Day walk pack / hydration pack

[ErichFromm]

I'm currently looking to get a small pack for day walks. Less than 20kg. Just enough to hold water, a rain shell and a few snacks. Options seem to be between small day packs and those webbing, trail running, vests.

Anyone have experience? I'd like to go as light and friction free as possible but still be able to carry the essentials....

[RonK]

Ultimate Directions

[Strider]

S2S Ultrasil Daypack

http://www.seatosummit.com.au/products/ ... -day-pack/

[ErichFromm]

Seems to be divided between traditional packs all on back with straps vs soft vest where water bottles etc are stored up front: aarn style. Any experience with the latter? Seems what the trail runners use but i have concerns they're not very durable and limited if you want to increase what you're carrying.....

[paul_gee]

Check out Camelbak too. Their designs are really low profile and they come with decent harnesses. If you're after low-friction, check out their packs aimed at runners and cyclists.

[neilmny]

Osprey make great packs in day pack sizes.
My wife and daughter both have them and love them.

For what it's worth I prefer a pack, even in a day pack size, with a hip belt and a "back panel". A bulgy/lumpy bag that can swing around doesn't do it for me.

Something like this http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/osprey- ... -OnyxBlack and add an Osprey hydration bladder and you're in business. http://www.ospreypacks.com/au/en/produc ... LTRES.html
or
http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/osprey- ... 545-CARBON

I have no affiliation with Wildearth or Osprey.

Edit - forgot about the hydration side of things

[ErichFromm]

Thanks neil - exact feedback i was looking for. Can't decide between pack or "lumpy bag thing" you get sewn into...

[GPSGuided]

I'd say 20L will still be better with a pack. Vests seems to be better in the 10L or less volume range. When the carriage volume increases, the vest starts to get uncomfortable.

Yes, I have an Ultimate Direction SJ Running Vest 2.0. It's very nice when it's not over packed in the main compartment.

[cajun]

We own an Osprey 10L pack, with a 2l hydration bladder. I often wear this when we are doing local walks (10-15k) and don't feel the need to carry firstaid kits / plbs etc. Very comfortable.

On more remote and longer daywalks, my wife carries this pack with some safety gear and wet weather gear etc, while I use my AARN 22l marathon magic with a 3l Osprey hydration bladder. I love my AARN, and I carry "everything else".

Both good choices.

[vanNek]

Check out the high range our doors SR20 or Bolt12!

https://www.highrangeoutdoors.com.au/collections/packs-and-bags


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[Strider]

Check out the high range our doors SR20 or Bolt12!

https://www.highrangeoutdoors.com.au/collections/packs-and-bags


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Wow $$$$$

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[ErichFromm]

For those who care....

After much research I built a short-list. The features I was looking for:
* Day pack but light enough for trail running
* Enough storage for some food, rain jacket/possibly long sleeve top for warmth when stopping, first aid kit
* For full day hikes/runs

Initially I was looking at a racing harness/day pack hybrid:
Ultimate Direction Fast packhttps://ultimatedirection.com/fastpack-20/
- too Flimsy
Osprey Talon http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/talon-22-TALON22.html
- too big
Go lite Rush http://www.trailspace.com/gear/golite/rush/
- too big, weird shape
Osprey Rev http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/rev-12-REV12A.html
- probably functionally perfect, but just couldn't see myself trekking around with a bright blue bubble on my back
Racing harnesses: Girvel, Ultimate Direction etc http://www.bogong.com.au/packs.html?cat=130
- Ultimately too little storage and not adaptable for full day hikes

After trying a few on at shops and testing I realised that most of the racing harness type packs were very light but not very robust. I could imagine tearing them when squeezing through the bush.

My final purchase was the Osprey Raptor 14. http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hydration-Pack-Reviews/Osprey-Raptor-10

This is actually marketed as a biking pack but after much ruminating I concluded it also makes a great day pack. It's tightly compressed when not loaded but expandable to hold quite a lot when required. The bottom pouch holds a roll-out tool kit that I figure is easily converted to a first aid kit, and is very robust, About the only feature it doesn't have is shoulder strap pockets. But I figure if I really need I can buy separately - such as those made by Z PAcks....

[RonK]

Hmmmm - if I had known your thinking was headed that way, I would have recommended my cycling pack, the Osprey Zealot.

Oh, and it does have small but handy pockets on the shoulder straps and hop belt.

[ErichFromm]

Looks good. Very similar. Probably a little wide/big for me (fortunately)....

[Hiking Noob]

Ooooh, seems I need to check out the Osprey cycling packs.

I was going to suggest this- http://www.cascadedesigns.com/ie/platyp ... ck/product

[ErichFromm]

Where were all these suggestions a couple days ago!

That looks nice but still avoiding buyers remorse thus far...

Clearly there are lots of options. Osprey has a very good rep for back support and quality...

[RonK]

Where were all these suggestions a couple days ago!

That looks nice but still avoiding buyers remorse thus far...

Clearly there are lots of options. Osprey has a very good rep for back support and quality...

Well your stated criteria gave the impression you wanted something ultralight.

As for buyers remorse - the Zealot comes in two sizes and has all the features of the Raptor and more. But the large external Shove-it pocket gives it far more flexibility in load carrying capacity should the need arise.