Daypack to replace an aging Lowe Contour Mountain 40?

nmb

nmb

Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
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Gear gurus,

I'm looking to replace my old daypack that has served me loyally for 14 years: a Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain 40 (picture here: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/lowe-alpine-classic-contour-mountain-pack). The zipper is worn out and coming free of the body and the water resistant coating is worn off. It could be repaired, but I wanted to get opinions on what is out there for a possible replacement.

Uses:
- day hikes: water, food, gear, often packing for the rest of the family
- Daily bike commute
- Overnight/weekend travel
- airplane carry-on?

Things I love about this pack:
- Two sets of compression straps make it carry well with everything from just a laptop to a weekend's worth of gear
- The capacity: 40 liters has been about right for me
- Good shoulder straps and waist belt for when things get heavy
- The shape: carries low on the hips
- A small zipper pocket for gadgets, flashlight, etc.
- Flap with buckles on the front is nice for strapping on a jacket or a bike helmet

So what say you? The recent thread on packs slightly smaller than this inspired me to ask for the advice of the community. Thanks in advance.
 
What about perhaps a maxpedition kodiak gearslinger? I use mine as a day pack, and it holds plenty of stuff.
 
You might check out the Mountainsmith Mayhem 35, or Centennial 30. While the 30L pack has a lighter hipbelt, and neither has a separate sleeping bag compartment, the Mayhem appears to be a sized down Lookout 45. I might have done better getting it, but wanted the sleeping bag compartment, and space for more stuff in the winter time.
http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.asp?categoryId=40&subCategoryID=35
I posted a thread about the 45L version here with some pics and a quick video:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=744611
 
Mountainsmith Approach, good organization with a nice aluminum tubing frame, but front accessible like most day packs. Cool two awesome side pouches for effective organization. It's got a good kidney pad to keep the pack from shifting much weight when commuting on a bike, and transferring weight evenly when packing for the whole family. It's got a hydration bladder and stretchy webbing pockets for water bottles or trail snacks. And they're built to take a nuke... I have a very similar bag, but it's top loading. You can mount a machete or tomahawk sheath to the top compression straps and conceal your bigger tools from the sheeple between the main compartment and side pockets, where they will still be 100% accessible.
http://www.amazon.com/Mountainsmith-Approach-3-0-Backpack/dp/B000GLIKBY
Similar bags I also highly recommend are the Kelty Redtail and Map.
 
Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer, awesome pack!
http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/it.A/id.3290/.f?sc=8&category=1970
20091124-dragonslayer-0002.jpg

20091124-dragonslayer-0003.jpg

20091202-DragonSlayer-0001.jpg

Waist belt is load bearing, and can be tucked away to the side of the pack when not needed. Tri-zip design for easy access, good compression straps, water blader compatible. Two pockets on the lid, two pockets on the side for water bottle. Awesome quality. Bit steep in price and a bit heavy for 2300cu inch but very much worth it.

Barry
 
Kelty MAP3500
* 1950 cubic inch volume
* 420d HD nylon Oxford mesh cover on back panel and shoulder strap
* 420 gram, 100% nylon Airmesh EVA foam in back panel and shoulder straps
* 500 denier nylon Kodra (1000d on ACU color!) construction, double stitched
Page159-ITM-090607-medium.jpg


I've had mine for about 4 years and it's a great pack, especially for the money.

Link
 
I usually go to Walmart and check out the backpacks. Im confident enough to walk in the woods with a SpongeBob day pack. And it has a matching thermos!

Wow, 200.00+ for a daypack. YIKES!
 
Thanks for the leads everyone. I've got a feast of tabs to surf through tonight! (I do like my Mountainsmith lumbar pack, maybe it needs a sibling....)
 
Patrick Smith, the founder of Mountainsmith, is the owner and developer of Kifaru packs. So depending on how old your Mountainsmith is, you may have to get a Kifaru to get it a true sibling. Be careful though, they are like that old Lay's Potato Chip ad, its hard to buy just one:D
 
kmm said:
Osprey makes great packs. I own several of their packs in different sizes and theyre all fantastic.

Check them out here: http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs
Click to expand...

+1 I have 3 Osprey packs.... love the adjustability = perfect fit. Gregory packs are a close second..... also adjustable. I am using both brands this summer for day hikes.
I am really liking the Osprey Manta 25 hyration pack so far. :thumbup:
 
I have had my Lowe(s) for almost as long, What a great pack. Both my contour runner 30 and contour mountain 40 still get use even though they have both been replaced by new sexy TAD FAST packs. Good luck with your hunt!
 
+1 on the osprey, I have the talon 22 and it is the best day pack I have ever used. They make a 33 and a 44 as well, worth looking into.
 
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