Best Hiking Pack 2020

[TomPierce]

Hey Pilgrim,

Some may quibble with this, but Cuben to me is that sort of translucent material, like crinkly, thick plastic. I've had a couple of packs made entirely of it, and a few other items as well, e.g. stuff sacks (still have a few sleeping bag stuff sacks made of it). I think it's OK for stuff sacks, although I've punctured through/worn through those as well. Cuben has its uses, but for packs, not durable enough for me.

But Dyneema/Spectra, different animal(s). I suspect at a base level they are related to Cuben, but those fabrics have a more woven texture. Way, way stronger IMO. I'd give a hard look at that for future packs, but the last thing on Earth I need is more gear.

Glad you like your HLMG pack! I've heard good things about them, esp the ice climbing pack, and have several of their Cuben stuff sacks.

-Tom

[Conor]

But note that Cuben is NOT the same as dyneema; that's super tough stuff.

I didn't know to distinguish between cuben and dyneema. Now I do. Thanks for clarifying that.

My pack is made of dyneema and it's a TANK. I manhandle it even in desert locales and it has shown almost no sign of the abuse. It's waterproof as well, so I don't carry a pack cover in wet conditions either. I don't do technical climbing so I can't speak to that, but they are making versions that are climbing specific, so I would hope they work equally well.

dyneema and cuben are basically the same thing. One thing that is confusing about it is they went through a rebranding a couple years ago. Basically all the materials consist of some weaving of dyneema threads and then various materials making a sandwich. People now refer to cuben is the material having the mylar outsides.

The .34oz/yard material is about as durable as a plastic grocery sack. the 0.8ish oz/ sq yard material is what I made my cuben tarp with cat ridge out of. and is very durable, but you wouldn't want to make a pack out of it. The old "Cuben hybrid" which consisted of the typical mylar inside and a more durable poly outside is what a lot of people refer to as "dyneema". The dyneema is the brand, but there are various models within it. I used to be setup to buy direct from dyneema, but that was the time they rebranding (and also upping their prices) so it was actually cheaper to source from places like z packs because they hadn't caught on to the price increases yet.

I've made a duffel out of the dyneema hybrid material and it has held up reasonably well. On 6 biggish trips being tossed around on the airlines, carried on mules etc, it has worn a few holes less than a cm, all very patch-able if I would get around to doing it.

Some opinions on backs I have.

Cliogear 30:30 - would never buy again. I have a love hate relationship with it. Terribly awful if not packed to the brim. Terribly awful over 30 lbs. Very awesome if full and <30 lbs. mine has developed some holes and broken clips from my awful climbing technique, but I'll keep it around. not great as a ski pack.

Alpine threadworks 40L - nice frameless pack that has a lot of features I like. again, truly awful if you go overweight. It is designed as a skiing bag, and it carries skis decent. ski+overnight load you would not want to be on an all day approach that way. Can carry a frame or diagonal. dedicated pockets for probe, shovel handle and shovel head. Shovel head pocket works great to throw in wet skins or crampons. I used this pack in the alps last year and in africa this year. I like that I don't have the limited neck motion while climbing.

black diamond 45L pack - black diamond is more or less meh in this category. They don't really invent anything, I do like the crampon pockets. nothing to write home about.

I do like my black diamond distance 15L. It is the perfect long day in the mountains pack. well designed (runner vest style) and the perfect size. I can''t imagine a single 14er or 13er that one plans to day trip in summer or spring (not skiing) that this pack couldn't handle. I also sometime wonder all the stuff people carry...

my next pack will be a mchale.

[FireOnTheMountain]

After my dueter 20 fell apart, I’m in the market for a new pack.

Can you take it to a seamstress or the like to get it repaired? I got my deuter commuter pack sewed up couple times and its going 9years strong! that thing has seen some serious usage!

Reuse whatcha got if ya can

Otherwise ya, the dead bird Alpha AR (or the little more streamlined FL) are amazing as Monster pointed out.

[SnowAlien]

The best pack for you is whatever fits you best. I have several (gregory, deuter, rei, osprey). For day/single overnight, I love the deuter alpine guidelight.

I have an osprey ariel for backpacking. It was recommended by several people I know as well as great online reviews and I absolutely HATE it. I had it fitted according to my measurements and it still sucks. It really hurts my hips. I’m still searching for something else. So my advice is find something that is comfortable to you under load and then decide.

I am with you, I dislike Osprey packs. My favorite one for backpacking is Deuter ACT Lite 50+10, works for up to 10 days out. As comfortable as can be with that sort of weight. For daypack, I've been very happy with Marmot Compressor 20 (similar to REI Flash 20).

[TomPierce]

dyneema and cuben are basically the same thing. One thing that is confusing about it is they went through a rebranding a couple years ago. Basically all the materials consist of some weaving of dyneema threads and then various materials making a sandwich. People now refer to cuben is the material having the mylar outsides.

I think we're sort of saying the same thing. The core/base material may be the same with cuben & Dyneema, but I think of cuben as a laminate (your comparison to a shopping bag is a good one), while Dyneema can be a woven fabric. Dyneema climbing slings come to mind, they're basically a coarse weave fabric. Spectra definitely is a woven fabic, no one would confuse it with a laminate. Tough a sh*t, but not superlight and ridiculously expensive. Few packs are made of it anymore, although I think McHale still uses it.

All that said, I personally think the UL pack thing is a phase for many hiker/climbers. I for sure had my UL phase, and still do in some respects (e.g. Esbit stove, etc.) But over the years I've come to realize that the UL thing is basically paying a ton of money for gear that usually isn't all that durable or comfortable. All to save a pound or two. I'm tough enough to hump that extra pound or two, the weight difference just isn't that noticeable. I'd rather have a tent with mesh and have a bug-free night; I've used thin foam sleeping pads, they're pretty miserable (and yes, I've used nothing at all, or a climbing rope...even miserabler ) Read Skurka's "stupid light" essay, pretty spot on IMO. Besides, to go UL, just don't take as much crap vs. buying all that expensive flimsy stuff.

Anyway I digress. Packs: Yep, Scott is right, fit is priority #1, esp for a tech pack which is relatively small but might carry a heavy load (ropes, etc.). Then features, etc.

-Tom

[highpilgrim]

I personally think the UL pack thing is a phase for many hiker/climbers

For me, it's not a phase. I spent a decade in the Marine Corps and broke my back good at the T8 level. Right in the weight bearing wheelhouse. I get out a lot, and my back is strong, but there's no doubt that less is more in terms of weight. And, it hasn't saved "a few pounds". Between the pack and tent, it's over 8 pounds, and that's a lot. Heck, even if it weren't for my back, it would be worth it for the extra beer I can carry into someplace remote. Check out the HL tents. The one I'm going to buy weighs a little over 2lbs.

While the pack has dialed back on the amount of padding and suspension, it's not uncomfortable at all. For me, it's been a good investment but I guess as is always the case, not for all.

Btw; my Deuter packs are still favorites of mine, even if they don't get used as often.

[painless4u2]

I personally think the UL pack thing is a phase for many hiker/climbers

For me, it's not a phase. I spent a decade in the Marine Corps and broke my back good at the T8 level. Right in the weight bearing wheelhouse. I get out a lot, and my back is strong, but there's no doubt that less is more in terms of weight. And, it hasn't saved "a few pounds". Between the pack and tent, it's over 8 pounds, and that's a lot. Heck, even if it weren't for my back, it would be worth it for the extra beer I can carry into someplace remote. Check out the HL tents. The one I'm going to buy weighs a little over 2lbs.

While the pack has dialed back on the amount of padding and suspension, it's not uncomfortable at all. For me, it's been a good investment but I guess as is always the case, not for all.

As painful it is to agree with Comrade Pilgrim, I do. UL is not a phase. It is what has kept my 65 year old 3-time back surgery self getting out there. I love the fact you can get incredibly lightweight equipment. Believe me, it's come a long way since my wood-framed Boy Scout backpack with can goods inside!

[TomPierce]

Check out the HL tents. The one I'm going to buy weighs a little over 2lbs.

I think we're talking past each other I'm not advocating a dichotomy, i.e. it's either UL or heavy gear. I'm just suggesting that some UL gear, packs in particular, isn't worth the cost/hassle, e.g. cuben packs that last 2 outings. Literally. Some things I carry are still UL (6.5 oz. for a two day cook kit, complete with fuel), my two wall freestanding tent complete with everything is 1 lb 9 oz (2 more ounces if I carry extra long stakes). But my pack? My favorite is a factory-modified Mystery Ranch that comes in at 4 lbs and change; it was modified because I destroyed the mesh side pockets during its maiden voyage, a multi-mile bushwhack up the Dolores River Canyon. I love that pack because it carries 50L, but has the suspension of a 75L pack. That's the quirk of Mystery Ranch packs: heavy but built mostly for the military/fire crews/hunters. Sherman tank sort of stuff.

I fully get the appeal of lighter gear, I'm just suggesting there's light and then there's "stupid light," esp when it comes to packs.

-Tom

[ker0uac]

I find Gregory packs to be the best, have been a customer for 15yrs, they last an eternity and their customer service is great. I recommend the Alpinisto 35, I really like the crampon pocket and the attachment for ice tools, but you can also carry skis on it too.

https://www.gregorypacks.com/packs-bags ... apline-ski

[highpilgrim]

I think we're talking past each other I'm not advocating a dichotomy,

No, Tom. Since you're the consistent voice of reason and decorum on the .com, I'd not talk past you for a minute.

I was simply telling you that there are different calculi for why one might pay more for the premium related to UL. As even the dentist seems to agree with, slow though he is.

Sherman tank sort of stuff.

Yes, I'm sometimes infected by the tank bug. My hiking poles are 15 years old, way overweight, and don't collapse efficiently. But they are tanks that have never failed me and so I stick with them.

Be well.

[seano]

I recommend the Alpinisto 35, I really like the crampon pocket and the attachment for ice tools, but you can also carry skis on it too.

Why is it that you can buy either a pack with front stash pockets, or a light alpine 25-35 liter with two tool attachments, but not both? Having to take off your pack to get to food and small clothing like gloves is a huge pain, especially if you’re carrying skis.

I currently use an Osprey Duro 15, which is light with lots of accessible pockets, but wouldn’t mind something a bit bigger for some objectives.

[Cruiser]

Here's an add-on question: Who makes a small day pack, like 20L or so, that has a really long torso? I have tried on plenty of packs and it seems like all the lower volume ones are for people with relatively short torso measurements.