Hammock = Smaller pack?

**breyman** · 02-20-2013, 22:57

I'm able to fit my 20* Colorado kit in a 58 liter Osprey Exos with room to spare. I could go smaller, but like it because it'll hold my fishing gear and a bear canister when needed.

You can definitely go smaller. The TQ/UQ are the first two ways. The rest is just bringing less. If you share a full list of everything you bring, we could probably provide more detailed feedback.

**renegadepilgrim** · 02-21-2013, 06:25

I use an REI Flash 52 pack. I have done 5 nights/6 days on the West Coast Trail with no problem. Once I get a decent 20 degree TQ and stop using my 15 degree sleeping bag, I might be able to use my Osprey Exos 34.

**Opus87** · 02-21-2013, 07:13

I just got a Gossamer Gear G4 pack. Weighs 15.5oz. and a Summit Design Ridgerunner 30* bag that compresses alot nicer than my other bag and is a pound and a half lighter. Pack is 5lbs. lighter than my other CUSCUS 65 and seems to have more room inside also. Looking forward to some nice comfortable walk in the woods.

Lenny

**Sir Afro** · 02-21-2013, 07:40

I've been going with an old Dana Designs hand me down (~75l). With winter camping i need the size just to accommodate my massive 0* synth sleeping bag that i use as a TQ. It dominates the main body of my bag along with the HH, and 2L camel back. My 2 PL, 20* down UQ, ground tarp, and food kit fit in the sleeping bag compartment and floating lid. I definitely will be switching out my bulky sleeping bag w/ a down TQ in the near future; that way everything will fit in my Osprey Atmos 50L bag for year round service. Still probably a lot compared to others, i just like to make sure i'm nice and toasty!

**SGT Rock** · 02-21-2013, 07:43

Winter 2,920 CI, summer 2,556 CI. Spring/Fall somewhere in between.

**Shewie** · 02-21-2013, 07:55

Hammocking is more bulky than ground dwelling for sure, for 3 season I use a ULA CDT and for winter a ULA Ohm 2.0

**OCDave** · 02-21-2013, 08:32

The birth of my first son limited my backpacking for the past 15 years. I am now finding that my REI Wonderland external frame pack is unbearabley loud (squeak and rattle with every step). I am currently shopping for a new pack but, I am finding that lighter weight usually means narrow poorly padded shoulder straps. I found a Deuter that feels great but, it is 75+ L and weighs 6lbs. I cannot convince myself to go that direction, weightwise, even with the comfort it provides.

I'll keep watching this thread for ideas. Thanks

**sploiz** · 02-21-2013, 09:57

I have the deuter 65+10 and its just under 4 lbs. I haven't used the +10, but I like knowing its there. My extra long UQ takes up the most room. It takes up 1/2 the space in the top part of the bag. My hammock, sleeping bag, tarp, and a couple other things fill up the bottom space. So I'm not left with much extra room for everything else. Clothes, cook kit, food, and whatnot I have to choose carefully so it all fits without using the +10.

I love my deuter pack, it fits my tall slinder body better than any other pack I tried on. Once I get less bulky gear it probably will be too much pack, but for now its great. It all really depends on what you currently have to fill it with.

**fishbait** · 02-21-2013, 10:57

I have a ULA Circuit and I manage to get both my KAQ synthetic quilts and other gear into it. I used my Extreme Pak 65L Mountaineer's Pack for my AT Hike last year and carried my 20 deg. sleeping bag, my KAQ New River, clothing and the rest of my gear with out any problems.

**UncleClark** · 02-21-2013, 11:06

Before I got a full size pack, I did a few overnite camp trips in the Shenandoah National Park backcountry using a day pack. I took my hammock, etc. crammed it into a compression sack, and then tied it to the bottom of my day pack.

You might think about carrying that underquit outside your pack. Sounds like your problem isn't the weight as much as the bulk. You can always put it inside a compactor trash bag to protect it from getting wet, then into a compressor bag it goes.