I need help deciding on a daypack that will fit inside my Osprey Aether 55L. I need to order it by the end of the day so it arrives before Monday. I’m planning to hike Volcan Acatenango and have already purchased the Aether 55L. I’ll hire a porter to take my gear to base camp, but I want to pack a smaller daypack with my camera gear and 1.5L of water. The total weight will be around 15lbs. I’m looking for something low profile, but still capable of supporting 20lbs or less. I heard from someone yesterday that the porters don’t always stay with the group and may reach base camp before me. There seem to be a few versatile options around 20L, but I’m hoping someone here might have experience with packing this way and can offer advice. Thanks in advance!
@Uma
They make running vests up to 22L, which is probably more than enough room for you.
@Nico
Thanks for those suggestions! I think what I’ll do is take my camera gear and 1L of water to REI to try a few packs. Unfortunately, REI isn’t close, but I can probably make the trip this weekend. For the daypack, I’m looking at roughly 10-15lbs. My camera gear and battery packs weigh around 10lbs, and the water (1-2L) adds about 2-4lbs. Snacks will make up the rest. Do you think I’ll need a pack with a hip support belt for a hike with 5,000ft of elevation gain?
@Uma
Given the weight and the hike you’re planning, I’d reconsider my earlier pack suggestions. I’d recommend checking the weight limits for the packs you’re looking at. Another important thing to consider is how well the daypack fits inside your main bag along with the rest of your gear. A trip to REI is probably a good idea, but you can also preview the packs on their app before you go.
Have you looked into running vests? They pack down small and are pretty lightweight. I often use my Black Diamond Distance 8 for backpacking, and they also make versions with more capacity if you need it.
@Mai
I think that could work if I wasn’t bringing my camera gear. But since I want to keep my full-frame camera and two lenses separate from the porter’s 55L, I need something that’s easily accessible and won’t get lost, along with a liter or two of water.
Mai said:
@Uma
They make running vests up to 22L, which is probably more than enough room for you.
Oh, wow! I had no idea they made them that big. When I thought of running vests, I imagined something like the Scotty Vest, with tons of little pockets. I’ll definitely look into that. Thanks for the tip!
@Uma
No problem! They’re actually designed for trail running, but they could work for your trip. There are probably lots of options out there that would fit your needs.