Pack size help needed

Doug:

I highly recommend that you pick a slow day and visit your local gear store. Bring your stuff with you — esp. all the major pieces — and physically try out different packs — to find out their actual carrying capacity — but also about the packs' individual carrying comfort, features, etc.

You listed out your gear. But some people like to hang all kinds of things on the outside while others are absolutely fastidious that everything stays inside the pack. Where do you stand, as your answer will make a major impact on your required pack size?

Also, do you use stuff sacks for your tent, pad, sleeping bag, clothing, food, etc., etc. — or do you jam most everything inside the "one big hole"? My experience is that using stuff sacks actually take up more space. But some people prefer a bit of organization regardless.

As you can see, even with a list, there are quite a few variables to deal with.

Finally, not that you asked, but if you have a real interest in going light — but have some rather heavy/bulky gear pieces (e.g. your bag, stove, etc.) — why not do this instead: First lighten weight and bulk by carefully examining ALL your gear pieces and see:

o what's really not needed and can be left at home?
o everything else that's needed, can some pieces do 'double duty' so others can be left at home?
o going forward, what can be substituted with UL equivalents — as budget allows?

I really believe doing the above can net you some nice bulk and weight shavings — and make for an easier load even with your current pack. And after you've gone through all three steps and settled down on your new 'system' — you can then select a truly light and compact backpack to carry your newer, lighter 'system' with comfort and ease.

My fear is that buying a pack now…you may be in for another one as you continue shedding your current pieces for lighter ones…

Thanks for the feedback Ben. Believe it or not, some of this stuff IS the newer, lighter replacement stuff. Hahaha. For instance, my tent went from 6 lbs to 3 lbs (REI Half Dome to FC UL2), my sleeping bag (I sleep very cold) went from about 5 lbs to 3 lbs (Wiggy's plus pancho-liner to an UL Kifaru bag), and my sleeping pad went from 41 oz to 14 oz (Thermarest inflatable to ridgerest). So in some of the heavier/ bulkier items I've already made some significant headway.

Your advice is definitely not falling on deaf ears though. I love the idea of taking it all to a store to try out and see how it fits in different size packs. The two packs I have in mind are not sold in stores, but at least I could get a size idea. In the past, whenever I went backpacking I always had the "worst case scenario" attitude (which likely comes from my background of 13 years on a SAR team). ;-) I'd pack 3 flashlights, two knives, spare handgun magazines (I backpack with a pistol), two compasses,… you get the picture. In the future I plan on shaving weight by cutting out the redundancy.

My pack that I have right now is built like a tank (and weighs like one too), at 2,300ci, but with tons of stuff strapped to the outside. Now that I have some lighter items I could at least see how much larger I'll need to go from 2,300 and guestimate.

I see. Then yes, by all means, try out some packs — and have fun! :)

Just a thought to consider would be a ULA Catalyst or a MLD Exodus FS (thought may be a little small for your gear). Both great packs and good weight to carrying comfort ratios