Originally Posted by
Auror.
I do more field work and walking around than true hiking. So just day stuff. I usually have a notebook (rite in the rain are awesome) and pencil/pen, rock hammer, bags for collecting samples, fruit and cliff bars, a couple individual serving things of soymilk, water, wet wipes, rain jacket, and then different layers of clothes depending on weather.
I just currently use a jansport backpack, but I am planning on getting a proper day pack soon. I hear Osprey is a good brand, but expensive. So we'll see what I decide on.
My friend and I also plan to go camping some in the spring, and eventually I'll be doing a 6 week field camp which will involve loads of hiking and camping. I know for my friend when camping, she swears by ramen and her jet-boil. Jet-boils look awesome but I know they're super heavy.
Osprey has good reputation since they have a lifetime warranty. The packs are usually attractively designed as well as functional. I was going to get one and then actually tried packs on in a store and found I liked the Kelty packs. I bought one pack (43 liter) called the Flyaway. It recieved a lot of award for best backpack. The waist belt can be removed and it can function as a travel pack as well as a hiking pack. Its on sale now and is cheaper than Osprey
Kelty Flyway 43 Backpack
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Kelty...3902100&rid=20
I was going to get the jet-boil but then saw a stove on ebay thats almost the same but much cheaper (has great reviews too)
Ultralight Backpacking Canister Camp Stove with Piezo Ignition 3.9oz
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For a smaller daypack I got a Mountainsmith "Colfax" off REI. I got it for $35 instead of $75. It goes off and on sale this time of year. It has a lot of good reviews (I got one in green but that color seems gone now)
Mountainsmith Colfax 25 Pack - 2014 Overstock
http://www.rei.com/product/880060/mo...2014-overstock
One thing I notice about packs is that some packs have inflated prices. There are North Face and Osprey packs that are nice but not particularly unique enough to sell for 30%-50% more.