Day Pack suggestions for heavier payloads

[CFDTuc]

I’ve got an odd request. Instead of the normal quest for something lighter, I’m looking for help finding a pack designed for heavier loads.

 

Living in Central Indiana, workup day hikes utilize sled hills and overpasses. In addition, I try to carry a pack loaded quie a bit heavier than my backpacking pack.  Loads are typically 35+/-pounds and I’ve used a 22L Osprey for several years but it’s broken down from being asked to do a lot more than it was ever designed to do.

 

For reference, my trail pack is a ULA Circuit typically loaded to 20# including food, I’m 6’1″, 195# with broad shoulders.  I’d like to get something with comfy shoulder straps but smaller volume.

 

Grateful for any help or suggestions!

[Bonzo]

I would look into smaller packs designed for summits; they can generally haul a lot and they’re designed for playing rough.

[Brett A]

Years ago I purchased a cheap Lowe Alpine crag pack for overnight bushwhacking trips.  Narrow profile to keep from getting hung up on brush and limbs, very durable materials.  30L or so tho don’t recall off the top of my head.  Carries 20 lbs fine.  Still use it occasionally for day hikes when my wife is toting camera gear and I carry the rest of our stuff.

[Brett A]

Dooh!  Re-read your post and somehow missed the “35 lbs”.  Yeah, I don’t know that I could stand 35 lbs in that pack for long!

[CFDTuc]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I’ll start looking for summit packs.  ULA suggested their Photon, with an aluminum stay to help with the load.  I’ll look some more before I commit.

 

Yeah, I’ve found workup hikes (6-12 miles) under heavy load at a pretty good clip help get the lungs and legs in shape for ascents.  Docs don’t me to run anymore unless I’m eager to replace my knees so I’ve had to find something else to “stress” my system.

[Author]

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