light backpack suggestions

[arghman]

Hmm, thats odd because I have yet to ever have a problem with my Nalgene's popping out on me. In fact, I absolutely LOVE my Kelty Redwing.

Well, I got the Redwing 3100 somewhat reluctantly because I ran out of time to find anything else that seemed better (thanks for the sugg's though -- I did check into some of them). It has turned out to be a very nice backpack, about the right side for my uses. The marketing material at Campmor's website listed only 4 pockets but it effectively has quite a few more than that. One main zipper compartment with some small pockets inside; another smaller zipper compartment on the back for maps, first aid kit, gps, etc. w/ small pockets inside; a very small zipper compartment on the back; two kind of weird pockets on the upper sides which have zippers down the middle and velcro top flap closures, that I have been using for water bottles; and two small mesh pockets on the lower sides which you could use for water bottles but I haven't.

 

[kaseri]

I'll second the Cilogear recommendation.

 

[NorthShore]

After searching through loads of old VFTT posts for opinions, I figured I couldn't go wrong with the Redwing 3100 when I noticed it for $49.88 from Cabelas this evening (in the "bargain Cave" section). It appears to be last years model.

It seems like a nice compromise between my 5600 ci pack and 1800ci daypack that's decent, but really really a tad short for me.

I tried unsuccessfully to find it in some local stores to check it out, but at the $50 price I decided to go ahead and order it online. In the unlikely event I don't like it, it will go to good use for others in my family.

 

[Mats Roing]

Another vote for Osprey.

I wear the Osprey's a lot.......sizable front belt pockets....nice mesh back....and the big pocket on the back is perfect to stick the snowshoes in during winter hiking......The Atmos 50 you can get for below $150 when on sale......that's the one I used for the 48 Direttissima in 2007.

 

[HAMTERO]

ULA packs

I have a ULA conduit that is 3200 cubic inches. It weighs 17oz and costs $100. They are made by ultrahiker Brian Frankle and his small crew in Utah. I like mine a lot. When I blew through the hip pockets bushwacking they put new, heavier duty pockets on for free.
http://www.ula-equipment.com/index.htm

 

[Maddy]

I have an Osprey Talon 33-new last summer, used once on a day. Color blue.
It is not comfortable but I am older and need more support. The back and legs are not what they used to be.
A little trauma goes a long way at my age.
PM me is you are interested. $50 +postage.

 

[Barkingcat]

Another vote for the Osprey Atmos 50...

Consider the Osprey Atmos 50 (3100 cu in)...

I use an Osprey Atmos 50 and love it. (I don't have problems with bottles popping out of the side pockets, either.)

And, to add to what some folks have already mentioned, the large outer pocket is great for carrying snowshoes.

 

[woodsxc]

If you can afford it, I've heard nothing but good things about Cilogear. The guy who owns it (Graham) has really worked at being responsive to suggestions from users.

I have an older Osprey Atmos 25 and a Mountainsmith Phantom. Both are smaller than what you're looking for, but have been awesome for everything I've done. If you wanna go Osprey, the Atmos series has some larger options that I strongly urge you to consider. IDK about the Kelty Redwing.

 

[Tim Seaver]

Yup

That's why I'm very happy with my 2 GoLite packs, the Jam and the Jam 2. Not only are they tough (the Jam has done more than 50 gnarly whacks and keeps on truckin'.) but they are very light and inexpensive. Surprisingly comfortable to wear, too.

Agreed. My original Jam is still going strong without a hint of wear.
Great pack! OK, except for the stupid drawstring closure that does nothing to keep out the elements. I guess they think you are going to use a pack cover?
GoLite should have made the rest of their pack like out of the Dyneema fabric, rather than the tissue-paper stuff which only weighs slightly less - any pack I had made from that crap is shredded.

 

[Neil]

Yeah I know. Like how much does a flap of material weigh? I draw mine tight then I roll it up and clip it shut.

I bought an Equinox ultralight 50 liter pack made from Syl-nylon and with mesh only for the back panel. Very light and functional as long as it doesn't rain or you stay away from the Adirondacks.

 

[bignslow]

Consider the Osprey Atmos 50 (3100 cu in)...

Tim

I was so happy with my Atmos 50 that I bought the Atmos 65 for weekend trips.

 

[Mats Roing]

I was so happy with my Atmos 50 that I bought the Atmos 65 for weekend trips.

Dito....plus the 35.......

 

[urbanRecon]

Osprey is where it's at

I have the Atmos 65 and Stratos 32. I have used the Atmos 65 as a winter pack as well as a multiday and the winter hikers are always envious of my dry back! The Stratos 32 is my new day pack - I was just fitting snowshoes on it last night for next winter - i think it's going to work. Both have the mesh backing which is great for ventilation. My buddies are getting the Stratos after seeing my new one on the Hancocks last weekend.

 

[WinterWarlock]

Well, I'll throw in with the Osprey crowd - now have a Stratos 40 and the new Kestrel 32...love them both. I used to have the Redwing 3100, but stopped using it for two reasons...one, the pack sits right against my back and I'd get soaked from sweat...not so on the Osprey's. And two, the shape of the bag means that the weight sits down and away from the body, which really throws you off balance if the trail gets steep. $50 is cheap, but to quote a post from Neil

Buy nice or buy twice!

Of course that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Scott

 

[Hikes4fun]

Well, I'll throw in with the Osprey crowd - now have a Stratos 40 and the new Kestrel 32...love them both. I used to have the Redwing 3100, but stopped using it for two reasons...one, the pack sits right against my back and I'd get soaked from sweat...not so on the Osprey's. And two, the shape of the bag means that the weight sits down and away from the body, which really throws you off balance if the trail gets steep. $50 is cheap, but to quote a post from Neil

​

Of course that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Scott

I'll pile on for Ospreys...Judy and both use Stratos 40's for winter...I have an Aether 70 and she has an Ariel for backpacking. We have a few packs we use in the summer..all depends on who gets first dibs

 

[TEO]

The Wild Things packs, especially the Spectra versions, are supposed to be the absolute sh*t. Warning: they're expensive. For mere mortals, Arc'teryx is pretty fine stuff. They use top quality materials and the designs are well thought. This means that their packs are also on the pricey side. Gregory and Osprey are probably a notch below, but very respectable. If you're looking for cheap and simple, but bomber, check out MEC.