Pack Light. Go Fast.: Archive

Pack Light. Go Fast.

January 2011

129 posts

derekhuff-deactivated20110504 asked: Can you suggest me a good bag that will work for a few days of travel, but would be okay to take with me daily too? I live in NYC, and daily I carry my laptop, iPad, and cell phone, but when I go out of town it's nice to be able to toss a change of clothes or two in the same bag and go. I don't want something that's huge when loaded up either.

Lightweight Packing | MEC →

You can travel farther and faster if you carry less gear. If you have only a weekend to get away, this strategy can increase the range of trails you can cover. The secret is to give up a few creature comforts to reduce the weight of your pack, without sacrificing anything you need or compromising your safety.

edibleasslesschaps asked: I've been reading this blog for a while now and was wondering if you had any kind of opinion on Thule's crossover 30L pack.

Thanks, Kurt

http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/Luggage/Luggage%20and%20Packs/TCBP-1%2030%20Liter%20Backpack.aspx

wedontchoosewhatsticks asked: I'm a horrible over packer but I've been making huge efforts to try and kick that habit. I'm about to go to Italy for ten days and probably a three or four day trip to Morocco while I'm there, any suggestions on what kind of bag to bring or what to pack?
I have a suitcase but its too big and I know I'll bring too much with that, I'm ideally looking for...

Mission Workshop Backpack

Laith asked: Hey, been reading your blog for a while and have really liked your ideas and opinions so I just wanted to know what you thought of MissionWorkshop’s backpacks (the Vandal and rambler). Link: http://www.missionworkshop.com/backpacks.php -Laith Answer: I have a friend that swears by the Rumbler. I’ve never tried one. I’ve never seen one. Personally I...

dictati0n asked: I am a college student who is 5'4" with a petit frame. I'm on the hunt for a new backpack and I'm having some trouble choosing. Are there any particular backpacks that you would recommend?

For the Photographer

Hazard 4 Evac Photo Recon Sling Jelly Roll 9/4 Submitted by tactpractedc, thanks!

diascheiosdenada asked: Being an owner of a Goruk GR Echo, do you think a 13'' MacBook Pro fits inside it? The product page only refers to the MacBook Air (although there's a picture with a MBP). Thanks.

For the photojournalist: F-Stop Gear (http://fstopgear.com/index.php) makes some really great looking camera packs with technical suspension and photog-specific functionality, with extra room for extra gear. At the very least, their camera inserts could be used to convert an existing backpack into a camera-ready bag. Submitted by Samuel, thanks!

getthisright asked: For the dude who asked about a MOLLE pack for his PJ-gig.. I can recommend the Eagle/ATS RAID pack or Eagle AIII MOLLE.

Other than that, like you said, lowe pro are nice and have their own propietary pouch system for glass and other accesories. Diamondback tactical also make a nice insert for their packs:

mattchou asked: I'll be traveling for a year as a photojournalist, the GR1 really appeal to me in its simplicity, however the lack of MOLLE attachment on the top sides of the bag really limits ability for me to strap items externally. Do you have any other bag recommendation that will stand up to a year of abuse (both urban and hostile environments) with a bit more functionality?

I will be...

How to Pack a Bag When Traveling | The art of... →

When going on a trip, many men, to their shame, have the women in their lives- their mom, girlfriend, or wife- pack their suitcase for them. They either can’t be bothered or are afraid they don’t know how. But your mom won’t always be around, and if you plan on being a well-traveled man, it’s essential that you learn how to effectively pack a bag. You don’t want to bring too much stuff, too...

gwg asked: Good morning.

I always enjoy reading your posts and look forward to following your training progress for the GoRuck Tough Mudder.

I've been saving up for the GoRuck GR1 but as I get closer to making a purchase I'm unable to decide between the full-size GR1 and the smaller Echo.

I will be using it every day for bike commuting with clothes, food...

My training for the GORUCK Challenge →

I started a blog where I will be logging my training for the GORUCK Challenge. Come visit.

How-To: Ultralight camp pot from Heineken "keg"... →

(Submitted by M Thomas, thanks!)

“Limit yourself to 20 pounds in a carry-on-size bag. A 9” x 22” x 14” bag fits...”

– Via Pack Light and Travel Happy

mostexerent asked: As an avid traveller & bragger..

Really like your posts!

GW

buasato wrote: Hey guys, I guess I wasn’t too clear with my question.. I love the look of the gr1 and gr2 but not the price. I’m in law enforcement and hike around in mountains and desert. So I’ll need something tough and can carry a few things and not fall apart all of a sudden down the line. I like the minimalist look of the bags and the fact that there are molle attachments,...

Ignoble Backpacks →

A reader sent me this link via Twitter. I don’t know anything about these packs but check them out.

SquintOne asked: Can you explain how do you use your Echo and what you pack everyday? Thanks for the question. See the next pictures for an explanation.

Red Oxx Mini Ruck

As Sean stated about the ReddOx, they’re quality bags made to last. They’re minimal, but not as streamlined like the Goruck line (which is why I will also pick up an Echo for smaller commutes.) I own the Mini-Ruck and have taken it on month trips out of the country, but they’re compact enough for local commutes travel too. Jim Markel himself answered my inquires before purchase....

“Add things until it starts sucking, take things away until it stops getting...”

– Frank Chimero

“This is what we want from everything we let into our lives: a good fit, so we...”

– Frank Chimero

himynameiserik-deactivated20110 asked: http://shop.ccs.com/product/model:143430/sku:64-00891/nike%20sb%20daypack%20-%20men's/?supercat=home&cm=GLOBAL%20SEARCH:%20KEYWORD%20SEARCH#sku=64-00891

NIKE SB makes a pack similar to the GORUCK series, and a lot cheaper at only $60. Granted, quality isn't as tough,.

theoddlot asked: If he wants something that does not look overly military, I'd ask buasato to checkout KillSpencer's Special Ops Backpack. However, it's more expensive than a GR1.

What kind of similarity is he looking for exactly..
Minimalistic? If he is thinking about carrying laptop.. "Incase".
If he is looking for a backpack.. "IGNOBLE's...

RedOxx Makes Heavy Duty Gear Without the Military...

I recently read a post where someone asked for a tough backpack that doesn’t look “overly military”. I have just the thing. Look at the Airborne Carry On Ruck Sack (C-Ruck) or the Roadster Mini Ruck Rucksack from RedOxx. RedOxx makes excellent quality gear that has a more traditional look. I own the C-Ruck and can tell you it can take a beating and come out the other side...

buasato asked: do you know of any bags similar to the goruck gr1 or gr2 that don't look overly military (read minimal molle attachments) that are a bit more affordable?

Patagonia 30% off sale of traveling packs →

Good stuff. Check the sales on the clothing ad well.