over the years, I've owned many packpacks: cheapy schoolbags, expensive hikers, the like. I've never owned a military flavored pack and that might be an option. Needs: I carry documents/rulebooks, but also lots of fiddly little things: needle and thread, headache pills, headlamps, associated chargers, battery back up thingy, lots of things on 'biners, gloves, lighter, light first aid/personal care, pens/markers, paracord hank, extra hat. Hands free is critical. A bladder for water if necessary is a must (or a place to stuff one) I hate zippers, they're usually a weak spot, but perhaps necessary. internal frame is ok smaller compartments or pouches that I can access quickly beats digging through lotsa stuff in larger compartments. I'm not against adding pouches or the like to the outside, or using small pouches in a larger compartment. lumbar support is probably needed A day's water and snacks carried separately. Sometimes I do and will travel farther from home, overnights in the future. I take only what I can carry. My good hiker, as will a new bag, function as a GHB or BOB. If I have to ditch work-related gear and fill with clothing/food/water filter/water/foot powder etc, (normally stored in a separate bag or elsewhere on hand) to hit the road home or back to somewhere else, this will be the bag. I transferred stuff to a smaller (CHEEP) bag for motorcycle riding. My go to has been a Zulu 55. SCA
The last "backpack" I bought is a Ebags Motherlode I signed up for their email list and watched for sales to knock their price down. Pretty sure I bought it before Samsonite bought Ebags It's a pretty nice well thought out bag for traveling. I would not use it for backpacking as just not comfortable enough for long hikes. LOTS of zippers and compartments. It has a compartment that fits my laptop well and a small easy access compartment for passport and plane ticket/boarding pass has been well used and convenient. Sometimes I just carry it as I find a backpack with a suit to be rather uncomfortable. I've strapped it to another suitcase but usually just plop it on top of another bag with wheels .
Interesting, I’m currently using an old book bag for my essentials(man purse my wife calls it). I have been looking for a bag to replace it. Currently looking at LL bean ridge runner 26. I haven’t been in to actually handle one yet. I have a Zulu 40 that is great for weekend trips and an older 55(Alpine Lowe) that gets used for extended trips. That being said all the packs are good for what they are used for depending on the needs. Not sure I could just go with one. I need to go through my current bag and organize. There aren’t many different pockets or compartments so it tends to be a catch all.
I have a birch trappers basket! I use it for my icefishing gear. Have walked many miles with it on my back. Not real practical for everyday carry tho.
I'm trying to keep it to one bag. Perhaps a second for motorcycling. but one would be awesome. But, either one stays with me wherever I go. It's never too far from reach.
I have used the same bean backpack forever. It keeps my life simplified by always having essential keys, wallet, simple tools, fasteners, flat webbing, maybe some cord. Wallet went to backpack after back issues. Work or travel the bag is always with me or in the truck. My wife also likes buying book bags at yard sales so they are always available. If you’re in the market go to yard sales in the spring and I’m sure you could find a major label pack. From the looks of our inventory big hike packs are available too.
I have three. Two woven and one fiberglass. I use them for trapping, but ice fishing gear would be ideal too.
I somehow picked up on this company about 15 years ago. They legit make stuff for the military. Uber high quality gear. I recommend looking in the 'sale' section to avoid price stroke though. I have one of their older 3 day assault packs stashed in the closet as my 'go bag'. MG 22L Day Pack LBT Inc
Ha, I wish Brad, A small shack, 2 bedrooms, single storey, on a couple acres... the dog, wood piles, stumpy to keep the wood stove running while I'm working and sleeping... Oh man that would be nice. Man, 2 men and a dog. that would be one quiet drama-free place. But, nah, work takes me far from home, and soon multi day trips from home. So having enough gear for the travel and then a few things to get home if need be....yeah.
I found that I can't have one end-all be-all backpack, so I have two. I have one K Swiss school type bag that goes on the motorcycle with me when needed. My other bag is the large type with the aluminum frame which is more utilitarian, but cumbersome. I had that now for about 17 years. That pack is perfect on camping trips, and I even lived out of it for 3 weeks when traveling in Europe. It'll fit my sleeping back strapped underneath and has plenty of cargo space within it. More often than not though the K Swiss is adequate for most excursions. If I absolutely had to pick one, I'd go with the big boy. You know, for when I decide it's time I leave the trappings of civilized society behind and wander the places only the wanderers go
Yup, same place I'm at. Just hate being without some things just because I decided to take the bike. (the extra items I keep in the truck....water filtered bottle, protien bars, electrolyte powder, change of clothing).
Is the bike a good candidate for saddle bags, or is there at least a good spot to mount a pouch/satchel type thing?
