Spyderco Forums

Does anyone have a good suggestion for a small hiking backpack capable of carrying a knife, an axe, some water, TP, and a first aid kit. I see a lot of large packs, or single strap small packs, but I'm not finding a lot of double shoulder strapped bags.

All info is appreciated.

Thank you

Really depends how much you want to spend. Wal-mart can set you up nicely with things that may work for you other options are going to be a lot more but will last. I spend $100 bucks on a day pack a while back but realized I had carried it for 10+ years. Currently I have a Mystery Ranch Sweet Pea that I love. A friend of mine buys victorinox backpacks. I think he has gone through about 4-5 of them, I have no idea if they are knock-off or what but he keeps blowing a strap or something. Check our REI too.

Look into the Osprey line.. I use a Daylite.. The pack empty weighs less than a pound.. Used it for the past 3 yrs.. JMO!! John :)

I do not have one of these but it is on the Christmas list for sure. Made in the USA.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/backpacks.aspx" target="_blank

Check out Timbuk2's "Uptown Laptop TSA-Friendly Backpack". My wife and I each took a previous version of one to the Colorado Plateau this past June. Served us very well.

Kifaru Urban Zippy
https://youtu.be/Va--aBpek-4" target="_blank
http://store.kifaru.net/urban-zippy-150 ... -p150.aspx" target="_blank

Is Jansport a good backpack brand for the above mentioned uses?

I use a 5.11 Rush 24 as a EDC & work & day-to-day backpack, and I like it a lot.

I normally commute 90 km on weekdays on a motorcycle, or use it on the train. It normally carries my EDC stuff plus lunch and a set of work clothes. It is big enough to fit a 15.4 inch laptop, but it's not designed as a laptop backpack.

There are loads of reviews on the web, this is a very popular pack
http://www.511tactical.com/rush-24-backpack.html" target="_blank

It is the best bag I ever bought:
- really well constructed
- very comfortable to carry
- good quality cordura and YKK zippers.
- lots of small and big pockets, external and internal
- 2 water bottle side pockets (can fit a 27 oz/800ml Kleen Kanteen in each).
- a water bladder pocket.
- good roomy main compartment with easy access
- lashing points underneath for larger items like mattresses or hiking poles etc.

I think it will work really well as a daypack for hiking, provided you do not overload it, because it does not have a waist strap.

Though I agree with Hans about 5.11 tactical and the absolute stellar quality product they produce, the Rush 12 is still possibly larger than what you need. I edc one of their MOAB 10 bags and it is a single strap so that will likely not work for you. Your list of items seems small, if you are being realistic, perhaps a Camelback that has additional pockets would be a better choice for you. Something like this maybe?


http://goinggear.com/packs/outdoor/hydr ... rcoal.html" target="_blank


http://goinggear.com/packs/outdoor/hydr ... -blue.html" target="_blank


http://goinggear.com/packs/outdoor/hydr ... eener.html" target="_blank


http://goinggear.com/packs/outdoor/hydr ... oyote.html" target="_blank

I second the Osprey. I have two of them (a day pack and a larger one) and they're great.

This is the one I have: http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs ... 0061517477" target="_blank

It's great for heavy day long stuff--up to about 20 pounds or so. It doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment. You can use the hydration pocket for that if you don't want a hydration system, though. If you want to have carry a laptop, that's about the only shortcoming I've encountered.

The suspension is fantastic for a day pack.

Thank you for all of the great suggestions. That Osprey looks a lot like what I'm looking for, and it appears to be in the price range my budget requires.

I'm still open to suggestions, as pay day isn't for a week yet.

I'd go for something with 30-40L volume. Anything smaller still covers your back making you hot and sweaty while easily becoming stuffed when you put a jacket etc. inside. Unless you spend most of your trip running a very slim pack isn't a great advantage. Norrøna, Hagløfs, Bergans, Berghaus, Osprey, North Face, Mammut, Kifaru and Eberlestock are all good to great. See that they have a decent waist/hip belt. Most compress with straps so carry well even when almost empty.

eidah wrote:Kifaru Urban Zippy
https://youtu.be/Va--aBpek-4" target="_blank
http://store.kifaru.net/urban-zippy-150 ... -p150.aspx" target="_blank

Two thumbs up for the Kifaru. These guys make some of the best kit in the world - your money will be well spent.

TedP

I highly recommend a surplus USMC ILBE Assault Pack. I picked one up in very good condition last year, and the thing is completely bomb-proof. It will probably still be going on hiking trips when I'm dead and gone. Looks great too. You can usually get a good one in the $40 range if you shop carefully.

I see no recommendations for Maxpedition.
I was wanting one of them, are they being skipped here for any reasons?
Was thinking Condor 2

Got one of these and it's a great pack, comfortable, tough, light, big without being huge if that makes sense. Love the molle too.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/SOG-Ninja-Day ... e/36256329" target="_blank

I stumbled across that thread on edcf regarding Maxpedition.

Mmm I'm rethinking buying any Maxpedition!

SolidState,

What size ax do you plan to pack. I do trail work in the summers and know how important it is to securely carry long and/or heavy tools while hiking. For me, the most important thing would be the ability to safely and comfortably attach the ax. Look for something with a lot of external straps or attachment points. If the ax is small enough to go inside the pack, then the external attachment points aren't as important.

I will be carrying a hatchet with a 16" handle. It can usually fit in longer packs, and it has a sheath to prevent issue with such carry.
Thanks for asking.