Lighter pack with hammock/quilts mounted to the side or heavier pack with them inside?

Protect the quilts

-Tim

There is no way I am putting my expensive quilt on the outside of a pack where it will catch rocks, branches and shrubs.

I suggest a bigger pack.

im not a XSUL or anything…but agree with tim and Ray – i would NEVER put my bag outside the pack.

RE hammock and tarp/tent – that makes sense to me BUT since all these items are nowadays UL and made from 10D or cuben and such i am wary of just puttin them on the sides in their silly silnyl stuff sacks – so i had a long tube like sack done in dyneemaX that is very rugged and i can stick that and my TAR prolite and other stuff out there – i put stuff like kitchen gear, camp shoes and other non sensitive items

the TAR could be viewed as iffy…but IMO the dyneemaX is strong enough and unlike the sleeping gear there is no damage from getting wet

Mike

Why would it matter if it is inside or outside your pack?

It's the same material right?

I guess if your stuff sack is inferior material to your pack then yeah, it would rip.

Generally, stuff sack material is less durable than the pack material. Also, if putting the gear inside puts one more layer between your fragile gear and danger.

+4

I keep my quilt inside for protection against rips, filth, moisture and accidental loss. I don't find it bulky at all when stuffed loosely and tightly. I've fit a quilt, poncho tarp, inflatable mattress, tyvek pants and sleeves, some gizmos, plus day snacks and water in a 26L bike pack with plenty of room to spare, so I have a hard time seeing how bulk can be an issue.

Here's what the pack looked like. Keep in mind that even with the straps pulled tight, the pack was still very loosely compressed.

@kevin

the reason i do that is that (as many of you im sure) i have a few backpacks and a few pad/tent options and i also sometimes hike w partners and share

with the external stuff sack i get:
– easy access to this sack AND top of my main bag
– easy to customize – can use smaller rucksack with big tent and such
– when i share its easy to give someone the tent or take stuff from them as a unit
– if i want to dayhike – i can drop the tent at the BnB and have a smaller rucksack

Mike