Linked discussions, backpacks, and sleeping bags! Fantastic way to gear up for the outdoors.

I think I asked this last time we saw a backpack, so I'm going to start with this one: Anyone know what the +10 on the backpacks mean? Has anyone tried these sleeping bags or have some general advice for picking out one?

Let us know!

Just to point something important out, the sleeping pad being offered is a TORSO-ONLY model. That's not to say you'd have to have had a hemicorpectomy to use it, just that it's not gonna keep all of you off the ground. Some people think having the pad under the lower legs is a waste when you consider the extra weight/size to carry. Just wanted to point it out...

inkycatz wrote:
I think I asked this last time we saw a backpack, so I'm going to start with this one: Anyone know what the +10 on the backpacks mean?

I was thinking it was how many pounds the pack could carry, plus how much extra it could carry.

Apparently I wasn't too far off. It's how many liters the pack can carry and how many extra it can carry in the outside pockets.

DamnThoseWiffyDogs wrote:I was thinking it was how many pounds the pack could carry, plus how much extra it could carry.

Apparently I wasn't too far off. It's how many liters the pack can carry and how many extra it can carry in the outside pockets.

Oh that's really helpful, thank you!

Does anyone have any good tips for picking out a backpack? I'm getting to that stage in my adventuring it'd be nice to have one...

39X94 seems like a pretty good size for a sleeping bag, do you think this would be good for a couple of plus size folks like me and my husband (250 and 270lbs)? The current sleeping bag I have is a bit snug but it's just a generic bag I bought at Target.

inkycatz wrote:Oh that's really helpful, thank you!

Does anyone have any good tips for picking out a backpack? I'm getting to that stage in my adventuring it'd be nice to have one...

A 65 liter pack is a pretty good all around pack. Its just the right size for 2-4 night trips in warmer weather and would be fine for a weekend in colder weather. (cold weather = more clothes and bulkier clothes)

I did a 5 night snow camping trip with a 75L pack and it was over stuffed.

Also, backpack sizing is based on your torso length, not your overall height. I'm 5' 9" but have a short torso so I use size small backpacks.

inkycatz wrote:
I think I asked this last time we saw a backpack, so I'm going to start with this one: Anyone know what the +10 on the backpacks mean?

DamnThoseWiffyDogs wrote:I was thinking it was how many pounds the pack could carry, plus how much extra it could carry.

Apparently I wasn't too far off. It's how many liters the pack can carry and how many extra it can carry in the outside pockets.

The +10 refers to the 10 liters of space available in the toplid which while it is the top of your pack, is also a detachable, "fanny pack."

The Adrenaline, Everest, and Phantom packs all have 10 liter detachable tops which you can use for day hikes or when you leave your camp in the evening to go foraging for nuts and berries for dinner.

Any chance the 65 + 10 works as a carry on pack for flying? It doesn't list the measurements for size on the Specs...

Im guessing not, but you never know...

For the Extreme Pak XL Sleeping bag, the Features tab says 3 lbs, 2oz so I bought 2. After ordering, I discovered that the correct weight (on Specs tab) is 3 lbs, 10oz.

I still want to order them, but can I get a discount since the info was mis-leading? Weight is crucial when buying a sleeping bag!
Thanks, JH

I have a torso length of 21". It is my bane when selecting a correctly fitting backpack. Anyone know if any of these can adjust to my size? Their website only says small to XL... that doesn't really quench my fears.

I've had a lot of ill-fitting backpacks and I don't recommend EVER trying that on a week trip.

I do a lot of ultra-light. So 45-55L for a week is perfect for me. I just need something that fits better than my current pack.

Anyone buying the sleeping bags, beware: High Peak is infamous for inflating (or rather deflating) their temperature ratings. Check the Amazon reviews for any of these if you don't believe me. Make sure you read the ones that address temperature ratings, as most people don't actually use them in cold weather.

If you intend to use these in cold weather please, please, please test it in controlled conditions first before you get to the backcountry.

Ordered a new backpack, sleeping bag & pad a week ago and some of it hasn't even shipped yet. Anyone else experiencing the same? The items I got from the daily woot (motorola headphones) and the boots I ordered through one of the sponsored deals all got here yesterday. I would have been happy to pay more for shipping if I knew the standard time was going to be so slothful with this stuff. Guess I'm using my old stuff for my trip next week.