortable.

Consider a small compression sack for the Seedhouse SL1, it will pack somewhat smaller. Do you know what kind of pad you wanna use? A torso length foam pad can rolled into a frame in a frameless pack. An inflatable pad can sometimes be used as a back panel in certain packs as well.

Thanks Jason.

Ryan– is a frameless pack a bad idea without a pad? I'm a pretty tough sleeper and for now I'm not getting a pad for lack of funds and lack of need. Also, are frameless packs uncomfortable when filled to capacity?

Like, what about the Gossamer Gear G5 or GoLite Jam2 (although the Jam2 volume is on the lower end)

Tough sleeper or not- 30deg bag in winterish conditions may not be fun at all. I would at least get the Wally World much lauded "Blue Mat".

esp. w/ frameless pack.

…just my cent…

Jeff- yea I'd definitely end up getting one for winter, but it's only getting warmer now.

Is it possible to pack a frameless to be comfortable without a pad?

You need (in my opinion) some sort of pad, framesheet, etc. with a frameless pack, or you're likely to end up with things poking you in the back. Tough sleeper or not, it makes no sense to carry an extra pound of sleeping bag to stay warm in order to save 6 bucks on a 8 oz sleeping mat. The mat isn't there just for padding, your body will lose a LOT of warmth through conduction to the ground if you're not insulated from below. In my opinion you NEED a pad beneath you under anything but 70-80 deg night time temps, which you're not going to experience many places that would be backpacking destinationsat any time of year.

Go to wally world and spend the 6 bucks on the foam pad and be done with it. Cut it down to torso length if you wish.

As for the pack, your price range is tight for anything really nice, but you could swing a granite gear vapor trail (you mentioned above) or its' frameless cousin the Virga for that price. I own a Virga and like it pretty well for larger/bulkier loads for shoulder seasons and such, I can fit my summer load into something much smaller at this point though.

Well in your OP you were talking about winter clothes. If you aren't talking about winter, K's suggested 60L pack will be too big. (at least I hope it would be)

Comfort is personal, so try it w/ out a pad, but for all the thing you can do with a simple piece of pad, at a weight penalty of 2oz or something… I'd take one anyway

"but for all the thing you can do with a simple piece of pad, at a weight penalty of 2oz or something… I'd take one anyway"

This ^^
My smallish pads are my ultimate multi-use gear.

Frame sheet for the pack
Butt pad when I stop for a break
Folded in half it acts as a freezer bag cozy while my food rehydrates
I put it in the footbox of my bag/quilt to keep my feet warm and comfy when using a torso pad; I've never found a pack useful as a foot pad…

I know I've used it for plenty of other things, but those are the primary uses, well worth the ounce.

This might be the best deal at the moment, aside from used gear: Lowe Alpine Zepton 50L $120

This pack is nice because it has an aluminum stay, Dyneema weave, and a hipbelt, if you’re into that sort of thing.

OK thanks for all your help- you guys have convinced me and I picked up a pad. I'd love to get an SMD Swift but I'm not getting any bites for a used one on Swap.