Backpack Compression

[Glizock]

Hello all, new to the forums.

I've been doing a bit of research on backpacks for back country hunting. One of the main themes seems to be "what size?". I have done several camping trips (never a hunting trip) and while I never want to be short on space, I also find that if there is space, it can become filled with unnecessary items. Trying to dial.in the exact size for my needs.

My main question is on backpack compression. I haven't bought a new pack in quite a while, but I hated having a surf board attached to my back (relatively flat, but super tall). With current designs, when compressed, are they truly like a smaller size pack, or can I still expect the height of a bigger pack standing over me?

Thanks.

 

[Meridian90]

Yes, most can be pretty tiny now. I can only speak to exo, SO and now SG, but all three I can compress to be like a small backpack. The mechanism to get there vary, but in day mode, you can essentially feel like you aren't wearing a pack at all in those three.

 

[Glizock]

That's perfect for what I want. The main bags I'm looking at are SO and SG. I will be doing 5-7 day hunts on average. I feel like a Goshawk with a Merlin and lid should suit my needs, allow for expansion should I expect to go longer, and be small when I want it to be. But, also debating if I should just go bigger if, when I don't need the space, they can be shrunk down to virtually the same size.

 

[Meridian90]

That's perfect for what I want. The main bags I'm looking at are SO and SG. I will be doing 5-7 day hunts on average. I feel like a Goshawk with a Merlin and lid should suit my needs, allow for expansion should I expect to go longer, and be small when I want it to be. But, also debating if I should just go bigger if, when I don't need the space, they can be shrunk down to virtually the same size.

The merlin alone is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. You could probably day hunt with basically just that and some hip pockets.

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[Mighty Mouse]

Most high end hunting packs are modular. I only have firsthand experience with Mystery Ranch and Kifaru, but I believe Exo, Stone Glacier, and others use modular designs as well. So whether you're carrying a mammoth 100L+ or a modest 40L bag, you'll be carrying the same frame. In my experience, even the large bags can be cinched down pretty small, and the frames nowadays are much sleeker than the old tubular metal external frame packs like the Kelty I started out with.

 

[tdot]

While many of the bags compress down, some of them lose functionality of pockets, storage options, access to zippers, etc. when they compress. Depending on how you organize things it can make the bags more difficult to work with.

If you are trying to stay away from a surfboard feel, also look at the frames. IMO that has alot to do with how the pack feels in daypack mode. A big tall stiff frame will feel that way if there is an expedition pack strapped to it, or a day pack.

While the final fit will always be dependent on your body shape, I have personally found the SO Revolution frame to have an amazing set of contradictory attributes. It disappears on my back in day pack mode and then handles 100+ pound loads without an issue.

 

[RockChucker30]

I feel like a Goshawk with a Merlin and lid should suit my needs, allow for expansion should I expect to go longer, and be small when I want it to be. But, also debating if I should just go bigger if, when I don't need the space, they can be shrunk down to virtually the same size.

That is a good setup. If you want to go bigger and still have a similar level of organization, look to the Brooks or Saker. They have huge packbags, and large zippered side pockets that fold down to a batwing or single wing daypack.

A trick with those side pockets is that they have a toggle sewn to a loop in the top that you can hang a bladder or pocket or stuff sack from. I get 2-3 color codes small stuffsacks and run the drawstring through the loop and around the toggle. Then I can unzip the big pocket and roll out my stuffsacks and I know where everything is. Can't leave it trailside because it's attached to the pack. This is a great way to add small secure organization to that big pocket.

 

[Meridian90]

That is a good setup. If you want to go bigger and still have a similar level of organization, look to the Brooks or Saker. They have huge packbags, and large zippered side pockets that fold down to a batwing or single wing daypack.

A trick with those side pockets is that they have a toggle sewn to a loop in the top that you can hang a bladder or pocket or stuff sack from. I get 2-3 color codes small stuffsacks and run the drawstring through the loop and around the toggle. Then I can unzip the big pocket and roll out my stuffsacks and I know where everything is. Can't leave it trailside because it's attached to the pack. This is a great way to add small secure organization to that big pocket.

If you plan to get the Merlin, I would say you can just upsize to the fortress 6300. I really don't see myself going into my Goshawk that often, even with zip access since the merlin can sit on the outside and is big enough for the majority of my needs. Anything else can pretty much stay in the lid.

 

[Bobcat]

I’m running a SG 6900. It compresses nicely for day hunts and gives me a quality frame and bag for hauling meat.

 

[Glizock]

Do you find that the Merlin or other accessory packs/pockets become the norm for your gear?

What seems to happen for me is I'll have everything organised but really only need a few small things and then I'm hauling around everything because I have the space. That's why I was thinking the Merlin would be nice. Keeps my extra knick knacks down.

 

[Meridian90]

Do you find that the Merlin or other accessory packs/pockets become the norm for your gear?

What seems to happen for me is I'll have everything organised but really only need a few small things and then I'm hauling around everything because I have the space. That's why I was thinking the Merlin would be nice. Keeps my extra knick knacks down.

I only just received my SO pack so had it out very limited. Really depends on scenario for me. You could probably daypack everything you need in the Merlin, detach your large bag and leave at camp.

But, it really depends how light you daypack, and what your hunting/conditions.

For turkey, merlin is plenty. For elk in PNW, I'd want some more space (plus the merlin isn't totally waterproof).

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[Glizock]

I hadn't picked up that the Merlin wasn't waterproof.

Appreciate the input from everyone.

 

[Rokwiia]

I chose the Fortress 6,300 and added a top lid, which is waterproof, and together with a Base Talon has about the same space as a Merlin. I also added two Hipbelt pockets which provides me with 4 places to carry "things" for easy access. That's in addition to the two water-bottle pockets which are huge and can carry a lot as well.

This setup allows access to things in 6 locations without having to access the main bag and, by not having a zipper, I feel confident the contents in the main bag will remain dry in any conditions thrown at me.

The additional space in the 6,300 (compared to the 4,800) rolls down into nothing and the weight penalty is very small. The additional space is more than the total space of the Merlin.

 

[Glizock]

Just want to clarify, when you compress the pack down, you can roll the top down (kind of like squeezing a toothpaste tube) and the pack is "daypack" size? And then when completely full it will be standing overhead, potentially?

 

[Meridian90]

Just want to clarify, when you compress the pack down, you can roll the top down (kind of like squeezing a toothpaste tube) and the pack is "daypack" size? And then when completely full it will be standing overhead, potentially?

Yes. This is pretty common for packs. You roll it down like a toothpaste tube and it has clips on both ends. You fold the ends around clip them together. This gives it the waterproofing of the top closure. As you fill it up, you just do less rolls before clipping the top. If there is no zipper on the front of the bag though, access to the bag is only through the top which some people do not like.

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[CO-AJ]

That's perfect for what I want. The main bags I'm looking at are SO and SG. I will be doing 5-7 day hunts on average. I feel like a Goshawk with a Merlin and lid should suit my needs, allow for expansion should I expect to go longer, and be small when I want it to be. But, also debating if I should just go bigger if, when I don't need the space, they can be shrunk down to virtually the same size.

I would still consider the Exo. They are super comfortable and easy to use. I chose them for the frame and pack material. In addition I liked the big compartment without a bunch of pockets or other manufacturer organization cubbies. Lastly, I did the Exo 6400 because they can be compressed so much nowadays and I wont need multiple packs.

 

[Smokeslider]

I would still consider the Exo. They are super comfortable and easy to use. I chose them for the frame and pack material. In addition I liked the big compartment without a bunch of pockets or other manufacturer organization cubbies. Lastly, I did the Exo 6400 because they can be compressed so much nowadays and I wont need multiple packs.

have you used or played with the SO packs being spoken about?

 

[CO-AJ]

I have not but I will say that the SO was my second choice and I did order a new tipi from them. I looked at the SO Lanner 5400. Since both Exo and SO are cottage manufacturers I used data from this forum as well as correspondence with reps. Wish I could put them both side by side. In the end it boiled down to just a couple of features.

 

[Kevin_t]

Kevin from Seek Outside here.

I find the Merlin to have several compelling uses for it's weight.
1. It works as a stand alone day pack, or even for hikes out of camp, close to camp , scouting over the next ridge etc. It is IMO a big enough pack to day hunt out of in early season. Paired with the frame alone it's a capable day hunt rig.
2. A Spectra version with waterproof zips and zipper garage is in process. They are in production but not on the site .
3. The Merlin combined with Goshawk / or Fortress of whatever size is very utilitarian and an easy setup to work with. You can have basically all your day gear in the Merlin. Use it everyday if you like for hiking .. and then you add overnight gear in the Goshawk and go.
4. The Merlin actually makes a pretty good camp pillow. I know , surprising use .. but IMO it's way better than the blow up pillows if stuffed right.
5. It's a pretty good travel bag in a lot of ways. For every day use , you can slide a little mac book in the pockets via side zip. It also works well for airlines. Check you big main pack and carry on the Merlin. Re-arrange stuff as needed at destination.

That being said, my favorite pack bag is the Lanner and I think the bulk of people prefer the Lanner .. but a 4800 and Merlin is a setup that is really good IMO as well.

 

[Glizock]

Really appreciate everyone's input. Between the Lanner and the Goshawk, I get that there's a 600cu in difference. Are there any other standout things that make the Lanner a more appealing pack?