Backpack help for varied base weights for backcountry fly fishing trips

Jason, your scenarios 1/2 seem quite different than 3/4.  I think those represent 2 different packs capable of carrying different volumes and weights of gear.  A 15-lb base weight is quite different from a 40-lb+ base weight.

I think I am approaching the limits of what I can carry in my 60-liter Crown2 for a 5-day fishing trip.  Gear includes 2-3 rods ( ultralight spinning,  5-wt fly rod and maybe a short Tenkara rod for small brushy creeks), with a small carefully selected assortment of flies and lures.  If I’m in Rocky Mtn Nat’l Park, a bear canister is also required.  Base weight has typically been around 15-18 lbs.  I do not pack in waders, but I have some Japanese “wader gaiters” that came from a Tenkara website. They are just neoprene gaiters that come up mid-thigh with hook and loop closures.  They are compact and light and used for wet wading, which is usually tolerable by mid-summer in the high country.  I bring cheap light tennis shoes and wear a thin neoprene sock.  Traditional waders and wading boots are just bulkier and heavier than I want to carry for solo trips.  Shamefully, some of the gear has to hang off the pack on the trip in….

On a side note, there is a company making a very light float tube (3 lbs plus fins and small pump) that packs into a 10-L bag.  But you might want waders and wading boots for that, adding significantly to your weight and volume.   There are some slick pack rafts out there, too – I can’t speak to those.

Sorry to be dancing around your question a bit, but my primary reason for  backpacking these days is to reach less well educated fish, and I do go solo.  My 60 liter pack carries up to 30 lbs pretty comfortably, but it would be hard to stretch it beyond that.  Don’t need more than that so far.  You might also float this question in the “Fishing and Tenkara” forum.  It will be interesting to see what others are doing.

Perhaps the best approach is to begin with a Seek Outside  UL pack frame.  This would allow you to use different size packbags, pack wet waders outside the pack bag, etc.  I use this frame and various packbags and attachments for hunting and have found it to be a very versatile approach to different weight and volume situations.  I have used it on everything from day deer hunts to multi-day backpacking elk hunts.

I’m also a big fan of the HMG packs, having used a Porter 4400 on a Harding Ice Field ski trip.  I was able to carry a lot of gear in and on the pack including my mountaineering skis when we rappelled down the front of the glacier.  The Porter seems to be the standard for the pack rafters I know.  It’s light and easily adaptable to various size and weight loads.

I would also suggest looking at Seek Outside, especially for those trips where pack weight weight is going to be in the 25+ lb range- I’m saying pack weight as most folks tend to bring food and water along with their base weight; base weight obviously is less important than pack weight when selecting a pack

a 10 lb base weight is great, but if you’re going for a week long trip, traipsing across the desert or packing out boned meat- it doesn’t mean a heck of a lot when choosing the appropriate pack

pack

Thanks all, it does seem like I need two packs at some point. I’ll take a look at your suggestions. They are all really appreciated!

I just listed a Seekoutside Unaweep 4800 on Gear Swap if you’re interested. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/fs-seekoutside-unaweep-4800-vx42-gray/

Thanks, Pedestrian. The hip belt is too small on me.