What size pack for long weekends?

[GreenheadHonker]

I'm looking to buy a new pack for 2-3 night trips. All of my sleeping/cooking gear and clothing is ultralight. I try to only bring the bare essentials for short trips.

I've been eyeing the MR pop up 28. I really like the design of this pack. Do you think it will be too small? I'll be hunting with at least one other person so meat hauling will be split between us. I'm a little concerned about how this pack will handle heavy loads.

Any thoughts on this pack or others that would serve my purpose well are much appreciated.

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[MikeStrong]

I have used the Kifaru 22 Mag for this type of thing and it worked. Jordan Budd has some videos out describing the pack. While it is a little small, adding a couple of other accessories or pouches will help keep things handy that you need during the day and leave the main pack for your camp items. It also expands away from the frame to work as a meat hauler when it is needed. And obviously the Kifaru frame handles weight very well.

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[tttoadman]

I used to run the SG3300 for weekend trips. For late season I needed a little more room for bulkier gear so I just added a 10L dry bag on top or sides as needed. I have since gone to nothing but bigger bags. Easier to pack up and the extra fabric weighs little.

 

[GreenheadHonker]

I have since gone to nothing but bigger bags. Easier to pack up and the extra fabric weighs little.

This has been on my mind as well. I like the idea of something smaller when I don't really need the larger pack but is it worth the cost of a new, smaller pack just to save a few ozs?

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[zpooch]

The difference in what you need to pack between 1 night and 4-5 nights is basically only food. So just take a bigger bag.

 

[tttoadman]

This has been on my mind as well. I like the idea of something smaller when I don't really need the larger pack but is it worth the cost of a new, smaller pack just to save a few ozs?

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I can't ever see the value in a smaller bag when you already have a bigger bag. The guys with piles of bags are just gear whores(some self proclaimed) and can't help themselves. My bag never changes from summer scouting to November hunting. I have a SG setup(frankenpack) and a Kifaru setup, and they are basically identical.
- big ass bag
- Kifaru grabit with compression strap
- Lid with or without pocket depending on which lid.
- load shelf and meat bag for the SG and 55L drybag for the Kifaru.
With these components, my day hunt and summer hiking bag disappears in a nice tight package under the lid and grabit. I have also noticed that even if you have a meat shelf, the bag volume is compromised. It won't pack in as nice as it did sitting on your ass in front of the TV the night before season.