Pack Size

“Would a 34 SL pack have enough room to hold a one man tent, a sleeping bag in a compression pack, and supplies neccessary for a 2 night backpacking trip?

The pack I'm looking at:
http://www.rei.com/product/810848/deuter-futura-pro-34-sl-pack-womens”

“That's a really small pack. Most people couldn't make it work. I think an internal frame needs to be around 3000 ci for a self-sufficient person on a multi-night trip with normal gear.

If you had super-ultralight gear you could make that pack work, but you wouldn't because it's too heavy. Then you'd want an ultra-light pack like this:
http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks/murmur-hyperlight-backpack-1.html

Those little Deuter are made for hiking between huts when you don't have to carry food, stove & a tent. I think this one is a much better choice:
http://www.rei.com/product/830583/rei-flash-50-pack-womens-special-buy”

“I was looking at the REI outlet packs on sale. The Flash 65 looks good but I'm used to the Ariel 75 for overnight and week long trips. Wondering if 65 is big enough and if the minimal pack can carry 35 lbs comfortably.”

“I got the Flash 65 on sale this winter. It doesn't have room for a ton of luxuries, but 35 lbs is fine. The mesh pockets help with organizing. I'm cutting way back on weight but not ready for a Gossamer Gear pack yet.”

“Would a bear vault fit too? Going on the Sierrapalooza for a week so I'll have the solo size.”

“A standard Garcia can would fit in the 65.”

“I used a 40 litre pack for years and years (bought it in 1980). It was enough even for winter backpacking and hiking with the kids.

I went to a 70 litre pack when bear canisters became mandatory in the Adirondacks.

You would have to pack 'smart', but you could do it. I think, however, that Toejam is right. 50 litres isn't too big and you will be sure to get everything in.”

“In this sport you literally carry your burdens with you. In my early days I carried a huge 6000 cubic inch pack and I filled it up!! Nowadays I use a 3500 cubic inch pack and that fulfills all my needs from overnight, weekend warrior hikes to long-distance and winter tours. I think any pack in the 50-60 liter range is best for most people. If you think you need more than 60 liters you may want to reconsider what you are packing.”

“When bear canisters became mandatory in the Eastern High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park I had to get a bigger pack - 70 litres to my old 40 litre pack that had served me so well - even in winter. Now I use my 70 litre pack in winter and wonder how I got everything in the smaller one.”

“I have a 3500 that fits my bear can for a week. But I just went up to a Golite 4200 with a one pound penalty but a better suspension system.”

“FYI, the Golite packs are on major sale again:

http://www.golite.com/packs-and-luggage”

“Roseymonster, which bear can are you using? I know the BearVault models aren't to be used in the Adirondacks, due to at least one bear that has routinely been able to open them.”

“Hi, Zac,

I use the Backpacker Bear Resistant Food Container from Campmor. Item #14097; 69,99 USD. The lid fits flush and you need a coin or a screwdriver to open it and it's legal in the Eastern High Peaks.”

“that looks almost like the pack that i use, and mine is different colors, and it carried my tent and my sleeping bag, and my food, and all my other things, for a weekend trip.”

“I use the wild ideas bearikade weekender.”

“Me too...”

“Rosey, how sturdy/dependable/durable are the GoLite packs?

I'm thinking I might wanna trade my Kelty external for something a bit more contemporary, and easier to manage...”

“I think they seem really well made/designed, but I haven't used it enough in the field to determine if it's viable for the long run. It appears to be. Buy one and return it if you don't like it, Obi.”

“I have a golie jam2, love it! Handles loads upto 30-35lbs no problem. One compartment with an outside pocket, so be load savvy.”