When to Carry a Day Pack?

Bojib · 06-10-2012, 10:01 AM

How do you make the decision on when to carry a day pack?

I'm trying to narrow down the criteria for when I actually want to carry that extra weight.

They seem excessive for short 1/2 mile to 1 mile long hikes, especially ones near civilization, or on trails that are heavily traveled.

Anything over that, and they could prove useful I think. I don't know though. I'm just getting into some "real" hiking and haven't figured out when I want to carry the extra stuff with me.

Lamebeaver · 06-10-2012, 10:43 AM

If you all you need is water, you are close to civilization and the weather is unlikely to change then you don't need a pack.

I'd bring one the rest of the time.

ppine · 06-10-2012, 11:08 AM

You need a day pack if you are going for more than 3-4 hours or if the weather is questionable.

edit- There are some good ideas here. But I also love the unencumbered feel of going on a hike with a pocket knife and a water bottle.

Bojib · 06-10-2012, 01:42 PM

After posting the original question I read somewhere on the interwebs, I can't remember what site in particular now, to carry one just about all the time. Unless you know for certain you won't be making any other adventures during the day.

Their point was that a two hour trip could easily turn into five+ if you decide to check a side trail and see where it goes. Or what if you decide to just sit down beside a creek and relax and get a nap in. Basically, the idea was that you never know when you'll get out exploring and take a little longer than you thought and start getting a bit hungry, or get stuck in the rain.

Pathfinder1 · 06-10-2012, 02:20 PM

Hi...

I carry my seven pound (excluding water and bedding) sling pack BOB any time I'm afield...and especially when I'll be out of sight of my UTE.

When it comes to taking chances, I'll leave that up to the Wallendas...!!

Cupcake77 · 06-10-2012, 03:42 PM

I think you should always carry a pack because you never know what can happen when you are out there. What happens if you slip and fall or take a side trail and get lost?

Theo · 06-10-2012, 06:43 PM

I always carry my day pack if I'm going to be more than 10 ft. from my truck. I keep all of my stuff in there so I don't have to think about what to take. That way, if something should happen, I don't have to say "Gee! Wish I had brought such and such with me."

Bojib · 06-10-2012, 08:05 PM

It kind of reminds me of carrying some sort of survival pack. Almost every survival book mentions carrying some sort of survival gear everywhere you go. Anything from a camera case with a few little things on your belt, to larger kits to carry in your car.

So, carrying a day pack seems pretty similar to that. It's your survival pack for any hiking trip away from the vehicle.

What types of items does everyone carry in them? I'm still working on putting mine together.

Hikenhunter · 06-11-2012, 07:04 AM

The ten essentials are: pocket knife,first aid kit,change of clothing,rain gear,water,flashlight,food,matches or some kind of fire starter,sun screen, map and compass. I also carry one day supply of meds as I am diabetic, have high blood pressure, and bad chloresterol. Other things to consider are: toilet paper,camera,binoculars,plant and animal guides, any thing else you might need related to the place you are heading or the purpose of your excursion. I carry my day pack any time I know I will be out of site of my vehicle.

Lorax · 06-11-2012, 07:45 AM

If the hikes are small, there is always an option of a lumbar pack which would at least hold a FA Kit, some accessories, water bottle, snacks and a rainjacket.
Here's the one I carry but never use the shoulder straps which tuck away. A great option when a shouldered pack is too much but a small waist or fanny pack is too small. I got mine at the end of the season when they changed colors for $19. It's a very well built pack at half the price of Mountainsmith.

Cabela's: Cabela's Diamond Peak Lumbar Pack