As the title starts, i’m looking for advice on the proper size pack to get for my hike next year.
I have plans to do a 28 mile hike over 5 days, 4 nights on Four Loop Pass outside Aspen (I know this hike can be done in 2 days but I want to enjoy the beauty and we are also not completely conditioned to that altitude and don’t want to over work ourselves.) I will be with my girlfriend and our dog. Our dog is experienced with hiking long distances but i’m concerned about the extra space I need for food (we found a REALLY good freeze dried dog food that will save volume and weight) and water for him. He is a 68lb Weimaraner and has plenty of energy and stamina.
We will be hiking this trail in late August, early September.
I know water is not hard to find there, unlike here in Texas where I usually have to carry around a gallon and a half per day for me and my dog.
I know this is a hard topic to give advice on as it is all relative to what kind of gear we have and what not. But the current gear I have fit in a 45L pack on a 2 day trip and I had to carry in all my water (totally 3 gallons.) This, however, was a solo hike so adding 2 more nights and supplies for my dog make me not sure.
My girl friend has the Zulu 55L and will be carrying all here gear. We are still sourcing out a nice lightweight 2 person tent and sleeping bag for her. The tent we might split between us if it helps.
We will also need bear canisters, something i’m not really familiar with.
Ok so my first thought was a 65L. I purchased the Baltoro 65L but ended up getting a large that was a bit too big for my back. I also talked with a employee at REI whom make me second guess my choose of a 65L. So i’m still wondering if a 65L will work, or would a 70L or 75L work better?
I know its always better to have extra space than run out of space but i also want to pack right and buy more than I really need.
Chooses on my mind are:
Gregory Baltoro 65L (Med)
Gregory Baltoro 75L (Med)
Osprey Aether 70L (Med)
Thank you all in advance,
Shawn Huetter