Ooooh! I didn't know there is a backpack version of the rollypoly. I'll have to check the out. I like the rollypoly because I can attach it and forage as I go without having to take off my pack. Having one that i could use as a pack as well would be great for my wilderness kit!

I saw that packable pack video on your site Izzy, and am going to check it out too! Thanks Izzy!

You guys ROCK! Thanks for all the great ideas!! Much to consider.... A shopping I shall go!

Ya'all have more money than I do.
Imo if you want something small then why not just add
longer strings to a stuff bag and tie them to the bottom
corners of that bag? If you are only using this as a carry
along secondary bag then odd's are you will not be
putting much more than 5-10lbs max and the string straps
should not be an issue. If you do find them uncomfortable
then why not thread on a couple pc's of tubular webbing to
spread the load. Many times you can find these bags as
promotional giveaways.
OR buy a mesh bag of the size you like and tie or sew on
a single long string or web strap and carry it like a shoulder
messenger bag.

Great ideas Fred. Using a stuff sack or mesh bag are definitely options I'm considering. I'm all for the inexpensive options! I'm currently using plastic shopping bags in my wilderness kit and want something more substantial that won't rip and be tough enough for multiple uses.

I carry my E&E kit in a small wheeled bag. Inside is a small daypack (Camelback), and a Messenger Bag. I carry my "Watch Bag" which is another Messenger Bag.

If I needed it, I dump everything in my "Watch Bag" except for my licenses and the survival type items that are normally stored in it. I distribute the survival gear between the Camel Back and the two Messenger Bags.

I link the two Messenger Bags together and sling them like a Haversack and then put on the CamelBack. I tie a couple of blankets onto the Camel Back and get moving.

I tried this arrangement out on a 14mile hike and overnight camping trip and refined it to ride well on my shoulders.

It was that trip that I decided Bota Bags for water storage disdn't ride worth a flip on the trail unless they were inside of the bags (which creates more problems) which is why I will now save them for attending festivals, etc.

I basically keep Daypacking gear in the Camel Back so I don't have to make a big transition to leave the camp and carry a daypack with me. The Camelback is ready to be used solo for daypacking once we have set up our camp.

Bacpac:

Check the MEC website for some small backpack for wilderness ideas. I have the MEC Ridgemont Daypack that has a 14L capacity and it compresses into a stuff sack (sold separately) down to a size smaller in height but a bit wider then a standard 1L Nalgene bottle.

Thanks Wildman and Teslinhiker. I'll check those out!

I use the Arc'teryx Cierzo 18, very lightweight, no top flap but still pretty water resistant (it has a small rubber piece that covers the hole).

Compressible and super light. It has a front pocker, removable sternum and waist straps. I've trolled around Boston with it for a few days and it worked fine.

I'll second the REI Flash 18. I have a couple of these over the years. These are great; relatively cheap, durable and versatile. You can find them for less than $20 right now.

http://www.rei.com/product/778466/rei-flash-18-pack

Thanks SAR and Alan. I like the look of that!