Packable daypack?

[eart]

Hey guys, I need a suggestion.

I'm a big beliver in one bag travel. I've done it twice so far and it's great. This time though I was on my own and didn't have a buddy to carry my stuff when actually exploring the city. So I had to improvise.. I didn't want to take my big backpack but I had to take some stuff with me (water/camera mainly).

Are there any solutions that are you aware of? I need something light and very compressible that I can stuff into my main pack yet something that can carry a bit of stuff (maybe 15-20L?).

So far I've found this ameribag which is supposed to compress into it's own pocket, but it looks too much like a purse imo..

 

[iNDiGLo]

Take a look at the products from www.maxpedition.com.

They have a little bit of everything.

 

[supes]

The Camelbak Transformer can expand and pack in twice its own size. Plus you get a hydration reservior with it. I don't know if the size is right for you though. Never used one before, unfortunately.

http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm

Sorry, couldn't the full link, cause of Flash site.

I've used lots of Camelbaks stuff, especially their Maximum gear line. Top notch stuff, if you ask me. I've got a HAWG now, that I use alot.

 

[SJACKAL]

Well, military gear, or military inspired gears can be modular, but you want to look like a normal civilian traveller...

If anyone remembers; the Eagle Creek Continental, a full pack with a detachable daypack being part of the full pack, smartly zipped into place.

The new model is call Continental Journey I think. I have the old model, bought it when it became an outdated, out of production model, so I got a great price from stock clearance.

 

[Malpaso]

I'd also suggest a Camelbak. I don't have any experience with the tranformer, but have used the HAWG in many situations. If you get the military version with PALS, you have the versatility to add and remove modular packs and pouches for different uses.

 

[DharmaBum]

Patagonia makes some that are so light and thin you'd think they'd rip just looking at them, but they are TOUGH! You can find them on their website at www.patagonia.com

 

[ryball]

I saw something at REI this weekend...

http://www.rei.com/product/47793624.htm

 

[Jumpmaster]

I have the Mountainsmith "Tour" pack and while it may be a little large for your needs, they make other packs that don't take up much room when empty.
This is probabably the most compact...all of these are 14L capacity:
http://www.mountainsmith.com/store/...&category_id=2d46e7da09b327d23fcc03bedfee0874

These are a couple of other nice, small packs...
http://www.mountainsmith.com/store/...&category_id=2d46e7da09b327d23fcc03bedfee0874
http://www.mountainsmith.com/store/...&category_id=2d46e7da09b327d23fcc03bedfee0874

This one looks large in person, but is still 14L capacity...
http://www.mountainsmith.com/store/...&category_id=4109b1b0697f233853157dec08b2ef7f

Maxpedition stuff is made of 1000D Cordura...tough, but difficult to compress for storage. The Mountainsmith stuff is made of 450D (or lighter, in the case of the first three I listed)...still strong but a lot easier to travel with and compress when unused.

They sell them at REI if you want to check them out in person.

JM-99

 

[Furzork]

I'm a big beliver in one bag travel. I've done it twice so far and it's great. This time though I was on my own and didn't have a buddy to carry my stuff when actually exploring the city. So I had to improvise.. I didn't want to take my big backpack but I had to take some stuff with me (water/camera mainly).

Are there any solutions that are you aware of? I need something light and very compressible that I can stuff into my main pack yet something that can carry a bit of stuff (maybe 15-20L?).

I got this simple daypack for just that purpose:
Civita Daypack
It doesn't take much space in my main pack when compressed and is quite durable.

 

[Solstice]

There are many packs available designed to fold into their own pocket, made of silicone impregnated nylon, etc. Both LL Bean and EMS have decent ones. That said, I prefer slightly more traditional material and a good strap system, so I went with:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...74&parent_category_rn=4500509&vcat=REI_SEARCH

It doesn't really have organization per say, but it can hold quite a lot (camera, water, jacket, tourbook, etc.) while being comfortable to wear for long hikes. It wears close to the body and stays low profile when there's not much in it. It can be folded up and takes up very little room (about the same as a folded shirt) when packed in a larger bag. Besides the quick stuff-and-go drawstring opening, the thing I really like about this pack is the sternum and waist straps- you usually don't see these on small, light packs. For $25 retail, it's worth a shot IMO.

 

[ryball]

There are many packs available designed to fold into their own pocket, made of silicone impregnated nylon, etc. Both LL Bean and EMS have decent ones. That said, I prefer slightly more traditional material and a good strap system, so I went with:


http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48111574&parent_category_rn=4500509&vcat=REI_SEARCH

It doesn't really have organization per say, but it can hold quite a lot (camera, water, jacket, tourbook, etc.) while being comfortable to wear for long hikes. It wears close to the body and stays low profile when there's not much in it. It can be folded up and takes up very little room (about the same as a folded shirt) when packed in a larger bag. Besides the quick stuff-and-go drawstring opening, the thing I really like about this pack is the sternum and waist straps- you usually don't see these on small, light packs. For $25 retail, it's worth a shot IMO.

Nice!!! :goodjob: I'll probably grab one of those next paycheck... I'm such a bag whore. :laughing: I totally don't need that...

 

[KDOG3]

Nice!!! :goodjob: I'll probably grab one of those next paycheck... I'm such a bag whore. :laughing: I totally don't need that...

Join the club. I'm about to pick up the new SPEC OPS GP pouch and maybe the Maxpedtion Anemone, and I don't have the FOGGIEST idea what I'll use it for!!!

 

[eart]

There are many packs available designed to fold into their own pocket, made of silicone impregnated nylon, etc. Both LL Bean and EMS have decent ones. That said, I prefer slightly more traditional material and a good strap system, so I went with:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48111574&parent_category_rn=4500509&vcat=REI_SEARCH

It doesn't really have organization per say, but it can hold quite a lot (camera, water, jacket, tourbook, etc.) while being comfortable to wear for long hikes. It wears close to the body and stays low profile when there's not much in it. It can be folded up and takes up very little room (about the same as a folded shirt) when packed in a larger bag. Besides the quick stuff-and-go drawstring opening, the thing I really like about this pack is the sternum and waist straps- you usually don't see these on small, light packs. For $25 retail, it's worth a shot IMO.

Thanks Solstice, that's exactly what I was looking for! Perfect.

 

[ChopperCFI]

I second the Rick Steves backpack suggestion. Based on your preference for "one bag travel", you might be interested in this site. It also mentions an Eagle Creek Packable Daypack that I remember seeing at REI.

 

[Solstice]

Glad I could help. I use mine all the time when I don't really want a "BAG" with me. The best thing about REI is that if you try it and don't like it for any reason, they'll still take it back even if the tags were removed, etc.

 

[aikiman44]

I want to thank you guys for the recommendations. I ordered the Civita Daypack and Maxpedition Anemone. Also some paracord so the Anemone can be worn around the shoulder/neck. Trip to Paris coming next month.