AT pack size for 3 day hut trips?

[zuren]

I'm interested to know what experienced hut trippers would recommend as an ideal size of AT pack for a 3 day hut trip?

I've done 2 of these trips with friends in the 10th Mtn Hut System and love it! I travel from the Midwest to CO, so no matter how good I am physically, I'm always at a disadvantage with the altitude, so I'm trying to be as efficient as possible with my gear and pack weight. It was glaring last year that my pack was much heavier than my buddy's.

I have been using a circa 2004 Osprey 70L internal frame pack, and stuff a smaller AT daypack for the day trips around the hut. Even if I replaced that pack with a modern 70L pack, I could drop 2 lbs. I could drop 3-4 lbs. if I go with a modern pack that can replace both.

Ideally, I want 1 pack with enough space for bringing food, drink, and gear to the hut; has a dedicated pocket for shovel and probe; and cinches down small enough for the day trips. I think that size would be a 55-60L pack, but I have found no AT specific packs much bigger than 45L. Does such a 55-60L unicorn exist?

Another idea was a 60L pack with an add-on shovel/probe sleeve that lashes to the pack. Not sure if anything like that exists. I'm just wondering what others are doing?

Thanks!

**This thread was edited on Apr 19th 2019 at 5:29:12pm

**This thread was edited on Apr 19th 2019 at 5:33:40pm

 

[methscratchface]

Hyperlite packs. /thread. simple and light no zippers. I love it cause fully unrolled i could carry 80 liters of gear no prob. But then can also be small enough to do day tours from the hut.

 

[LeeLau]

I've done 3 day trips on glaciers with a 40l pack. If in a hut the 40l pack is more than fine. This is with relatively light & packable gear (but not stupid light) and pre-cooking food then dehydrating it. Didn't have all my gear dangling off my pack also other than a blue foamy which took up space so strapped that to the outside of the pack.

Edit this includes safety gear; my share of a single-wall tent; basic glacier travel gear.

 

[cydwhit]

I've done 3 day trips on glaciers with a 40l pack. If in a hut the 40l pack is more than fine. This is with relatively light & packable gear (but not stupid light) and pre-cooking food then dehydrating it. Didn't have all my gear dangling off my pack also other than a blue foamy which took up space so strapped that to the outside of the pack.

Edit this includes safety gear; my share of a single-wall tent; basic glacier travel gear.

Yep. Same. Not that hard to do a big trip with a 40L pack.

But hut / yurt trips can be weird, I always bring way more shit, usually booze on them, and thus need a bigger pack than when I'm full fast and light. These days I do a Mystery Ranch Patrol 35 (hugest 35L pack I've ever seen) with my booze, food, sleeping gear and whatever toys we want at the yurt, and then a Dakine Poacker 12L for short missions out of the yurt. However, the Poacher is pretty unnecessary, the Patrol 35 chinches down really well for skiing, once you've dumped all your gear at the hut.

What are you bringing that's taking up so much space? A good place to start is a real stuff sack for all your down stuff.

 

[wrichmond]

Yep. Same. Not that hard to do a big trip with a 40L pack.

But hut / yurt trips can be weird, I always bring way more shit, usually booze on them, and thus need a bigger pack than when I'm full fast and light. These days I do a Mystery Ranch Patrol 35 (hugest 35L pack I've ever seen) with my booze, food, sleeping gear and whatever toys we want at the yurt, and then a Dakine Poacker 12L for short missions out of the yurt. However, the Poacher is pretty unnecessary, the Patrol 35 chinches down really well for skiing, once you've dumped all your gear at the hut.

What are you bringing that's taking up so much space? A good place to start is a real stuff sack for all your down stuff.

How do you fit avy rescue gear, snow science gear, basic repair kit, emergency bivvy/layer, food & water into a 12L pack?

Especially as hut trips are in more remote terrain, that doesn't seem to provide enough gear to deal with any issues that might happen out touring

 

[cydwhit]

How do you fit avy rescue gear, snow science gear, basic repair kit, emergency bivvy/layer, food & water into a 12L pack?

Especially as hut trips are in more remote terrain, that doesn't seem to provide enough gear to deal with any issues that might happen out touring

By putting it in the pack?

I don't carry "snow science gear" but Shovel, Beacon, Probe, First Aid, zip ties, duct tap, 1.5 L of water, a few bars, puffy, spare gloves, skins, bivy bag, camera all fit pretty nicely in my little Dakine pack. Sure my shell has to go on the outside when I'm walking uphill, but no biggie.

Also, for a hut trip, remote is relative. Generally we're running yo-yo laps 15-20 mins from the yurt. So if something does go wrong the first move is always to get the injured party back to the yurt, or get sleeping bags and gear to them. So it's lower consequence than say a big single day mission.

 

[wrichmond]

By putting it in the pack?

I don't carry "snow science gear" but Shovel, Beacon, Probe, First Aid, zip ties, duct tap, 1.5 L of water, a few bars, puffy, spare gloves, skins, bivy bag, camera all fit pretty nicely in my little Dakine pack. Sure my shell has to go on the outside when I'm walking uphill, but no biggie.

Also, for a hut trip, remote is relative. Generally we're running yo-yo laps 15-20 mins from the yurt. So if something does go wrong the first move is always to get the injured party back to the yurt, or get sleeping bags and gear to them. So it's lower consequence than say a big single day mission.

Makes sense. Thanks

 

[cydwhit]

Makes sense. Thanks

Sweet, sorry, didn't meant to be snarky, but coming back to that post, it sure reads like it.

Point is, it's shocking how much you can fit in a smaller pack, even as an over-packer.

But for any walk where I'm going more than a couple of miles from the hut/car I'm in a 35L pack that I fully believe is well enough stocked that I, or a partner could survive on the contents for 24 hours. That's my rule of thumb, your own SAR services and accessibility should impact that calculation. I realize that I overpack more than most folks I tour with, but I spent an unplanned night in the backcountry last summer and it's severely affected how much gear I'm down to carry. Spooning with two other dudes in a trashbag will do that.

 

[zuren]

Yep. Same. Not that hard to do a big trip with a 40L pack.

But hut / yurt trips can be weird, I always bring way more shit, usually booze on them, and thus need a bigger pack than when I'm full fast and light. These days I do a Mystery Ranch Patrol 35 (hugest 35L pack I've ever seen) with my booze, food, sleeping gear and whatever toys we want at the yurt, and then a Dakine Poacker 12L for short missions out of the yurt. However, the Poacher is pretty unnecessary, the Patrol 35 chinches down really well for skiing, once you've dumped all your gear at the hut.

What are you bringing that's taking up so much space? A good place to start is a real stuff sack for all your down stuff.

Thanks for the replies! I'm going through my packing list now for next year's trip. I'm weighing everything and putting it in a spreadsheet so I can see where I'm at and where I can improve.

I think a lot of my bulk/weight is redundancy (extra socks, extra shirt, etc.). I'm eliminating all of the redundancy. Other items I'm reconsidering:

- heavy Goretex mittens - I wear lighter, waterproof AT gloves (Balck Diamond Arc) and have never had cold hands. I've taken the mittens on 2 trips now and never worn them once. May be time to leave them behind.

- beer - The group I go with likes to take beer; I like a small flask of rum - good straight up or in my evening tea. Next year I may be more adamant that I have my flask and not carrying 3-4 cans of beer.

- water - I carry too much (100 oz. hydration bladder). Had too much trouble with the hose freezing this past trip so I was carrying nearly 100 fluid oz. of water and couldn't drink it. Switching to a bottle, or Platypus bags.

- food - I brought too much both trips, and not enough of it was dehydrated.

- toiletries - there are items I can go without.

- first aid kit - as a former ski patroller (resort) I'm carrying the first aid gear for the group, but the bulk of 3+ lbs. of first aid gear is probably too much.

I have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky (older model, 1800 cu. in./~29L, very similar to their current 3-day Assault Pack). I will practice with what I have and make changes. I'm looking at the Mystery Ranch Patrol 45 pack - its the biggest ski specific pack I've found...most seem to stop at 40L.

Thanks!

 

[Literature]

Thanks for the replies! I'm going through my packing list now for next year's trip. I'm weighing everything and putting it in a spreadsheet so I can see where I'm at and where I can improve.

I think a lot of my bulk/weight is redundancy (extra socks, extra shirt, etc.). I'm eliminating all of the redundancy. Other items I'm reconsidering:

- heavy Goretex mittens - I wear lighter, waterproof AT gloves (Balck Diamond Arc) and have never had cold hands. I've taken the mittens on 2 trips now and never worn them once. May be time to leave them behind.

- beer - The group I go with likes to take beer; I like a small flask of rum - good straight up or in my evening tea. Next year I may be more adamant that I have my flask and not carrying 3-4 cans of beer.

- water - I carry too much (100 oz. hydration bladder). Had too much trouble with the hose freezing this past trip so I was carrying nearly 100 fluid oz. of water and couldn't drink it. Switching to a bottle, or Platypus bags.

- food - I brought too much both trips, and not enough of it was dehydrated.

- toiletries - there are items I can go without.

- first aid kit - as a former ski patroller (resort) I'm carrying the first aid gear for the group, but the bulk of 3+ lbs. of first aid gear is probably too much.

I have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky (older model, 1800 cu. in./~29L, very similar to their current 3-day Assault Pack). I will practice with what I have and make changes. I'm looking at the Mystery Ranch Patrol 45 pack - its the biggest ski specific pack I've found...most seem to stop at 40L.

Thanks!

A few thoughts:

Something in the 40L realm that is designed to expand and contract is a great idea. The HMG system is good, so is a floating lid. Most dedicated ski bags aren't like this, so looking to the climbing pack world might help. Personally, I love my Osprey Variant 37 for these kinds of trips--did four nights, five days out of it on the Wapta traverse two springs ago.

You don't need dedicated separation for your avie tools; that's all in how you pack the bag. Obviously you want them handy, but they don't need to be separated.

Some redundant things can make a difference--taking just one pair of socks for a three day hut trip is pretty bold, especially considering how one pair of socks is pretty small, compact, and yet feels amazing on day three. I wouldn't lose the mittens either--they are clutch if you get soaked and cold.

Ditch the beer if you're carrying it in. Hard alcohol is fine.

Bladders will always freeze; winter isn't their season. A system I've seen many folks use is some kind of insulated bottle/bottle with a parka, and a thermos. They don't freeze, won't burst, and having hot liquid makes a huge difference for morale sometimes. Plus, you can melt extra snow in the hot water to gain a few more sips. I've got a standard nalgene with a parka, and a 20oz hydroflask. Might make the latter bigger for this next winter.

First aid gear: take only what you know how to use, and what you can't improvise from something else. Straps, tape, four by fours, a small plastic sheet style CPR mask, whatever meds you think are proper. Mine fits easily into a Dynafit ski crampon bag, and I've been carrying a SAM splint forever.

 

[wrichmond]

Thanks for the replies! I'm going through my packing list now for next year's trip. I'm weighing everything and putting it in a spreadsheet so I can see where I'm at and where I can improve.

I think a lot of my bulk/weight is redundancy (extra socks, extra shirt, etc.). I'm eliminating all of the redundancy. Other items I'm reconsidering:

- heavy Goretex mittens - I wear lighter, waterproof AT gloves (Balck Diamond Arc) and have never had cold hands. I've taken the mittens on 2 trips now and never worn them once. May be time to leave them behind.

- beer - The group I go with likes to take beer; I like a small flask of rum - good straight up or in my evening tea. Next year I may be more adamant that I have my flask and not carrying 3-4 cans of beer.

- water - I carry too much (100 oz. hydration bladder). Had too much trouble with the hose freezing this past trip so I was carrying nearly 100 fluid oz. of water and couldn't drink it. Switching to a bottle, or Platypus bags.

- food - I brought too much both trips, and not enough of it was dehydrated.

- toiletries - there are items I can go without.

- first aid kit - as a former ski patroller (resort) I'm carrying the first aid gear for the group, but the bulk of 3+ lbs. of first aid gear is probably too much.

I have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky (older model, 1800 cu. in./~29L, very similar to their current 3-day Assault Pack). I will practice with what I have and make changes. I'm looking at the Mystery Ranch Patrol 45 pack - its the biggest ski specific pack I've found...most seem to stop at 40L.

Thanks!

I use one of the 2L Platypus water bags & they've been great below -15F. They don't crack even if the water starts to freeze, but will ice over. I've never used the full 2 liters in a day and wouldn't recommend anything else

Less first aid supplies & ideally get a rescue sled for the group. I have the Alpine Threadworks one.

Is your trip is staying at one hut instead of traversing from hut to hut, I'd recommend towing a cheap gear sled behind ya. (They're like $50 for a solid DIY counting the rope/pipe and bongie cords). They're easy to use in flat terrain and reduce the packing stress.

 

[edai]

Can I get your spreadsheet OP?

 

[osubg1]

I don't know how people do it with 40L. Same Colorado system - but I usually fill my 60L bag.

All the normal ski stuff - didn't hear helmet, airbag pack, etc. The airbag pack definitely adds to the situation - and I want to have it for the day trips.

We never do freeze dried food with the exception of eggs - but cooking at the hut is always fun. Elk Chili, Pizzas, Scotch Eggs, smoked salmon, bacon, etc. So food probably fills the other part of the 20L extra.

I bring a flask and Beer. probably 4-6 beers over a 4 day/3 night trip. There's nothing like a cold beer on a sunny day on the hut deck.

I also bring battery packs to charge GPS units and Camera (Phone).

Yes, it's heavy (50ish pounds, maybe more), it's a little slower, but when we get there we are stocked. Our group (4-6) has been known to give out a pizza to others at the hut.

Oh, I use a Dana Designs Arcflex Terraplane - It probably weighs 6lbs on it's own, but it's comfortable, tough, and won't tear during ski descents through the trees. It's a 90's version of Mystery ranch.

 

[xxACIDTRIPxx]

Yep. Same. Not that hard to do a big trip with a 40L pack.

But hut / yurt trips can be weird, I always bring way more shit, usually booze on them, and thus need a bigger pack than when I'm full fast and light. These days I do a Mystery Ranch Patrol 35 (hugest 35L pack I've ever seen) with my booze, food, sleeping gear and whatever toys we want at the yurt, and then a Dakine Poacker 12L for short missions out of the yurt. However, the Poacher is pretty unnecessary, the Patrol 35 chinches down really well for skiing, once you've dumped all your gear at the hut.

What are you bringing that's taking up so much space? A good place to start is a real stuff sack for all your down stuff.

Mystery ranch is the shit

 

[zuren]

Thanks for the feedback to this thread. I ended up with a Mystery Ranch Glacier in "adobe" (burnt orange). Yes, it's giant (70L), but cinches down pretty well when unloaded for daypack use, lid can be removed, and the combo of the torpedo pockets and daisy chain give me a good place to stash my probe and shovel for easy access. I think it will work much better for me than my old pack, and I should be able to only need this pack (leaving the 2nd daypack I've been carrying at home). The new pack and omission of the daypack will save me nearly 5 lbs off my total load.

Thanks again!