I got the Osprey Hikelite 26 you recommended, it’s great, and still use an REI Flash 18 (with replaced chest strap when one half of it disappeared), I got several years ago.
For shorter hikes I use an older (2016) Osprey Talon 22; last year I got the Osprey Manta 34 for longer hikes (which is definitely overkill but I like the extra organization and the dedicated reservoir pocket). I am a fan of the trampoline suspension system. Can’t really justify replacing my Talon 22 just yet, still works great for my needs. Especially at today’s price (augh). I appreciate you recommending the Hikelite as it’s far more affordable than the Stratos or Manta.
I have been using the Waymark mile 28L. It is lightweight durable, and I have had it for a few years and has not ripped or torn anywhere. Highly recommend. Great backpack besides no ventilation for back.
I love the lightest Gossamer Gear Pack but for those not as light as I carry the gorilla. Wonderfull I did the entire John Muir Trail at age 50 carrying 12 lbs and just one food resupply in 10 days. Have you read his book. It’s beautiful and so great a philosophy. I think you would love interviewing him.
After much searching and researching I bought a Thule Nanum 25L that I've been using for a year and half. I day hike multiple times a week and wanted a mesh back and no hip straps. The only downside for me is the somewhat weak bottle holders on the sides but love everything else about it. And thanks to your recommendation I addes the Osprey hip bag for hot summertime hikes (SF Bay Area) and it's been a really good addition so thank you!
I have both the Hikelite 26 and 18 and love both for day hikes. Comfort and efficiency are unbeatable. I usually carry the 18 in summer and 26 in winter, because winter requires more clothing and gear capacity. I carry the ten essentials just about every hike, and both pack handle them easily. For short hikes and walks, the Osprey 6 liter waist pack is my choice.
I make my own day packs, but have unusual requirements. I used Osprey for years, then Osprey started to make packs so one could not let out the straps very far -- thus if you are short and have broad shoulders, you can't make a pack fit. I do a a lot of high intensity stuff that produces lots of sweat, but strangely am unbothered by unbreathable back pads. The most important issue to me is to have the ability to expand the pack to 40 L (I sometimes carry, ropes, helmets, winter clothes) for short parts of the trips; yet be able to collapse the pack and keep the weight low if I have heavy items, so I am not top-heavy when moving over trailless terrain. Lastly, I use UHMWPE/polyester cloth (coated externally with several layers of urethane after sewing) for the exposed back and bottom, since I am often descending very rough, abrasive terrain. I am not the average hiker, and no one is going to make a commercial pack for me.
The bag I got is the Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack. I know its a very small bag but since I used to only manage walking 3 mile hikes (due to physical limitations), it suits my needs very well just to hold my water and snacks and it comfortably sits on my shoulders despite having a short, but wide frame. As I once overhead an REI employee told a customer- who asked them "which was the best backpack to take on a backpacking hike"-, "I'll be honest. You could buy the most expensive bag with all the bells and whistles, but if the backpack doesnt comfortably fit you, its a bad backpack."
My favorite for warm weather day hikes is the Osprey Hikelite 26. Trampoline back, no real hip belt, and only 1.74 lbs. in cold weather I use the Osprey Stratos 32. Trampoline back and more room for extra winter gear. It weighs about 3.5 lbs though. I have 1000’s of miles on these packs and they are seemingly indestructible.
Good point and something I haven't mentioned, they are very durable. I've flown with them as carry-on, etc and still going strong after many miles too.
I would encourage people shopping for day packs to go to REI, load them up, and try them on. Unlike Chris, I find every Osprey pack I’ve tried on digs into my lower back. There’s just something about the hard end of their frame sheet or frame that gets me every time. I’m not really concerned about back sweat, so my daypack is an un-framed Waymark Mile, which is sadly out of production.
The fannypack looks kinda cool. I tend to drink lots of water when hiking, though. Seems like id have to bring, 2- 1L water bottles on lighter hikes and my regular 3L hiking bagpack that has a bladder. I'd love the elite 26 but I don't carry much stuff with me except for the water and a pair of socks and snacks a 26L is too much space
To keep my back ventilated, I carry my pack on one shoulder only. This is the method used by the pioneer:grandfather of Ultralight, Ray Jardine. You switch shoulders every 10-15 minutes and on cold days, or tricky sections, use both shoulders. This works for day hiking or backpacking with weights low enough to not use a hip belt.
It's good that you found a backpack that fits. I've tried a lot of frame backpacks and none of them fit. So I gave up and gradually got used to the sweaty back.
I like the Osprey Tempest 24 (or Talon 26 which is men’s version). Seems to have the same pockets as the Hikelite but also has the hip belt which is what I was looking for. I like having the easily accessible pockets in the belt. If I didn’t need the hip belt, I would definitely have picked up the Hikelite.
Interesting experiment, can appreciate the challenges getting a new product off the ground. Over time I have ended up with a few bags, also covering rucking with a GORUCK Rucker 4.0. That's been a godsend in helping to build strength and endurance for longer and high elevation hiking. For day hikes, I transitioned some CamelBak gear I had been using for marathon training into hiking bags over the past year or so. Often not using the reservoirs, rather reserving that space for lightweight water containers, food, and so on. The CamelBak line on the Mil Spec side is crazy durable and holds up really well in the outdoors. You can often find them brand new for fairly reduced prices if you shop around. A couple of my favorites are the ThermoBak or HydroBak variants.
Thanks for sharing that. I used to use a Camelbak Fourteener all the time and then they changed the design and it wasn't as comfortable for me, and I started checking out other packs. Probably time to revisit them, appreciate that.
@@Hikingguy They tend to a be a bit heavier, but not materially. And they're not marketed as hiking packs which is a missed opportunity on their end. If you are pursuing REI as an example, they are in a completely different section of the store and have to seek them out. Worth taking a look.
I still have my old Alice Pack from the mid 80's that still works fine, had to replace the rivets though. I was stationed at Ft. Wainwright so I Still have my glacier cleats and all my arctic 'stuff'. Older Hikers like myself have preferences, not fond of the newer stuff.
I was looking for a daypack for hiking last summer. It was between the Hikelite 18 and the the Sportlite 20. It was close but I ended up finding a better deal at the time for the Sportlite.
Going through this right now too. Hard to find the perfect pack for "you." I like the Gregory Zula 30 I have been using bur want something a little less structured. Looking at the Camelbak Rim Runner, but might just end up DIYing.
Curious what you think of hydration vests like the Salomon adv 12. I got one for running and now I use it for day hikes as well. The way it’s designed gives me access to almost all the pockets without having to remove the pack. Plus I love having pouches on the chest straps for hydration flasks - easy to drink from and easy to wash.
I tried a hydration vest a few years ago but it just didn't have the capacity I needed, but now more and more packs like the Talon are offering it, so I'm going to check something like that out again.
Will check them out. I bought a Decathlon pack to test last year and the stitching was coming apart quickly so I moved on. Will check out those models, thank you.
You are a great guy love your work here!!! Idea????? Go interview the founder of Gossamer Gear. You two have a lot in common. And his book is wonderful!!!!!
I really appreciate your efforts! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
Yea, wasn't China but yea, going back and forth remotely just doesn't work well for new ventures. Even if you have a pattern / spec built out, there's always quality issues and back and forth to nail things down.
I don't think there is a perfect pack. At least I haven't found one. I would combine features from a Osprey & Mystery Ranch. I have used those two brands more than any other.
I'm 56, and discovered Vaude packs long ago, why? because they had, and arguably still have the best ventilated packs. I could expound if anyone is interested...
What daypack do you use the most? Let me know the specific model; I'm always looking to check out new packs.
I got the Osprey Hikelite 26 you recommended, it’s great, and still use an REI Flash 18 (with replaced chest strap when one half of it disappeared), I got several years ago.
@@Hikingguy the best one I found after several one day backpack for summer - Ferrino zephyr 12+3. Leghtwight and has well air circulation
@@creatifffe Thank you, I didn't even know about that brand, will check it out.
I use the Osprey 24 Stratos. Works great for Crystal Cove and hiking Mt. Whitney.
I use Deuter AC Lite 24, i like it so far.
For shorter hikes I use an older (2016) Osprey Talon 22; last year I got the Osprey Manta 34 for longer hikes (which is definitely overkill but I like the extra organization and the dedicated reservoir pocket). I am a fan of the trampoline suspension system. Can’t really justify replacing my Talon 22 just yet, still works great for my needs. Especially at today’s price (augh). I appreciate you recommending the Hikelite as it’s far more affordable than the Stratos or Manta.
I have been using the Waymark mile 28L. It is lightweight durable, and I have had it for a few years and has not ripped or torn anywhere. Highly recommend. Great backpack besides no ventilation for back.
Too bad they do not exist anymore, my mile 28 is my favorite
I love the lightest Gossamer Gear Pack but for those not as light as I carry the gorilla. Wonderfull I did the entire John Muir Trail at age 50 carrying 12 lbs and just one food resupply in 10 days. Have you read his book. It’s beautiful and so great a philosophy. I think you would love interviewing him.
Great to know, thank you, will read his book, wasn't aware.
After much searching and researching I bought a Thule Nanum 25L that I've been using for a year and half. I day hike multiple times a week and wanted a mesh back and no hip straps. The only downside for me is the somewhat weak bottle holders on the sides but love everything else about it. And thanks to your recommendation I addes the Osprey hip bag for hot summertime hikes (SF Bay Area) and it's been a really good addition so thank you!
The Gregory Zulu 28 LT has back ventilation and (importantly) top loading, which allows it to hold bulky loads.
I have both the Hikelite 26 and 18 and love both for day hikes. Comfort and efficiency are unbeatable. I usually carry the 18 in summer and 26 in winter, because winter requires more clothing and gear capacity. I carry the ten essentials just about every hike, and both pack handle them easily.
For short hikes and walks, the Osprey 6 liter waist pack is my choice.
Glad to hear that, pretty much exactly where I've settled with packs too.
I make my own day packs, but have unusual requirements. I used Osprey for years, then Osprey started to make packs so one could not let out the straps very far -- thus if you are short and have broad shoulders, you can't make a pack fit. I do a a lot of high intensity stuff that produces lots of sweat, but strangely am unbothered by unbreathable back pads. The most important issue to me is to have the ability to expand the pack to 40 L (I sometimes carry, ropes, helmets, winter clothes) for short parts of the trips; yet be able to collapse the pack and keep the weight low if I have heavy items, so I am not top-heavy when moving over trailless terrain. Lastly, I use UHMWPE/polyester cloth (coated externally with several layers of urethane after sewing) for the exposed back and bottom, since I am often descending very rough, abrasive terrain. I am not the average hiker, and no one is going to make a commercial pack for me.
The osprey talon 22 is a great pack. I agree on the back ventillation.
The bag I got is the Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack. I know its a very small bag but since I used to only manage walking 3 mile hikes (due to physical limitations), it suits my needs very well just to hold my water and snacks and it comfortably sits on my shoulders despite having a short, but wide frame.
As I once overhead an REI employee told a customer- who asked them "which was the best backpack to take on a backpacking hike"-, "I'll be honest. You could buy the most expensive bag with all the bells and whistles, but if the backpack doesnt comfortably fit you, its a bad backpack."
For day hikes, have been using the Stratos 24. Works well for me. Like anything a few things I would love to change but overall works great.
Yea if it works great stick with it
Camelbak octane 8+ for small hikes (under 12miles), and Mystery Ranch coolee 30 for longer day hike.
My favorite for warm weather day hikes is the Osprey Hikelite 26. Trampoline back, no real hip belt, and only 1.74 lbs. in cold weather I use the Osprey Stratos 32. Trampoline back and more room for extra winter gear. It weighs about 3.5 lbs though. I have 1000’s of miles on these packs and they are seemingly indestructible.
Good point and something I haven't mentioned, they are very durable. I've flown with them as carry-on, etc and still going strong after many miles too.
I’ve been using the Gregory Zulu 30 for years now, and it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used.
Yea, I used one for years as well, very similar to the Stratos and a great pack.
I would encourage people shopping for day packs to go to REI, load them up, and try them on. Unlike Chris, I find every Osprey pack I’ve tried on digs into my lower back. There’s just something about the hard end of their frame sheet or frame that gets me every time. I’m not really concerned about back sweat, so my daypack is an un-framed Waymark Mile, which is sadly out of production.
The fannypack looks kinda cool. I tend to drink lots of water when hiking, though. Seems like id have to bring, 2- 1L water bottles on lighter hikes and my regular 3L hiking bagpack that has a bladder. I'd love the elite 26 but I don't carry much stuff with me except for the water and a pair of socks and snacks a 26L is too much space
To keep my back ventilated, I carry my pack on one shoulder only. This is the method used by the pioneer:grandfather of Ultralight, Ray Jardine. You switch shoulders every 10-15 minutes and on cold days, or tricky sections, use both shoulders. This works for day hiking or backpacking with weights low enough to not use a hip belt.
Very very cool, that's new to me. Excited to try that out on my next hike, big thanks.
It's good that you found a backpack that fits. I've tried a lot of frame backpacks and none of them fit. So I gave up and gradually got used to the sweaty back.
I like the Osprey Tempest 24 (or Talon 26 which is men’s version). Seems to have the same pockets as the Hikelite but also has the hip belt which is what I was looking for. I like having the easily accessible pockets in the belt. If I didn’t need the hip belt, I would definitely have picked up the Hikelite.
The Sierra Designs Lumbar 10L pack works great for a shorter day hike. Holds the essentials and I've been enjoying it. Thanks Cris
Didn't know about that one, will check it out, thank you
Interesting experiment, can appreciate the challenges getting a new product off the ground.
Over time I have ended up with a few bags, also covering rucking with a GORUCK Rucker 4.0. That's been a godsend in helping to build strength and endurance for longer and high elevation hiking.
For day hikes, I transitioned some CamelBak gear I had been using for marathon training into hiking bags over the past year or so.
Often not using the reservoirs, rather reserving that space for lightweight water containers, food, and so on.
The CamelBak line on the Mil Spec side is crazy durable and holds up really well in the outdoors. You can often find them brand new for fairly reduced prices if you shop around.
A couple of my favorites are the ThermoBak or HydroBak variants.
Thanks for sharing that. I used to use a Camelbak Fourteener all the time and then they changed the design and it wasn't as comfortable for me, and I started checking out other packs. Probably time to revisit them, appreciate that.
@@Hikingguy They tend to a be a bit heavier, but not materially. And they're not marketed as hiking packs which is a missed opportunity on their end. If you are pursuing REI as an example, they are in a completely different section of the store and have to seek them out. Worth taking a look.
I still have my old Alice Pack from the mid 80's that still works fine, had to replace the rivets though. I was stationed at Ft. Wainwright so I Still have my glacier cleats and all my arctic 'stuff'. Older Hikers like myself have preferences, not fond of the newer stuff.
Yea if you have something that works, stick with it.
I was looking for a daypack for hiking last summer. It was between the Hikelite 18 and the the Sportlite 20. It was close but I ended up finding a better deal at the time for the Sportlite.
Have you thought about a chest pack along with a waist Pack or smaller Backpack?
Going through this right now too. Hard to find the perfect pack for "you." I like the Gregory Zula 30 I have been using bur want something a little less structured. Looking at the Camelbak Rim Runner, but might just end up DIYing.
Curious what you think of hydration vests like the Salomon adv 12. I got one for running and now I use it for day hikes as well. The way it’s designed gives me access to almost all the pockets without having to remove the pack. Plus I love having pouches on the chest straps for hydration flasks - easy to drink from and easy to wash.
I tried a hydration vest a few years ago but it just didn't have the capacity I needed, but now more and more packs like the Talon are offering it, so I'm going to check something like that out again.
Thanks Chris! Some story! Would you consider trying the Decathlon Quechua M500 Light 22L or the M500 30L? Thank you.
Will check them out. I bought a Decathlon pack to test last year and the stitching was coming apart quickly so I moved on. Will check out those models, thank you.
@@Hikingguy Thanks!
what is your VO2max (just curious as a hiker myself)?
Usually mid to upper 40s but now I'm in sucksville
You are a great guy love your work here!!! Idea????? Go interview the founder of Gossamer Gear. You two have a lot in common. And his book is wonderful!!!!!
Didn't realize he had a book, will check it out, thank you?
Good job
I really like the trampoline backs too on all my packs. So this is right on point...
I really appreciate your efforts! Could you help me with something unrelated: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?
You're going to need some vaseline, a 2x4, and a flux capacitor.
Yeah, if you aren't willing to go to China and supervise the design and prototypes it is very difficult to make it work.
Yea, wasn't China but yea, going back and forth remotely just doesn't work well for new ventures. Even if you have a pattern / spec built out, there's always quality issues and back and forth to nail things down.
I don't think there is a perfect pack. At least I haven't found one. I would combine features from a Osprey & Mystery Ranch. I have used those two brands more than any other.
This is definitely not for the budget friendly!
Hikelite 26 is $115 on Amazon now - amzn.to/4gBQTAh
I'm 56, and discovered Vaude packs long ago, why? because they had, and arguably still have the best ventilated packs. I could expound if anyone is interested...
Can you shoot me a link to the pack you use, would love to check it out.