so many options but what pack to choose

[nlt82]

Hi all, nlt82 again.

I'm finding the forum a great source of information for my quest to return to the track. The information I have found from my topics posted and reading other threads compliments my own research. Thanks for being generous with your time.

I am getting to the last of the essential items I am looking for advice on and that is the pack.

I'm looking for an all rounder that would allow me to carry enough gear for an overnight hike or a longer hike, say a few days to a week.
I'll be hiking with at least one other person and some gear and food will be shared for longer hikes. However if I can be self sufficient I will be.

As I am only just getting back into hiking I'm not planning on buying gear for each type of hike, such as two packs.

Any suggestions on what I should consider and what others use is appreciated.

Cheers.

[wayno]

please feel free to start searching the forum posts, this subject has been discussed numerous times before , theres loads of information already in previous threads.
work out how big a pack you will need to fit all your gear into first.

[icefest]

I'd start off with this: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=How+to+pick+a+hiking+pack

Then I'd consider the following:
Price
Toughness (off or on track)
Volume
max weight to carry
Wide or narrow
Mainstream manufacturer or not
color
repairability
warm or cold weather use

Then I'd pick 2 (or three) packs, post links here and ask for an opinion.

Otherwise that's like going to the McDonalds and saying you want 'a burger'.

[Strider]

Any suggestions on what I should consider and what others use is appreciated.

Look here:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5821

work out how big a pack you will need to fit all your gear into first.

+1

[madmacca]

I agree with the others - the first step is to select a capacity. That will start to reduce your universe of pack choices considerably.

As a rough guide:
Litres
Day or overnight (1-2 nights) 20-50
Weekend (2-3 nights) 50-60
Multiday (2-5 nights) 60-80
Extended (5+ nights) 80+

These are actually pretty generous estimates. By stripping down my non-essential gear, I can get 14 days food and gear in a 70 litre pack (admittedly pretty bulging when I start out). Although the bulkiness and extra gear for winter alpine conditions can start to use up space. Outside those conditions, 60 liters would probably cater for most of your needs.

But a pack should probably be one of your last major purchases - only when you have purchased the rest of your gear will you have a true idea of the capacity and weight required for your pack.

[icefest]

I don't think I've ever needed more than 60L, and that's including 14 week winter hikes.

[wayno]

I don't think I've ever needed more than 60L, and that's including 14 week winter hikes.

are you an ultralighter?

[icefest]

That was pre-ultralight.