March 24, 2022

Day packs

Recently I have begun to appreciate the advantages of a well designed day pack. For many many years I have just grabbed anything handy, figuring that I only really needed to pay close attention to my backpacking gear.

Volume

I spent a lot of time using a pack that was just too big. I used to carry the Dana Design "bomb pack", which still rates up there as my favorite pack of all time. Honesly though it is too big unless you are also carrying climbing gear or part of a search and rescue team. After I wore that pack out, I began carrying a Marmot "Eiger 36" which is pretty much the same size and still too big.

There are at least two things wrong with carrying a pack that is too big. First is that you will be tempted to "fill 'er up" and carry all kinds of things that you don't really need. Second is that what you do carry will end up in a lump at the bottom of a mostly empty pack. Third is that the pack itself will be heavier than it needs to be.

Waist belts

I used to mock at these on a day pack. "Chop 'em off" I said. But I came to realize that even with a sub 20 pound load, a waist belt can provide comfort and avoid the sore shoulder thing at the end of a long day.

Straps

This is just my chance to complain. Some pack makers seem to think that having a multitude of straps is a selling point. It is not for me. I want as few as possible. I generally view compression straps as an overall nuisance on any pack, but especially a day pack. Your mileage may vary.

Black Diamond "Axis 24"

As the saying goes, "if it is any good, they don't make it any more". I bought this with the intent of reforming my own habits of carrying too much stuff in a pack that is too big. It has really worked out well. I am not sure if this is discontinued or not. I bought mine in March of 2016. It has at least been revised since when I got mine, and a friend admired my version, told me he used to own it, but when he send it in for warranty work, they replaced his with the latest version, which he didn't like so well.

What I like about it is that it is a clean simple pack without frills. Mine is now sun faded, and the lower part that rests against my back is starting the tear and shred, but it is still going strong.

My main complaint about this pack is that the lid flops towards the rear of the pack (rear, being towards behind you if you are wearing the pack.) This has dumped its contents out unexpectedly countless times. All my other packs flop towards the wearer, and maybe I am just used to that.

Deuter Trail 30

I got one of these in March of 2020. I wanted a bit more volume than my Axis 24 and was shooting for 28, but figured 30 was the limit. There is also a trail "pro" 32, which has some frills over the Trail 30 (including a metal frame and a back sheet). I was tempted by it, but went with the trail 30.

This is my first pack from Deuter, which is a German manufacturer. They say they will repair or replace it forever. I was almost going to pass it by because of the panel entry zipper. I have always wanted a bulletproof "bag" with straps with no zipper to fail. It remains to be seen if the panel zip lets me down. They will repair it if it does, but I might still be out in the field with a busted pack and things falling out of it.

People compare Osprey to Deuter, and it seems to go as follows. Osprey packs have more frills and gimmicks and tend to be made of less sturdy fabrics. Deuter packs are simpler, cleaner, and more rugged. I think frills do sell a lot of packs, but not to me.

This is a 2 pound 10 ounce pack with a Delrin frame. The materials are stout, and I don't mind some extra weight for a daypack. I like the side zip pocket instead of a second place for a water bottle (If I want a lot of water, I will carry a hydration bladder). I also like the zip pocket on the hip belt. Yes, I suppose I am falling for some less than basic features.

Arcteryx Alpha FL 30

I don't own an Arcteryx pack. Maybe someday.

Everything Arcteryx makes is phenomenal. You do pay for it, but you absolutely get what you pay for. I don't own one of these, but the Alpha FL has a good look about it. The letters "FL" are for "fast and light". 1 pound 4 ounces. That certainly is light, but they say it is for serious climbing.

I would pick the Alpha FL 30 over the Aerios 30 by Arcteryx. The Aerox has a wrap around hip belt and suspension that I think would just be a bit much for me. 2 pounds.

Have any comments? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's hiking pages / tom@mmto.org