Hi, I’m looking at all of these options (also tell me why the Tempest are rated so poorly?) for a mid-size day pack for hiking and day trips. I’m a geologist and a master’s student currently, and often spend 8+ hours in the field and anywhere between 1 mile to 8 mile hikes in a day. I’m wondering if any of you have any good experience with any of these packs, I’m normally an Osprey fan, but I’m not looking to spend more than $200 unless it’s really worth it (I have an Aura AG 50). If you have suggestions for something different please one size or women’s packs only. Please ask me to clarify anything else I’m looking for, thanks in advance!
I have a 38 L Osprey Kestrel and I love that thing. My only problem with it is that I don’t use it enough. $200 at REI: Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack - Men’s. There are similar women’s styles for the same price: Osprey Kyte 38 Pack - Women’s.
Can you share more details about what you plan to carry? The volume and weight will help determine the best recommendations for you.
Adley said:
Can you share more details about what you plan to carry? The volume and weight will help determine the best recommendations for you.
Since I’m in the desert in Arizona, I carry at least two 32oz Nalgenes, a 2L bladder of water, snacks, and sometimes a jacket depending on the weather. I also carry hiking poles, personal items like medications and a wallet, and often a lunch and some office supplies like a clipboard and pencils. I’m looking for something in the range of 28-35 L. Other equipment will be on my belt.
@Linden
The Osprey Trail 40 would fit all of that. I just bought the men’s version and it’s very comfortable.
@Linden
How many hand lenses do you carry? Over the years I have found one and my friend found one. Then promptly lost the one I found. I assume you bring a few!
Zander said:
@Linden
How many hand lenses do you carry? Over the years I have found one and my friend found one. Then promptly lost the one I found. I assume you bring a few!
By that do you mean hand lenses? I currently only have two, one is a larger one with a UV and LED light on it, and then I have a smaller one I use in the field. I wanna get different ones but the good ones are expensive. I may have misunderstood your question😅
A couple of considerations: First, I recommend getting a pack with side pockets for water bottles for easy access. Second, I prefer having a ‘brain’ like the Tempest and the Traverse have. It’s my preferred way to access my stuff, and I like to put ‘quick access’ items like sunblock/snacks in that brain. I strongly recommend not getting the Trail 40 because I find that when I try to open a backpack with that kind of zipper, the whole thing flops open and I need to reorganize. 40L is occasionally enough for a one-night backpack hike if I strap a tent to the outside. 30 is probably not enough for anything overnight. I have always gotten away with carrying-on a 40L on flights, but it’s definitely a ‘questionable carry-on’. Anything lower like 30 or 35 will comfortably fit in carry-on requirements for most airlines.
Packs are like shoes, they fit everyone a little differently. Go hit up an outdoor store with all these recommendations and try on as many as you can, with weight in it, and go with the one that fits you best. For large day packs, around the volume you are looking at, I’m a big fan of Gregory, my wife has the female version and both of ours are 30/28L. But they may suck for you.
I have an Osprey Stratos 24 and really like it. They have a 34 that would probably fit your needs.
Find somewhere that has knowledgeable staff that can properly fit the pack for you. A properly fitted cheap pack can easily beat out a poorly fitted premium pack for comfort - which is key when you’ll be filling your pack with rocks.
@Wei
I visited REI yesterday and can’t say they were very helpful, especially when they had hardly any inventory in the store. But I definitely agree with you, just have very limited options near me.
Linden said:
@Wei
I visited REI yesterday and can’t say they were very helpful, especially when they had hardly any inventory in the store. But I definitely agree with you, just have very limited options near me.
Packs are one of those few items that are worth paying higher prices on to get good service. Look to the specialty stores and see whether any of them have the right staff. Don’t be afraid to get on the phone and ask places.
Check out Mystery Ranch. Will probably have to order it but it will hold up. Osprey gear will hold up but yeah.
I’m a big Gregory fan. I use my 24L Gregory Citro for day hiking in winter and it holds all of my gear, lunch and snacks, plus some of my wife’s stuff.
I have the Jade 28 and it’s great as a day pack. Tight as an overnight. I use it for day hikes and for work and grocery shopping. It’s a black hole. I carried 10 kg of cat litter in it one time and 9 kg of potting soil and other garden supplies another time. You probably shouldn’t do that but it was comfy and the bag held up great.
From the photos the Tempest or the Traverse look like your best bet. The others look like they have a curved back, which might not fit a clipboard very well
I have a 30L Gregory backpack that has been used for constant field work over the past decade (I’m a Geologist too, bought it for an Arctic Expedition). You want a pack that fits you well, but Gregory is a good company, they also have a lifetime warranty.
I like Mystery Ranch’s Coulee series.
Go for Osprey, can’t go wrong with their lifetime warranty