Backpack

[Gerard01]

I came across a Kelty Redwing 50 3100 ci internal frame. Looks nice. I tried it on and it fit good. Priced at $109.00
Anyone have an opinion?

[NorthBay]

My first "real" pack was a Kelty Redcloud. I used a couple years ago on the West Rim Trail here in PA. It has been hung up ever since and replaced with a Gregory. That pack will never see a trail on my shoulders again.

Keep in mind that was a Redcloud...The Redwing may be better and fit you better. Get some weight in it and walk around the store if possible, It's worth a shot if it fits you good. Looks aren't always everything, fit is far more important. Good luck with it.

Steve

[Nessmuk]

Originally Posted by Gerard01

I came across a Kelty Redwing 50 3100 ci internal frame. Looks nice. I tried it on and it fit good. Priced at $109.00
Anyone have an opinion?

About 4 years ago I was looking for a new and substantial daypack, mainly to be dedicated to carry what I needed for SAR. I noticed that the all the DEC rangers were all using Kelty Redwings. I figured if it was good enough for them, then I would get one too. It is not the lightest of packs, but I like it very much for the job, as is very durable and tough.

[Kyler]

I have a Redwing 3100 that I bought in 2004 (I'm sure the design has changed somewhat since then). I used it as my main pack for a few years. For me, it's too big for a day pack, but a good size for a 2-3 trip.

I have since replaced it with an Osprey, but it is still my go-to pack for work days - hauling tools and supplies up Mt Adams. The Redwing feels heavy and sturdy. In comparison, the Osprey feels lighter and generally more comfortable.

As NorthBay said, it would be good if you can try it with some weight. I don't know what qualities/features you want in a pack, but I can say that mine is a good quality pack and has held up well over the years.

[Gerard01]

I'm looking for more weight distribution and less sagging. The day pack I have now, and everyone has seen it, sags a bit too much. I really had to stuff it good for this hike and it weighed me down. There is no doubt for big hikes like that I need 4 liters of water.

[uberturtle]

Congrats on Big Slide!

You are correct that for some hikes you'll need to be carrying a lot of water, such as the Dix Range, where we carried 5 liters apiece starting out. BUT, for the most part in the Adirondacks, you might be better off carrying a water filter to refill along the way. I would also encourage the use of a Camelbak or similar bladder (they can fit in a regular pack), as I find I drink more with the hose readily available.

The Kelty pack looks nice, but is on the heavy side. You might want to look at Campmor's website and see what they have in terms of a Camelbak or Osprey hydration system - they usually have pretty good deals.

[DackerDan]

Campmor has the Kelty Redwing 50 on sale for $90

I agree with uberturtle that at this point a filter or steripen might be a better option, again - Campmor also has the Steripen classic on sale right now, that is what I use. You will need something like it or chlorine when/if you start camping.

BTW - if you don't already know, the Campmor store is just over in NJ.

[Jim C]

Gerard, I've been following your adventure and love your determination.

I second the Osprey packs. For years I used a Northface day pack, that served me well, but the Osprey has a lot of great features, namely a mesh panel that rests against your back and allows air to flow between your back and the pack (no more sweaty back). Also, the Osprey is lighter. Well worth the extra dollars in my opinion.

I recommend you visit an EMS or REI store or Campmor in NJ (or the Mountaineer if you are still up in the ADKs) and try on a bunch of packs and talk to the salespeople (vs buying sight unseen on the internet).

The costs of getting good hiking gear can really add up, but, in the end, it is cheaper if you buy quality the first time instead of buying cheaper gear and having to replace or upgrade it later

Good luck and please let me know if you have any other questions, etc

[Pathgrinder]

Originally Posted by Jim C

The costs of getting good hiking gear can really add up, but, in the end, it is cheaper if you buy quality the first time instead of buying cheaper gear and having to replace or upgrade it later

Roger that, I learned this lesson the hard way! Then it seemed like it cost me nearly $100 per pound to shed the weight out of my full backpack. Would have been cheaper to go with the highest quality, lightest equipment right up front. The difficulty is that when you first get into an acivity you aren't sure how much you are actually going to use the gear. If I had only known....

[Gerard01]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I have been scanning the websites for the Osprey brands. I still have much work to do. So far, I have not seen anything I like in that brand and my budget is limited. I'll be up in the High Peaks in August for three appearances.

That Kelty bag I tried on yesterday is still appealing to me. The weight is a concern as it weighs just over 3lbs. I'll keep looking. I don't make quick decisions, and when I do choose a new pack, it won't be until my next pay period in a few weeks.

So, here is a new question: What is the most desirable weight to carry on a day hike? Include the weight of the pack.

[uberturtle]

0 is nice. I recommend sherpas or porters. When they aren't available, less than 10 lbs, not including food and water.

[DackerDan]

As uberturtle said - 0 would be best but I find for a day hike in the summer you can get away with a fanny pack, the ones we have will carry all the essentials plus food and 2L water. Probably less then 5lbs not counting the water.

[Commissionpoint]

Osprey Stratos 24. 100 bux. Plenty big for most day hike adventures. Light, durable, lots of nice features.

My Kelty is for the airport, I would never hike with it. I loaned it once to a friend and he was sorry he asked to use it for hiking when he returned it.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[Altbark]

50L is awfully large for a summer daypack. Think somewhere between 22 and maybe 30L. I like the Black Diamond stuff for mountain hiking but you can't go wrong companies like Osprey or Granite gear. The cost differential between an OK pack and a great pack is not that great. If you buy an OK pack now you will be looking for a great pack later.

I usually carry my 2L bladder and pump for normal trips and my 3L bladder for trips where finding a water source might be a problem. You have to learn how to hike with a little less water. The more water you carry means the more effort you expend during the hike, the more water you need to support the effort and a heavier pack to carry the weight. Al

[Jim C]

Originally Posted by Gerard01

What is the most desirable weight to carry on a day hike? Include the weight of the pack.

This question can be its own thread... For me, I'd say my summer day pack and gear weigh around 5 lbs before liquids.

Originally Posted by Commissionpoint

Osprey Stratos 24. 100 bux. Plenty big for most day hike adventures. Light, durable, lots of nice features.

That's what I've been happily using for the last 2+ years

[Gerard01]

Looks like the Osprey Stratos 24 has gotten some good reviews.

[Altbark]

That's a glorious pack! Just remember that you have to pack to the size of the pack. A 2L bladder, lunch, a small first aid kit, spare socks, some sort of rain jacket/tarp, your nav stuff and go. Al

[CKing]

I just got an Osprey Talon 22 for a new day hike pack and I love it! Plenty of room, lots of nice features (ventilated back panel and shoulder straps, hip belt pockets, and shoulder strap pockets), fits nalgenes or a bladder, and plenty of space for coats, food, filter, etc. really a nice size. I also like that it came with a "real" waist strap and not a dinky strap.

[WinterWarlock]

Originally Posted by Gerard01

I'm looking for more weight distribution and less sagging. The day pack I have now, and everyone has seen it, sags a bit too much. I really had to stuff it good for this hike and it weighed me down. There is no doubt for big hikes like that I need 4 liters of water.

You won't get that with the Redwing...that's why I stopped using mine. most of the weight is held away from your body, so it too sags and pulls you backwards. You're much better off with one of the more form fitting packs, like Osprey, Black Diamond or Gregory (the latter are a bit heavy for day-hiking though)

[vieWseeker]

I Second Osprey, I found new ones on Ebay, aethers 70"s which are like backpacking for days pack for $135. shipped, new..... keep on watching is what i did. Not sure its what you need for a day pack so go try some daypacks on and watch ebay , thats My .02$