Packs

Our primary packs are the Osprey Talon. We can carry twenty-five or so pounds in it, and just enough gear to fill every inch of space. After lots of tough decisions we have our overnight packs down to around eighteen pounds. There are a couple of times when we will need to stay out two and three nights. The multi-night trips will tax the space. The small packs will keep us from carrying too much. We also use these packs as our day packs.

Packing Comments

Osprey Talon 44, Talon 33

I got the Talon three years ago. The store clerk pooh-poohed the pack and me for wanting to buy it. He felt it was not tough enough to really be a pack. However, I have carried mine over a hundred days with no problems. It is light, vents your back well, has a great hydration setup, has lots of storage tricks (straps, pockets, etc.) and, did I say it is light? Amy heard me rave about the pack so often that we got one for her also.

Cold Cold World Chernobyl

A climbing pack made by climbers. A little bigger than the Osprey Talon and a lot tougher. I bought the Talon to replace the Chernobyl. The Chernobyl is bigger, though not by much, I am bringing it just as a backup.

Osprey Aura

Amy is going to use the Aura as a backpack on some of the longer overnight trips. If she likes it as well as the Talon, it will carry the loads for her!

Integral Designs Pack Cover

We wouldn't leave home without them. I bought one for Amy last year. She loved it, and I was sold on its lightness. She then returned the favor and got me one for my birthday. The cover is really nothing special it's just ultra light, packs small, and does the job. Of course it doesn't help to have a pack cover if you don't stop to put it on the pack.

Post-Trip Comments

Osprey Talon 44, Talon 33

Great packs. I carried mine every day except for the Chicago Basin trip and I wished that I had it then. Amy used hers on every climb and when we learned to pack less, she also used it as her backpack.

Cold Cold World Chernobyl

Only used once.

Osprey Aura

She liked the Aura, she just liked the Talon better.

Integral Designs Pack Cover

A great lightweight pack cover. Always kept it in our packs.