Lightweight backpacking meets lightweight vacationing…

Funny, I was thinking the same thing about ultralight camping ideas applying to my business and other travel. Also learning a lot here.

The pack I have been wanting to try that sounds perfect for what you are talking about is the ULA Relay, although it is 2100 cu. in. or so — which would give plenty of extra room for a sweater or two, down coat, etc. and food. Here is a link to a review by the BPL staff of the ULA Relay pack:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ultralight_adventure_equipment_ula_relay_backpack_review.html

I normally would not consider a frameless UL pack, but this one intrigues me from the review, because of a bad lower back. This one just seems like it would work for both day hiking/parks and family time, as well as a perform as a serious overnight or week and more trekking pack. That's my thought.

More expensive than the OR and 1oz over your limit, but…
The ULA Relay might fit the bill. A lot more comfortable than one of the stuff-sack-with-straps bags, good external pockets, handy bungee criss-cross for quick stowage, exceptionally well built, and very durable for the weight. I think it would fold up in a bag well. Brian is a great guy, and I like ULA enough to be a proud honor of a Conduit.

Added bonus? It’s a great pack for normal UL backpacking.

***
Haha. b d, we thought of the same thing at nearly the same time. Sorry for the double post.

Miles:

Great minds think alike? :)

b d — Most definitely.

For the extra small packs, consider the REI Flash UL pack/stuff sack. The company is out of stock on them right now, but will have more in January. The packs are about 900 ci, weigh 10 ounces and cost $25. They pack down to nothing and carry 10 pounds very comfortably.

Rick Steves beat you all to it 20 years or more ago :) Read "Europe Through the Back Door: or "Europe 101." Rick is very big on taking only what you need, light washable clothing, cutting up your guide book, etc, etc. My wife and I spent three weeks in Europe in 1984 with just carry-on sized convertible backpack/suitcase rigs and it was in the dead of winter. I could do it in my sleep for a summer trip.

Patagonia makes an UL messenger bag, backpack and tote bag that are perfect for UL travel. The smaller Vaude packs would be good too and "look local" in Europe.

http://www.onebag.com

I've been carefully looking at both the OR Summit pack the Salomon Revo 20; a trip to REI last night suggested the Gregory Icarus might also be nice (although it weighs 1.65 lbs), that's in your described volume range.

I'm taking this approach (through this site and folks like Rick Steves) to heart as well; I leave for a 3-week Thailand trip the day after tomorrow with a single medium TNF PVC Basecamp Duffel (bombproof but not lightweight, can be worn as a backpack) and a heavily modified <1 lb. Camelbak daypack. As I'll be sea kayaking and trekking there'll be times where I'll want to leave the bigger bag behind…

Nathan:

Are you carrying the duffel type bag because of airline baggage handling?

If so: A tote bag can hold a pack so that the airlines won't steal it, destroy it, etc. Then leave the tote bag at a hotel concierge desk or American Express office. Worked in Europe for me, a long time ago now.

If not: what is the humidity in Thailand like and will you take a tent, tarp, or bivy?

bd

A good ol' cardboard box makes a good airline case for your pack too. Usually free and easy to recycle on the other end. Add fiber strapping tape for gorilla proofing.

try http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/

Not a backpacker, but he has had a travel show on PBS for the last ten years here on the west coast. Seems to know what he is talking about regarding travel issues.

IMHO, any cardbox box sturdy enough to provide protection (and not just fall apart uselessly) will weigh quite a bit. A much better option is to ask your airline for one of those HUGE and extremely heavy duty plastic bags. Most budget airlines won't give you anything for free this day and age — so try United Airlines instead (or any member of the Star Alliance).

Here in LA (LAX), United has rolls of them sitting in the public area — all free for the taking — you don't even have to ask. Now, that's nice.

Brian:

Think of it this way: traveling should be a SUBSET of backpacking — meaning you really shouldn't need to bring anything extra at all when traveling / hosteling through urban areas than you would when backpacking to the middle of nowhere! The only exception would be your documents (passports, airline tickets, a guidebook) and maybe a bit more cash and credit cards. But these weigh almost next to nothing.

I just came back from a month-long travel to Asia. My total pack weight — including the pack itself — came to about 9 lbs.

b d wrote:
"Are you carrying the duffel type bag because of airline baggage handling?"

Not my first consideration; mostly I wanted a PVC duffel for waterproofness and durability. The TNF duffel has the added bonus of having backpack shoulder straps for ease of carrying and is ringed with nylon webbing daisy chains, great for tying up loose straps so they don't get eaten by airport machinery. Like you suggest, the duffel's small enough that it can be stashed anywhere and I can just take my slimmed-down Camelback pack for day trippage.

The humidity in Thailand right now is between 60% at the ocean and 90% inland. I'm not packing shelter as we're bungalowing it. We leave tomorrow am – Cowabungalo! :-)

See ya in ought-seven,
-Nathan

Great suggestions… The ULA relay does look interesting.