Day Packs

[stoogest]

Hi all,

I've noticed there are a lot of threads that discuss overnight packs, but haven't found one yet that discusses day packs. The last few day walks I have done I have taken my Macpac 75L Casacade and I'm finding it is way too big/heavy for this type of activity (no surprise there really!).

Can anyone recommend a good day pack?

I've been very happy with the Cascade, so I would be particularly interested if anyone has used the Macpac Traverse 35L pack? In your experience is 35L on the large side?

Key requirements would be:
- comfortable
- light (not necessarily ultralight though)
- some way of securely attaching a heavyish tripod (190XProB)
- obviously, enough room to store waterproof jacket, water bottle, jumper, food, camera (SLR with kit lens) and other essentials.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Cheers!
Andrew.

[johnw]

I recently bought an Aarn Natural Exhilaration to replace one of my tired old packs. Still getting used to it/working it out but I'm quite impressed so far. Very innovative and It's definitely the most comfortable day pack I've owned. Has a number of attachment methods for securing external gear. It's about 33 litres and I don't find it too large (and only have small P&S camera gear). A first for me, I haven't had any shoulder or back aches even on reasonably long walks . The pack moves in sync with your body even when climbing up and down steep terrain. Also see the thread below, I didn't buy the balance pockets and not sure yet if I want or need them.

http://www.bushwalkaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1038&p=8540&hilit=exhilaration#p8540

http://www.aarnpacks.com/products/natural_exhilaration.html

[stoogest]

'Interesting' is certainly the word!! Looks like it is getting some good reviews.

[Darren]

G'Day
Have a look at a golite ion. I use it for overnighters. its made of dynema so its strong, light too
Hope that helps
Darren

[Ent]

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Last edited by Ent on Thu 11 Nov, 2010 11:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

[tasadam]

I haven't had success taking a fullsize tripod in a day pack.
My old Macpac Ravine 65L pack does well - very comfy and no probs with the tripod.
I also have the Cascade now, pity they have taken a dive with quality, less than 12 months old and several holes already.
I prefer the softer more pliable Macpac Ravine of 20 years age to the new Cascade for day walks.
Perhaos you would have better luck looking for a smaller overnight pack of lesser quality and weight than a pack the likes of the Cascade?

[Ent]

Content removed by poster

Last edited by Ent on Thu 11 Nov, 2010 11:10 am, edited 1 time in total.

[stoogest]

I had a look at the One PLanet Traverse on the weekend and I don't think it will be big enough.

I also had a look at the Macpac Traverse. I think I'm leaning towards that at the moment. The only thing I'm unsure of is how tough the bungee strap on the front of the bag is. ie. will it securely hold the tripod and last a reasonable anount of time before requiring replacement?

Has anyone had experience with the bungee straps?

[under10kg]

I have used aarn packs and they are great. The front balance pockets really work for me in balancing the load and make it very easy to access a camera etc without taking the pack off. I am aarns brother but make no cash recommending his packs.