Hi,
I'm trying to get recommendations for a good pack and thought you guys would be good people to ask. I'm trying to assemble a 3-day pack, moreso an earthquake kit than anything else. I have several questions and considerations I guess I can ask in a list format.
1. A hydration system is required. I know that in an earthquake kit, you're more sitting at home waiting for the utilities to be turned on more than anything else, but if I get stranded on the freeway and need to hike home, I rather not fumble with a plastic Arrowhead water bottle. Sames goes if I want to go backpacking or hiking with the thing.
2. I don't have any experience with water filters. Should I pack one anyway? Right now I have 3 gallons (one gallon per day) of Aqua Literz in my pack (my old school pack) and it's taking up lots of space and weight. FYI I live in a densely populated urban environment. Is there a compact solution for water treatment? This is an urban pack, not a head-for-the-hills pack.
3. The pack will also double as a camping rig, so I'd like to have a sleeping bag attachment. Modular attachment panels would be nice, too.
I've looked on Blackhawk's web page, some of their packs look pretty nice. I'm also looking at Eagle Industries. Since I don't really like the commando look, I've been looking at Camelbak's civilian offerings, but they seem kind of small for my requirements. Right now I'm leaning towards either Blackhawk's 3-day pack or Phoenix pack, with the side panels and the sleeping bag compression baggie. How do these military-type packs compare to the more consumer-oriented packs? I've heard of Gregory but haven't seen the web site.
Any recommendations? Not trying to start a brand-x war, I just want some good info on a nice, solid pack.
I'm trying to get recommendations for a good pack and thought you guys would be good people to ask. I'm trying to assemble a 3-day pack, moreso an earthquake kit than anything else. I have several questions and considerations I guess I can ask in a list format.
1. A hydration system is required. I know that in an earthquake kit, you're more sitting at home waiting for the utilities to be turned on more than anything else, but if I get stranded on the freeway and need to hike home, I rather not fumble with a plastic Arrowhead water bottle. Sames goes if I want to go backpacking or hiking with the thing.
2. I don't have any experience with water filters. Should I pack one anyway? Right now I have 3 gallons (one gallon per day) of Aqua Literz in my pack (my old school pack) and it's taking up lots of space and weight. FYI I live in a densely populated urban environment. Is there a compact solution for water treatment? This is an urban pack, not a head-for-the-hills pack.
3. The pack will also double as a camping rig, so I'd like to have a sleeping bag attachment. Modular attachment panels would be nice, too.
I've looked on Blackhawk's web page, some of their packs look pretty nice. I'm also looking at Eagle Industries. Since I don't really like the commando look, I've been looking at Camelbak's civilian offerings, but they seem kind of small for my requirements. Right now I'm leaning towards either Blackhawk's 3-day pack or Phoenix pack, with the side panels and the sleeping bag compression baggie. How do these military-type packs compare to the more consumer-oriented packs? I've heard of Gregory but haven't seen the web site.
Any recommendations? Not trying to start a brand-x war, I just want some good info on a nice, solid pack.