>> I carry a camelback that has about 1500 cu.in. and it is full...is this too much survival gear for a long day hike? <<

IMHO, probably not. But what is it full of? That matters greatly! My essentials are in a larger Camelbak than that and it is not sufficient for wintertime IMHO. It's larger than I need for deep summer use - so I cinch the compressor straps down in the summertime. But if I remove one or two layers of clothing I have great difficulty with my Camelbak's capacity. I have not found/made the single solution that makes me happy for 4 seasons of MidWest use.

So - what sorts of things are in your Camelbak?

Tom