Backpack recommendations

[thepatriot2705]

For all you backpackers out there, what is your favorite bag. Currently in the market for a large >75l capacity with detachable day pack.

[kirkland]

Ospreys are incredible packs, light weight, durable, well designed. I've owned one for 15 years and haven't needed to buy another because it takes all the abuse I can give it and hasn't worn out. I've taken it on several hikes in the north cascades, hunting trips, camping trips, shooting trips packed full of gun stuff, work trips out of town, it's been my go to pack for everything over the years. I've thrown it around in rugged terrain, over stuffed it and had to reef on the zipper to get it shut. Never had a rip, never blew a zipper. They're expensive packs but worth every penny. You really just can't go wrong with an Osprey, they're available from small daypacks all the way up to full expedition size packs and every size in between.

A good cheaper option could be a surplus USMC ILBE Gen 2 pack. They're not built by Arc'teryx but it is an Arc'teryx design, built by Propper. So they are an internal frame backpacking type of pack design, but made out of heavier duty materials. They're large, 75L, comfortable, carry heavy weight well, have a nice detachable top pack. In addition to standard top access to the main compartment, it has duffel bag style side zippers which are incredibly convenient for getting at stuff deeper in your pack without having to unload everything out the top. The trade off is they have a weight penalty. You can remove some of the unnecessary webbing and strapping and lighten them up a bit, but they're still gonna be a few pounds heavier than a commercial pack. I got mine from ebay, lightly used, it had one broken buckle, easily replaceable from a place like strapworks.com, these packs can be had for half the price of a commercial pack.

[SteyrAUG]

So many options for a 3 day pack I couldn't begin to list them all.

Just search your favorite brand for tactical gear (holsters, boots, tac vests) and then pick the one with the features and layout that work best for you. Most military versions are going to be decent options.

The most important thing I've learned is, do I really need one THIS big. Having a huge 3 day / 80L is fine for end of the world scenarios, but unless you actually do advanced level hiking that takes you completely off the grid for 5 days, you might discover that you only fill it half way up 90% of the time.

[Jellybean]

For all you backpackers out there, what is your favorite bag. Currently in the market for a large >75l capacity with detachable day pack.

Does this need to be a slick/civilian "camping" style pack, or are you looking for exterior molle?
Price range?
Is it going to be worn by itself or does it need to interface over a PC?

A LOT of packs (most) don't come with a detachable daypack these days, you're probably going to have to pick one you like and figure out a way to strap it on by yourself.

[flenna]

So many options for a 3 day pack I couldn't begin to list them all.

Just search your favorite brand for tactical gear (holsters, boots, tac vests) and then pick the one with the features and layout that work best for you. Most military versions are going to be decent options.

The most important thing I've learned is, do I really need one THIS big. Having a huge 3 day / 80L is fine for end of the world scenarios, but unless you actually do advanced level hiking that takes you completely off the grid for 5 days, you might discover that you only fill it half way up 90% of the time.

This. For years I carried a 65L Lowe Alpine pack on everything from an overnight trip to a 4 day excursion. But the older I get the less I want and need (after really analyzing my gear) to carry so I downsized to a 35L for almost every backpacking trip. The big pack just comes out for winter trips where I need to carry a heavier sleeping bag and extra clothes.

[Troutrunner]

Check out Seek Outside. I have one of the Lanier hunting packs. The ride and adjustments are amazing, helps you carry loads and makes it comfortable.
https://seekoutside.com

[jsbhike]

large >75l capacity with detachable day pack.

Day pack like assault pack?

or day pack like some packs where the lid is detached to make a lumbar/fanny pack?

[Defaultmp3]

So many options for a 3 day pack I couldn't begin to list them all.

Just search your favorite brand for tactical gear (holsters, boots, tac vests) and then pick the one with the features and layout that work best for you. Most military versions are going to be decent options.

The most important thing I've learned is, do I really need one THIS big. Having a huge 3 day / 80L is fine for end of the world scenarios, but unless you actually do advanced level hiking that takes you completely off the grid for 5 days, you might discover that you only fill it half way up 90% of the time.I've never seen a 3 day pack larger than 45 L, nor have I seen many that have suspensions worth a shit. I'd much rather get a dedicated civilian pack that has an actual suspension system if this is for actual backpacking. I also much prefer to have a larger backpack in general, so that I can simply put everything inside the backpack, instead of having to strap things to the outside, just makes life easier, IMO.

I currently use a Kifaru Fulcrum with a Guide lid on a Duplex Tactical Frame; I've made my old pack, the EMR II with the regular Duplex frame with the Guide lid into my SAR pack (though it now uses an Organizer Guide lid, the old lid being moved to my new pack). For day pack use, I will simply carry another bag inside; I've carried the Arc'teryx LEAF Assault 30 in it before when I needed a pack with some better suspension during the day, but having a normal summit pack inside is usually the better move (Arc'teryx Alpha FL 40 and Mountain Hardwear SummitRocket 30).

[dmd08]

If you're looking for a large pack for uses other than just regular old backpacking I'll defer to others.

If you are really looking for a pack just for backpacking I'd say look at hyperlite mountain gear and Gossamer gear. There are others too. I'd go with a 55ish liter pack and I'd reevaluate the rest of my gear to make it fit. My enjoyment on the trail is inversely proportional to the weight on my back. I've become a bit of a weight weenie and I don't care. I have an HMG Porter 3400. I pack for 5 days trips and hit the trail at about 30-32 lbs but that includes quite a bit of fishing gear. I'm more recently trying the Gossamer gear Mariposa which is about the same size and weight but with more pockets for organization. I like them both a lot.

[chuckman]

I would not consider a 3-day pack/assault pack a big, multi-day excursion pack. Most are somewhere along the 28-36 liter size.

If you don't mind paying, look at Mystery Ranch. I do not know about the detachable day pack option. Edited to add, also Kifaru and Lowe (but I think Lowe's best packs were from years ago and not the current gen) and maybe Opsrey.

I agree with above, the civilian lines typically have MUCH better suspension and support then any of the military packs.

[Troutrunner]

You have to think about packs the same way as you would about guns. There is no one back that fits every situation.

In my case, I wanted a backpacking and hunting pack that was around 5500cc's, that's plenty big for a 3-5 day overnight hike or hunt, but the pack only weighs 4lbs so using it for a day pack while using the compression straps still works well. I wanted a waterproof tough fabric. That's why I went with Seek Outside. They make packs out of UltraPE, EPLX, and Spectra. Inherently waterproof and abrasion resistant. Deep pockets and front stuff pockets. They also have adjustable load height bars. There are other lightweight packs but you have to watch out for being so light they are not tough.

I tried the Kifaru and Mystery Ranch packs as well. Both were nice, but empty they felt like they already had a load. They are also mostly Cordura making them wet out resulting in a heavier soggy pack.

With enough rain, everything will get wet eventually, might as well start out ahead.

[kirkland]

If you're looking for a large pack for uses other than just regular old backpacking I'll defer to others.

If you are really looking for a pack just for backpacking I'd say look at hyperlite mountain gear and Gossamer gear. There are others too. I'd go with a 55ish liter pack and I'd reevaluate the rest of my gear to make it fit. My enjoyment on the trail is inversely proportional to the weight on my back. I've become a bit of a weight weenie and I don't care. I have an HMG Porter 3400. I pack for 5 days trips and hit the trail at about 30-32 lbs but that includes quite a bit of fishing gear. I'm more recently trying the Gossamer gear Mariposa which is about the same size and weight but with more pockets for organization. I like them both a lot.

Those Hyperlite cuben fiber packs are really good too. The material is waterproof so you don't need a pack cover. Those bags are very popular with PCT thru hikers.

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

We use the Three Day Pass Backpacks by Sandpiper of California and they have held-up well. Sandpiper offers a wide range of packs and probably has what you're looking for too. https://sandpiperca.com/

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

When I worked at the student center in 1991 I found a back pack in the lost and found. Been my ammo and mag bag for 25 years. I think it is mostly gunpowder residue and dirt.

[Averageman]

Backpacks are pretty sketchy to buy unless you have a bit of experiance.
I was used to ALICE packs, they worked well enough and were semi confortable. When I hiked the Grand Canyon I bought something used that fit well and worked for me.
It was in size between an large and medium Alice and had an internal frame.
Very comfortable.