I've been thinking about buying a new day or overnight size pack. Have looked at Cabelas hybrid hunter 2-in-1 pack and the maxpedtion packs. Can't afford to field test different models. would appreciate your input.

Maxpedition gets my money, but folks seem to be having good luck if Camelback products.

i got a karrimor sabre 30

Depending on how large a pack you want, there are hundreds of manufacturers and configurations. My advice would be to look at what you want to carry and then take a look at packs in your price range that will carry the cubic inches. I currently use a Kelty for regular hiking..I have a Coleman Exponent for minimalist hiking and the good ole medium ALICE among an assortment of smaller day packs.

One thing to remember is no matter how big a pack you get..you will fill it up. So consider that, but otherwise have fun. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Has anyone used an external frame pack. In the last few years as I have become preared/organized everything I have is migrating to different bags. I'm thinking of buying/making a small frame like the external packs so I could just strap on what I want.

Tried a Camelbak Ares; didn't like it and sent it back. The shoulder straps were uncomfortable. But I haven't tried any of the newer Camelbak stuff.

Had an older North Face "Hot Shot" (with a split compartment in the front for two 32oz. water bottles - neat!). Wouldn't have parted with it, except the other half needed a daypack.

So, with an excuse to go shopping, I bought an OD green Maxpedition Condor. Seems to be a good pack, VERY well built, with good organization and layout. Although I will say the waist strap seems to ride a little high -- but that can be removed anyway. I was on a quest for something with dividers and pockets inside for BoB/hiking gear; something most daypacks have very little of, if any at all.

Sierra Trading Post has a good return policy & low prices; if what you order doesn't work for you, you can return it.

REI may have something similar, but the real fun with REI is you can go in their store and test the packs.

As far as Maxpedition, I ordered mine from TAD Gear, who has great pricing.

Here's an old thread about the Condor pack (some great photos about 1/2 way through the posts):

http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showt...;sb=&o=

I absolutely love my Deuter Futura 32. It's in the size category I'd call "a large daypack, or a small overnighter". Works for both uses for me. Deuter makes several different sizes, but the 32 is what I have. This pack is the most comfortable I've ever used.

Check out some reviews of the Future 32 ... Reviews

I'm using a Eagle A-III with 2 side accessory pouches. 2500 ci for the main bag. Sleeping bag and Thermarest pad in a compression stuffsack on the bottom.

Eugene, do you mean a frieghter's pack? These are usually heavy duty frames with a fold down bottom shelf. There are occassionaly surplus military units avaialble and a german Company makes a VERY expensive unit with detachable pack. I think one canadian company imports them. They aren't known for comfort, but if you have something very awkward to pack work well.

That is, one of these things?

Globetrotter catalog page for Lastenkraxe (packframe)

Kind of pricey, and then there's the optional backpack that fits the frame and ups the price another 50%.

Still, it'd be just the thing for door-to-door sales of kegs of beer, wheels of cheese, or very modestly sized millstones.