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Multi day hiking - NOT camping.
Plan to do some longer distance hiking so need to carry enough stuff for 20/25 miles a day for up to a week or so. I will not be camping so that significantly reduces the amount of stuff I'll be carrying.
For 20/25 mile single day hike I normally use a 15litre pack. That's enough for me to carry my standard stuff - variations on eg food, water, waterproofs, extra top, packed down gilet, maps, compass, survival bag, phone, burner phone, suncream. So I'm thinking maybe double that for extra clothing, minimal washbag, travel clothes wash, phone charger, extra food
Not sure whether taking some lightweight walking trainers as backup if feet get knacked is a good idea - take up more room but swapping shoes can make a big difference to sore feet
Would 30L be enough - I'd like to keep it as light as possible but clearly too small is worse than a bit too big
Views please...
30 should be fine - I have used a 30 for a two week walking tour staying in hostels
How may days food are you carrying? This is for the UK?
So, you walk 25 miles with 15l and you want to double that? Seems odd to me. Assuming that you’re credit card travelling and so sleeping in B&B’s and grabbing food as you go then the only extras you’ll need is a tooth brush, tooth paste and maybe some deodorant. Add in a couple of pairs of socks/undies are you’re sorted. Most B&B’s supply shower gel/shampoo so you don’t need that, and you can use the same stuff to wash any kit if needed. So maybe an extra 5l but not more IMO.
I’d not be taking 2 pairs of shoes, just a good, well worn in pair that I know will work day after day.
Yes UK. Food depends.
Ideally I'd look to eat breakfast/dinner wherever I was staying and buy sandwiches or similar each day.
But realise may not be possible to buy food for day if following a long distance route - so would carry plenty of bars, chocolate, nuts etc if real food not available. Also energy drink powder for a water bottle and just water in a bladder.
I've done bike packing with a 32l rucksack and no bags on the bike so I think 30l should work
I've walked to Composetelle a few times and the smallest rucksac I've used was 35l. However, I've recently been using a 45l which weighs 300gm more, but fits better and means more weight is on the hips. It's also better balanced.
I mostly walk in sandals so my lightweight walking boots are either in my hands, swinging around on the sac or with a 45l sac, inside the sac.
Your insuline and blood sugar levels must be all over the place, olddog. 😉 Walking food needs to be fruit (apples keep fine), slow sugars, fats and proteins. Bayonne ham keeps well, as does Emmental cheese, rustic bread... .
+1 on about 30L.
Best intentions, you do end up carrying a few extras on top of your walking clothing and a toothbrush - midge repellant, sunscreen, charger, sun hat and warm hat, a book etc.
I also agree, if in more remote areas of Scotland it would be wise to carry a few snacks, otherwise you risk marsbars and iron for a week...
Edukator - I don't just scoff energy food if I can avoid it! 🙂 Cheese and pickle bagels are a favourite - bagels tend not to to get trashed in the pack. Also - wholemeal bread, peanut butter and banana sandwiches give a mix of energy release. Apples are a lot of volume for low calories! I do eat a load of nuts too
Our fodder isn't so very different then. 🙂
Apples are a lot of volume for low calories!
Better than water, and I sometimes start the day with 3l of that in my sac. I guess I just like apples and my sac feels empty without some in it.
I think mine is about 35L. For something like that I would err on the side of caution. it's sometimes useful to have a little bit of extra space and not have to pack everything meticulously to make it fit. Mines quite flexible. The Lid can be lifted to overfill by quite a few litres. The compression straps shrink it if it is a bit emptier.
I'd get together the bits and pieces you want to take. It can soon mount up. Not all space is equal either. Some items are harder to pack if they are fixed/awkward shapes. Also some rucksacks are harder to pack in my experience, normally those with the suspended ventilated backs. My biggest challenge is mountain walks where you can set off wearing a light down jacket and warm layers and in a few hours be in shorts and T-shirts when it warms up then reverse as you get higher.
30l ish, but definitely with 3 stretch mesh pockets on the outside. That's non negotiable for me on packs these days.
Went 30L - I think I could have got away with a bit smaller but seemed more sensible to go for a little bigger and be sure it will be ok
You can fit a heck of a lot in a 30L pack, enjoy your adventure.
Aye 30L will be fine if you are packing smart.
What bag did you go for in the end?
It's a Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail - tried on a few and it was best fit. Will compress down nicely if not full. Bonus was 30% off everything in Pudsey Go Outdoors so was £56
👍 Looks like a sorted out pack very 'clutter'free.
No matter how many bags I have,I still like looking at new ones.
It's my N+1 addiction 😉