How much CI or Litters does the basic hammock setup take up

[E.A.Y.]

...variable volume solution like the Molly Mac Pack.

Before I revised how much I take camping and went to a molly mac pack, I used for spring and fall (I don't (anymore) snow camp) an Osprey Ariel 65 (liter). It was really too big for what I used, even if I stuffed a bear can in there. If I could have gotten a 55 in that pack through REI I would have.

I did manage to stuff a summer weight 2 day pile of gear into a Gregory Z30 (30 litres). I used a thin pad with this load out instead of an UQ and the pad went on the outside of the pack. However, I would say that is too small for most folks.

I did what dejoha advocates, and took a duffel full of gear to REI to pick a pack (the Osprey). The backpack guy there said about 2% of people do that. So go be a 2%! It is tempting to get the pack first, but it works better to get the pack last.

[BigTurtle]

ok well i do have some of the lightest supplies "except for clothes" that a bigger guy can have. and from what im reading i should be looking for a 45-55L pack and i have been using a internal frame packs for awhile but since i dont use a pad "which i might start bringing for a sit pad or whatnot" i dont know if i can use the ultralight packs without a frame in them. but from what i hear some of the packs ive been checking off my list as non usable might just be what i need. i dont plan "as of now" doing any really cold weather camping. the only problem is some of the packs yall are talking like the golight and ospreys are all very expencive and i was hoping to stay as close to 100 bucks as possible.
thanks for all the help guys
BT

[Big Joe]

Big Turtle like you I am a big guy 6'1" 390# and this is the updated model of my pack looks like all they changed was the torso adjustment used to go to 23" now only 22" and they changed the color this has been a great pack for me I can shrink it down for smaller loads or open it up for larger ones its very comfortable and they also sell a extension strap for the waist belt if needed http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products

[nothermark]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned mocking up a pack with a cardboard box or a trash bag. Pack you gear into a suitable sized mockup and measure how big the package is. That gets you a load weight and volume. Then you can go from there.

[gunner76]

Try and stop by an REI or simular outfitter and try on some different packs to get an idea how well they fit. Get an idea of how much your load will weigh and the outfitter should be able to add that much wieight to the pack and let you try walking around the store. If the pack does not feel comfortable then look for a diiferent pack.

[bigbamaguy]

BigT:
Check out this pack from REI: http://www.rei.com/product/793637/golite-quest-pack. Looking at the specs it seems to meet all of your requirements, plus it is on sale at a great price.

[BigTurtle]

thanks but i already picked up southpaws gregory z55 i liked that pack when i was looking at them this week but wasnt sure if it would be big enough but after reading all of your posts and talking to him i decided to get it i dont think ill regret it. and if it dont work im prety sure i can get my money back out of it.
thanks again everone for the help
BT

[kobold]

i have a 46l pack that can carry gear and consumables for a max 2-3 day trip in summer time. that's why i am looking at bigger packs like the aarn featherlite freedom.