Backpack size

[Randall]

Hey all. New here, though I have been lurking for some time. So I'd like to say hey first, and thanks for all the info up on here - it's been a great resource.

Why I post today is that I'm not sure if my backpack's big enough for the kind of trips I want to do, both this year and over the next years. And I'd be interested in whether anybody here has modified their packs to provide more room for their kit, or just gone ahead and bought a bigger one.

The pack I have is a Berghaus Verden 65. Bought two years ago and used mostly for day hikes, as I don't do much camping -yet. It is a good bag, very comfortable and I'm happy with it, but sometimes even on an overnighter I can fill the 65 litres, and that's with my tent on the outside of the bag, strapped to the top of it. Not really a light weight traveller..

But I plan to do a long trip this year to Scotland. I'd go for a month or more in the autumn so would need a lot of gear. I'm a skinny guy and feel the cold so I usually pack lots of thermals.. fleeces, gloves, mitts, hats, scarves, gaiters, etc. Big sleeping bag and sleeping mat. So that really crams up my pack, but with all the things for an expedition too, I just don't think my 65L will take it all. So I'd be interested if anybody has been in this situation and what they decided to do. How they saved space maybe by attaching things to the pack in nice intelligent ways. Tips for this would be great. Would like to keep the Berghaus pack as it's nicely worn in and is just a good all rounder. (plus I'm kind of poor )

Thanks for reading,

Randall

 

[Totumpole]

65 litre should be big enough for most trips, but a month may be pushing it. I know what you mean, I am not great at packing light and would take the kitchen sink (but sadly it never seems to fit!) What kind of things will you be doing in the month - ie, will you be doing a few days camping intersprsed with stays in civilisation? If so you could take an additional holdall, and I'm sure many hotels/B&Bs/hostels would happily hold it for a few days to lighten your camping load. Also, you may have to pack less clothes and deal with being smelly (After a while its only others that will notice). Get some lifeventure all purpose wash and clean your dirties in the sink when in civilisation (or Im sure many places will do you a service wash for a small fee). Im sure you will be able to do a month in 65litres!

Good luck!

 

[sandbender]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

"...I just don't think my 65L will take it all. So I'd be interested if anybody has been in this situation and what they decided to do. How they saved space maybe by attaching things to the pack in nice intelligent ways..."

Yes, it is possible.

Presumably your sixty five litres will have to carry food and water for several days or more. That I find is what takes up most of the space in my pack.

You should put some thought into what you plan to eat on your trip and what is likely to be the longest period you will have to go without resupply. Buy all or a days worth of that food and work out how much space you will have left in your pack.

Even in a late Scottish autumn you will need less gear than you might imagine looking at it all laid out on the floor at home, but you will need the 'right' gear, so get out for some shorter trips and try to pare that kit list down.

I have travelled for months living out of a forty or forty seven liter pack, it can be done.

One tip I have would be to invest in a pair of dry bags that you could strap to the sides of your pack, and hook together under the top pocket (the Verden's side pockets don't appear to be particularly large). I use this system to carry additional water and food when needed.

 

[Shewie]

I think to some 65lt would seem like overkill, but if you like a lot of clothing to layer up and your sleeping bag is a beast to pack then there's not much you can do without spending.

 

[Randall]

Cheers for the replies! I'll experiment over the next few trips and find out what works. Will certainly have to leave some things out though. I did a 3 month trip in SW england last Autumn and took the 65L bag. I ended up carrying an extra two plastic bags full of stuff, one on each arm. It was a bit ridiculous really. It was my first proper trip and don't suppose I planned very well. I was staying at small communities along the way, so the emphasis wasn't mainly on travelling and living outdoors.
Some of my gear wasn't good - the Mountain Warehouse sleeping bag. I moved up to Snowdonia in the last 2 weeks and during the night time I'd have to wear about four fleeces in my bag just so I could get to sleep. I also took one of those inflatable air mattresses and a pump. I laugh thinking about it now - trying to inflate that thing without it making a really loud squeeking noise when you're trying to stealth camp..

I've since got an Exped Downmat which is way better but still bulky and weighs 1250g.

I think I'm gonna save for a big Bergen tbh because I like to pack and unpack it quickly and it's not easy when things are crammed.. but in the meantime I'll try and refine my kit a little and see what I can go without.

Cheers,
Randall