Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
6/30/2008 9:32:04 AM EDT
The wife (finally) wants to take up hiking.  Since neither of us is in shape, we will start with the local state park trails.  All are one day hikes, usually under 5 miles.  I did a lot of hiking as a Boy Scout, and in college.  I have my old frame pack, etc. but I think it's 1: heavy and 2: overkill.  Okay, so a 19 year old Camp Trails frame pack is not exactly heavy, but it is in great condition and it is overkill for a day hike.

We have an infant we will be taking with us in a backpack carrier.

We are looking for a good backpack to carry the usual one day hike stuff (FAK, sunscreen, bug spray, food, water) plus the SHTBaby stuff (diapers, wipes, formula, bottles).

I don't know if we should go with some sort of tactical bag from someone like 5.11 (which is tacticool! for looks) or with a hiking designed bag from someone like Kelty.  Wouldn't the tactical bag be heavier, in which case a hiking bag would be superior?  

Advice is needed.
6/30/2008 5:24:44 PM EDT
[#1]
For a good all around day pack I have to suggest the Camelbak RimRunner.  



I've used this pack for about 6 or 7 years now got it at Sports Authority for like 75 bucks I think.  Taken it everywhere.  At first I used the 3L bladder all the time, but more and more I've been putting water bottles in the mesh pockets on the sides.  It was the perfect size when we went hiking at Mount Rogers in VA, a couple weeks ago.  Had a small first aid kit / some survival stuff I carry in a Tactical Tailor horizontal pouch, 1 gallon zip lock bag with various snacks, 4 bottles of water and 2 Diet Mt. Dew (for the wife), wind shirt rolled up in a quart size zip lock bag, and the camera.  

Since I have a backpack fetish, the wife gave me this as an anniversary gift.  



Kifaru Molle Express.  I have not taken it out yet.  Planning to go out this weekend to some trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway so it might see some time in the woods then.  The Kifaru and I are still in the honeymoon stage trying to get the feel for one another, what's the best way to pack it, and how to access stuff.  The picture above shows it stuffed with a sleeping bag to fill it out.    

I also have an Eagle AIII that sees alot of use for overnight trips, carrying files to and from the office, etc.  I don't have a picture presently, but the Eagle for some reason has never seen any time on a trial, but it has been used as an airline carry on, been on several business trips, used a range bag, and is all I use when going away for a weekend at the beach, or to the in-laws house at the lake.  

The Eagle and the Kifaru bags are much heavier than the Camelbak, but the Camelbak has held up with alot of abuse.  However, as you can see the Camelbak is not Tacticool as the others.  

Hope this helps some.
7/1/2008 7:16:59 AM EDT
[#2]
Thanks for the input.hinking
7/1/2008 3:44:40 PM EDT
[#3]
any day pack from camelbackl does well...or kelty,mountainsmith.

enjoy your walks they are fun.....

fwiw i use a camelbak mule for a day pack...and a ctd molle hydration pack. both have done fine.
7/1/2008 4:04:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Get a Camelback BFM.

Your covered for basic tactical pack and its a decent hiking pack too.

And it's hydration compatible.

I picked a like new one up for 115.00 on the EE.

For small daypack go with a Camelback Blowfish.
Small and light and expands to carry enough food & essentials for me and my 3 yr old.

Of course YMMV.

Jon
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.