Pack for Day Hikes

**doug1980** · 08-29-2010, 07:43 PM

I wanted to start a new thread and list all my packs and configurations but am feeling too lazy to do all that. Instead I'll just add my day hike bag that worked extremely well on our last hike. It is a Camelbak Mule that I was issued in Kuwait. It has a 3L water bladder and 540 cu. in. of storage space. It contains all the essentials, I think, and doesn't weigh too much. But then again I'm a corn fed boy from Indiana who is used to carrying a lot of crap so light to me may be heavy to others.

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On the shoulder strap that has the drinking tube I used a retractable ID clip that keeps the tube in place and doesn't allow it to flop around. I seen it done by someone else so it wasn't my idea but it works well.

Some action shots.

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**Rick** · 08-29-2010, 08:43 PM

I've never seen that version of the mule. What are those two pockets on the back?

Nice set up.

**crashdive123** · 08-29-2010, 09:02 PM

Looks like he added a couple of radio pouches to the webbing.

**doug1980** · 08-29-2010, 09:32 PM

Those are M-16 mag pouches, dual stack, that I used on my body armor. One holds my camera perfectly and the other I can use for food, extra 20oz bottle of water or whatever. I also have a 6 mag pouch that would fit there instead but I like having my camera in it's own pouch. Probably look better if the camo was all DCU but it's all I have.

**Rick** · 08-29-2010, 11:48 PM

Actually, I think it looks fine. I just couldn't figure out what the pouches were.

Bear 1: Oh, look Army Digital AND woodland camo before Labor Day!
Bear 2 Shaking head: So tacky.

**Alaskan Survivalist** · 08-30-2010, 01:03 AM

Doug, you know how bad the weather is. What you may not be thinking of is how fast it can go from bad to worse. I saw what I think is a hat and gloves, I mean a lot worse than that. Especially in high country or near the coast.

**doug1980** · 08-30-2010, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Doug, you know how bad the weather is. What you may not be thinking of is how fast it can go from bad worse. I saw what I think is a hat and gloves, I mean a lot worse than that. Especially in high country or near the coast.

Yeah ideally I would have all my stuff with me, but that would take all the fun and enjoyment out of the hike. We very seldom stray more than a mile away from the car expecially with the baby. Gotta find that balance between having enough, but not too much that it's a pain to carry. If I were to hike and I mean hike a few miles out to nowhere I would have my Columbia 3in1 Jacket as well that would provide some protection. Actually that day we picked blueberries started out nice and sunny and very warm. We had a little picknic than before we knew it the sun was gone and it looked like it would rain any minute, and the wind picked up. So I see your point.

**Alaskan Survivalist** · 08-30-2010, 04:40 PM

Consider making your hiking kit more modular. I used to have a fanny pack that I would strap to my pack. I often set up a base camp and hike from there. I have switched to a MOLLE bag that is even more versatile and can attach to all my packs or pack board. I usually wear it on a belt with suspenders as a fanny pack but for short trips have a shoulder strap that works well also. The weight is 3.5 pounds. You can find them at Second Chance for 20 bucks.

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I take the idea on step further and use Uncle mikes pouches to carry more stuff and disperse load. I can wear them on pack straps, front suspender straps or belt. What I find amazing about them is the way they are sown they seem to fit a wide variety of items well. They are a bit expensive at almost 20 dollars each but worth it to me.

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I like modular system because I carry only what I need in any combination for a specific hike.

**Erratus Animus** · 08-30-2010, 08:32 PM

I have a camelback M.U.L.E with 100L blader in 600 cu in, OD green and black but it does not look like that. Mine says M.U.L.E on the back flap. How long have you had it?

**doug1980** · 08-30-2010, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Erratus Animus

I have a camelback M.U.L.E with 100L blader in 600 cu in, OD green and black but it does not look like that. Mine says M.U.L.E on the back flap. How long have you had it?

Since 2006. There are 2 ammo pouches on the front that may be why it doesn't look the same. It's a Mule though or so it says.

**beetlejuicex3** · 08-30-2010, 11:18 PM

I like the ammo pouches. How much does it weigh loaded with water and pictured gear. I like your load-out quite a bit. Could you fit anything in there for shelter?

Which SOG is that?

Which mini multi-tool? I've been looking at Gerbers, Leathermans and cheap Coast mini multi-tools and have been favoring Leathermans heavily despite the price. Overall mini multi-tools haven't lived up to my expectations, I have to admit...

Now that I look again that may be a full size tool. nm.

Thanks for sharing the pics,

greenbeetle

**doug1980** · 08-30-2010, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by greenbeetle

I like the ammo pouches. How much does it weigh loaded with water and pictured gear. I like your load-out quite a bit. Could you fit anything in there for shelter?

Which SOG is that?

Which mini multi-tool? I've been looking at Gerbers, Leathermans and cheap Coast mini multi-tools and have been favoring Leathermans heavily despite the price. Overall mini multi-tools haven't lived up to my expectations, I have to admit...

Now that I look again that may be a full size tool. nm.

Thanks for sharing the pics,

greenbeetle

Not sure on the weight but guessing under 15 lbs. I could fit an emergency blanket or the like in there I spose.

The SOG is a Seal Pup.

I do have a mini multi tool the Gerber Clutch in my survival tin that works well. In the picture is a Leatherman Charge

**doug1980** · 08-30-2010, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Consider making your hiking kit more modular. I used to have a fanny pack that I would strap to my pack. I often set up a base camp and hike from there. I have switched to a MOLLE bag that is even more versatile and can attach to all my packs or pack board. I usually wear it on a belt with suspenders as a fanny pack but for short trips have a shoulder strap that works well also. The weight is 3.5 pounds. You can find them at Second Chance for 20 bucks.

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I take the idea on step further and use Uncle mikes pouches to carry more stuff and disperse load. I can wear them on pack straps, front suspender straps or belt. What I find amazing about them is the way they are sown they seem to fit a wide variety of items well. They are a bit expensive at almost 20 dollars each but worth it to me.

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I like modular system because I carry only what I need in any combination for a specific hike.

I do like that setup. I would like to make mine more like that. I love the versatility of it. Mine is a pain because I have to repack my stuff from pack to pack depending on the situation. Looks like you have a lot of money invested in all your packs/pouches, I'm envious.

**Alaskan Survivalist** · 08-31-2010, 01:17 AM

Originally Posted by doug1980

I do like that setup. I would like to make mine more like that. I love the versatility of it. Mine is a pain because I have to repack my stuff from pack to pack depending on the situation. Looks like you have a lot of money invested in all your packs/pouches, I'm envious.

I'm not sure how much I have into it because I got a little here and a little there over years and years. I am particular about what I carry on my back. It is nothing compared to what I spent on guns over the years. I'm sure glad that phase of my life is over!

**doug1980** · 08-31-2010, 01:21 AM

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

I'm not sure how much I have into it because I got a little here and a little there over years and years. I am particular about what I carry on my back. It is nothing compared to what I spent on guns over the years. I'm sure glad that phase of my life is over!

I'm still in that phase.

**Alaskan Survivalist** · 08-31-2010, 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by doug1980

I'm still in that phase.

If you are going to stay in Alaska get a 44 and 30.06 and be done with it. So many people get hooked for life. There is no 12 step program, you have to quit on your own. You have to give up friends, stay away from gun shows and gun departments in stores. The temptation is too great. In time they tell my the cravings go away.