How big of a backpack do I need? [Archive] - T4T Forums

View Full Version : How big of a backpack do I need?

EShoaps

04-12-2005, 08:06 PM

Justin

04-12-2005, 08:49 PM

I'm assuming that I will be buying an INTERNAL vs. EXTERNAL for starters.
If your buying a new pack I'd go internal though not all folks do... Most folks prefer internal as IMO are more effecient -- space, wieght etc.

I know to look for all the extra hook ups, ie. ice axe hoops, side compression straps etc.

You don't NEED all this stuff - it depends on what you plan on doing/going -- and if you don't know how to use them they do no good anyway

But, how big do I need. Can I get by with a 3600 cu in pack or 4000, even 4500
I just purchased (another) pack :doh: at 2,500 cu. This is the pack I'm going to take up to tucks for my overnights (spring). depending on how bulky your gear is you MAY be able to pull of the same capcity bag. to give you an idea, I'm bringing:

my summer bag: that's about the size of a football
Pad: same thing
1/2: Kelty tent -- little bigger
Stove and some other misc gear (food) and few articles of clothing.

Note, my boots will be on my feet as I will be skiining up and the helmet will have to go on the outside.

If you got Bulky (er) gear then I'd go with a 3,500 especially if you don't have another pack -- that way you'll have a more veristle pack. I have another larger Gregory Pack that I swear is 7,500 cu. (well more like 5,500) but as my gear slowly shrunk (more like upgraded) it was just silly luggin that huge thing around.

Lastly, any recommendations on brands? What have you tried and what works?

Really depends on what fits you and what you prefer -- I was looking at some GoLite packs for a while but They felt flimsy on my back and didn't really fit my build anyway. I tried some North Face packs and they didn't fit my shoulder. Eventually I settled on an EMS pack that was light and fit me like a glove. I KNOW Maine Moutain Works and EMS both know me now as I camped out at both places for quite sometime.

That's all I got - sure others will have more...

EShoaps

04-12-2005, 09:09 PM

If your buying a new pack I'd go internal though not all folks do... Most folks prefer internal as IMO are more effecient -- space, wieght etc.

You don't NEED all this stuff - it depends on what you plan on doing/going -- and if you don't know how to use them they do no good anyway

I just purchased (another) pack :doh: at 2,500 cu. This is the pack I'm going to take up to tucks for my overnights (spring). depending on how bulky your gear is you MAY be able to pull of the same capcity bag. to give you an idea, I'm bringing:

my summer bag: that's about the size of a football
Pad: same thing
1/2: Kelty tent -- little bigger
Stove and some other misc gear (food) and few articles of clothing.

Note, my boots will be on my feet as I will be skiining up and the helmet will have to go on the outside.

If you got Bulky (er) gear then I'd go with a 3,500 especially if you don't have another pack -- that way you'll have a more veristle pack. I have another larger Gregory Pack that I swear is 7,500 cu. (well more like 5,500) but as my gear slowly shrunk (more like upgraded) it was just silly luggin that huge thing around.

Really depends on what fits you and what you prefer -- I was looking at some GoLite packs for a while but They felt flimsy on my back and didn't really fit my build anyway. I tried some North Face packs and they didn't fit my shoulder. Eventually I settled on an EMS pack that was light and fit me like a glove. I KNOW Maine Moutain Works and EMS both know me now as I camped out at both places for quite sometime.

That's all I got - sure others will have more...

You know, I've never skied at Tuck's yet. But I've done quite a bit of backcountry skiing and climbing in Jackson Hole and Aleyaska. I'd assume I'd bring my pons with me. Maybe I won't need them, but I'm surely expecting to carry a variety of clothes for a single day trip. As far as the ice tools go, it seems as though at times there are large climbing lines (yet to be seen by me), but if I fall, I want to be able to self arrest. Which tools are necessary for. Maybe I don't need the gear. What do you think?
PS. Thanks....

First Chair

04-12-2005, 09:38 PM

I bought an ice axe and crampons for tucks three years ago and am yet to use them. Last weekend I brought both ice tools up and didn't touch either one. If you go up you'll notice all the people who "forgot their skis" using axes and crampons and all skiers using boots and poles. Learn to self arrest with your ski pole!

bunkerking81

04-12-2005, 09:55 PM

i would recommend something a little smaller in a backpack. if you get something too big it is a pain to bring it up the headwall. but if you get something too small you can not bring enough stuff up to the base of tucks. i would try and get something in the small to medium range. if you go to like an EMS they will have plenty of selection in packs, they have mostly dakine and ems packs
________
OC500LE (http://www.mercedes-wiki.com/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OC500LE)

DMC

04-12-2005, 09:58 PM

In the past I've actually brought 2 packs up to the shelter...
My giant pack cause I bring lots of beer and food and a day pack to climb..

My next trip I'm only doing 2 nights so I'm bringing a smaller pack that Ill use for luggin and climbing...

Justin

04-12-2005, 10:07 PM

Just bring your tools if you plan on climbing... If your just going to ski then leave at home...I'm not a climber myslef but there are certainly lines that are big if that's what you are looking for.

04-12-2005, 11:42 PM

I'm assuming that I will be buying an INTERNAL vs. EXTERNAL for starters.

I know to look for all the extra hook ups, ie. ice axe hoops, side compression straps etc.

But, how big do I need. Can I get by with a 3600 cu in pack or 4000, even 4500?

Lastly, any recommendations on brands? What have you tried and what works?

"thanks
eric.The pack details seem well covered..
The only winter and Late season Ice lines in the area are over in Huntington Ravine. If you were there for a day of climbing and a day of skiing, both sets of gear make sense. In Tuckerman Ravine there's areas where a fall will be extra rough.....the collapsed boot ladder deal last Saturday wasn't even in a place like that and those folks were helpless...partly due to the chaos and partly because their skis and boards were in their hands or sliding nearby.

My thought is, if you plan to get above rocks and drops if might be a good idea to use a carry sized day pack to strap your skis/board to and have an axe for self belay. If you have crampons, axe and skills with both, both are better.

Unless your ski poles are Whippits, forget about arresting after about three to five seconds...at those speeds regular ski poles will just bend or snap and therefore be useless.

If you have standard tails on your skis they can be very effective for self belay, one in each hand with the poles carried on a pack.

Try to pick your spot in the boot ladder line with an eye to what the folks above you are doing....sombody sketched or shakey.....pick another ladder, on instinct!

btw: last w/e I went to Tucks w/ just the pons....next time, if they go, so does the axe.

Zack

04-12-2005, 11:49 PM

Packwise, go smaller than you think you need. The smaller your bag, the less crap you'll take with you.

JayTux

04-13-2005, 08:22 AM

smaller is better, but make sure you go with something that will have good support and take the weight off of the shoulders. nothing like :unhappyhiker: Make sure it will be comfy for the ski down the Sherburne as well...
:skicool:

04-13-2005, 09:39 AM

PWDR8S

04-13-2005, 09:54 AM

Check out the one I'm selling......

Model: Switch 40+5
Designer: Osprey
Volume: L 2700+300 cu.in.
Weight: 3.8 lb.
Usage: Ski / Snowboard Mountaineering / Full day touring

http://www.timefortuckerman.com/forums/showthread.php?p=47326#post47326

Make me an offer if you're interested.

JayTux

04-13-2005, 11:31 AM

Take your gear with you and test before you buy.... :D

Defiantly test it out, because you are going to be hiking for a long time with it. I usually try and reason with the salesman to let me buy it and return it if it doesn't fit me right or is uncomfortable. Hike up and down stairs with it for a while to simulate that feeling, and make sure you can manuever easily, as you may be spending 20-25 minutes skiing down the Sherburne trail with it on, and keep in mind it will be full of gear as well.

I AM THEIR TOMMOROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D

Rider.Steve

04-13-2005, 05:31 PM

Zack and JayTux have it right...A Dakine Heli-Pro is as big as you'll need in the spring..there are others around 1700ci that will do fine. I have been borrowing my son's Dakine Poacher (a bit over 2000ci) and it's still got room in it after I pack the stuff I hope never to use but would rather have than not, if need arose.

Osprey has some very nice packs (the Switch series in particular) in that size, as does EMS (invented the switch concept, check out their Winterslide), REI and even LLBean. Take your gear with you and test before you buy.... :D

I have a Burton day-pack runs that around 1600-1700 ci. It's very nice for a day trip, but it doesn't have room or accessories for the following:

- Sleeping bag/pad
- axe loops and crampon pocket
- second or third 4 pack of Old Speckled Hen :beer:

This winter I picked up the Dakine Guide pack at 3,000 ci (larger sibling of the Poacher) for overnighters and longer. It's a bit heavier than I like (5 pounds) but has a flexible plastic internal rib frame that been very comfortable and supportive for day-long skins and hikes, and the configuration of storage and access seems to be extremely well-conceived. I haven't ridden anything steeper than the Little Headwall with it yet, but as the pack flattens out well when not at full cargo, it doesn't seem to complicate the riding much more than the smaller daypack.

In 1 1/2 weeks I'll try it on the Headwall, as I will want to have the board on my back and my hands free with the axe. I hate sliding without edges under my feet. :)

Steve