As a professional hiking/backpacking and fly fishing guide I have tried lots of different day hiking and backpacking packs over the years... My best advice is to figure out how much gear you are planning on traveling with for what type of trips you will going on (on trail/off trail, etc.) and go try a variety of packs on (as many as time will allow - fully loaded - with fishing/hunting gear as that needs to be part of the process). They are all going to fit different and feel different. I used to use an original (Made in Canada) Arc'teryx Bora 80 and upgraded to the latest version of the same pack. Totally different fit and feel and I hated it (took it back, actually). Tried on a Gregory and loved it! For day packs I love my Osprey Kestrel 38 - super comfortable with heavier loads, but that's what works for me. Also, buy from a reputable dealer as they will have well trained staff for proper fitting and allow for returns/exchanges - something you cannot do very easily with online purchases (I have had GREAT experiences at the Norseman in Calgary). Just as an FYI, an "average" pack size for day hike/ "hike to fish" packs, would be between 30 l - 35 l and for overnights 60 l - 80 l - I know the trend these days are for "light and fast" set-ups, but that's another discussion. Please feel free to PM me with any questions you might have.
Peter
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The virtuous find delight in mountains, the wise in rivers.
-Confucius
Last edited by ÜberFly; 08-04-2016 at 11:07 AM.
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