What do you carry in your backpack?

[Shawn]

First - tell us what backpack you are using on your hikes!

Next - tell us everything you carry in it!

 

[Calamity]

First - tell us what backpack you are using on your hikes!

Next - tell us everything you carry in it!

I'm actually looking for a new backpack so looking forward to recommendations. For my daytrip hikes I usually just pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Headphones too if I'm alone.

 

[Shawn]

I'm actually looking for a new backpack so looking forward to recommendations. For my daytrip hikes I usually just pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Headphones too if I'm alone.

I'm a big fan of Osprey but I tested out an Impetro Gear backpack and did a review of it for a magazine. It's a great pack!

Gear Test: Impetro Backpack System - Terrain Magazine

Impetro's unique backpack system promises four packs for the price of one. But does it actually work? Our writer put it to the test.

terrain-mag.com

 

[neidholdt]

I use Zpac. Have had it for about 5 years. Very ultralight and durable. It is the only thing I probably have that I splurged on. No regrets. Now this is for backpacking not day hikes.



For day hikes I use a hydration pack I bought years ago. I hated the bladder and the maintenance so I through the bladder away and use it for my day pack, very adequate. Stores everything I need, compact and lightweight.

 

[krJoest]

I bring Dr. Pepper and snacks, I don't need water for the day hikes that I do. If I'm doing a longer hike I bring a bottle of water too.

 

[neidholdt]

I carry 1 cup of water per mile. Though I typically don’t drink that much

 

[krJoest]

I carry 1 cup of water per mile. Though I typically don’t drink that much

I don't hike much in the summer, but I run all year long. A summer trail run typically takes 1L of fluids per 10 miles. I drink water when I'm running because I'm afraid to put sugar in the hydration bladder. That's right around a cup per mile!

 

[Shawn]

I typically carry two big Gatorade bottles of water with me.

On super hot days, I put hydration tablets in one since I sweat a lot - sodium replacement.

Otherwise, just plain water. Unless it's long and hot, I usually just drink one bottle.

We always carry a yeti-type cup of ice water in the track so we have cold water waiting on us. It's a nice treat!