Outdoors hivemind—I want a new backpack for family hikes. Basically something to keep extra layers for me and the kids, snacks, water, first aid kit. External gear attachments (trekking poles etc) are a plus. Must have good side pockets for water bottles… - ThreadSky

simko-bednarski.bsky.social • 45 days ago

Outdoors hivemind—I want a new backpack for family hikes. Basically something to keep extra layers for me and the kids, snacks, water, first aid kit. External gear attachments (trekking poles etc) are a plus. Must have good side pockets for water bottles…

Comments

psenza.bsky.social•45 days ago

Smaller Gregory is the answer

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

I’ve been thinking about that. Some of them are zipper-open but the Nano series looks good. The thin waist belt might take some getting used to

psenza.bsky.social•45 days ago

I recall a vintage REI daypack i saw once with two panel-access zippers running down each side. That bag was my white whale for years. Wish more daypacks had that.

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•44 days ago

I think part of what I’m running into is that I want something half daypack, half overnighter.

The Deuter Trail, with a derlin frame, actually looks pretty good, though I wish it had two water bottle pockets.

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•44 days ago

REI SoHo workers are still on strike — I’m not buying anything there till there’s no picket line — but I think I’m going to go try on the Deuter. Maybe Paragon carries it

psenza.bsky.social•44 days ago

true that. Sounds like you want something closer to a 40L bag tho. But honestly carrying a lightly-packed 65L is nice since the advanced suspension will make it feel like you're carrying nothing at all.

michaelsolwarren.com•45 days ago

I absolutely love my Deuter trail 30

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

I’ve been eying that one! Love that it’s accessible from top and bottom…
I have to go try one on.

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

I currently have 2 packs that I take on day trips — an REI flash 18 with no water bottle pockets or organizational pockets and an REI Trail 30

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

The 30 is what I’ve been using with the kids but the water bottle pockets aren’t great, I don’t love the zippered opening, and it feels a little big for day use when not packing winter layers.

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

Would love a 20-30 Liter pack that’s well built, light weight, and still has good attachment points so I can use it for a solo overnight in the summer. Something where I don’t want to schlep my beloved 65L Gregory. Any recommendations?

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

(Also not opposed to spending a little money for comfort and durability.

My Gregory was $$$ but has lasted me 15 years so far and I expect it to serve me as long as I can get outdoors.

If the past year of hiking with my kids tells me anything, this thing is gonna get used hard)

driveswiftly.bsky.social•45 days ago

My 32L gregory is good with good side pockets for bottles but the REI flash 22 is lighter with better hip belt stability. The osprey manta looks like better for heavier weight eg more water for kids. Check on https://Sierra.com as they get inventory in, it's hit or miss like TJmaxx but great prices.

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•45 days ago

You’ve got the Targee? Haven’t see that one in person yet. The Flash 22 is always tempting me to buy it…

In theory I need a little bit of a frame—one time this fall my oldest got tired and I ended up clipping his 18L pack onto my Trail 30, which carried the extra weight no problem…

paulsea.bsky.social•41 days ago

Sold out right now, but they have more coming in Feb. Lightweight and good side pockets. https://durstongear.com/products/wapta-30-ultralight-backpack

simko-bednarski.bsky.social•41 days ago

They’re frameless, right? I’m very tempted to take the UL plunge, for a daypack at least.

Can I get away with a frameless pack for overnights if I’m still using gear like my old 5lbs tent?

paulsea.bsky.social•40 days ago

Durston has a good FAQ tab for each pack. Not sure on weight, because I used an internal frame pack for anything above about 15 lbs and I try to keep my pack weight down as low as I can due to knees. I bought a new tent just for that reason (also Durston).

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