Your tickets are booked. You're checking and re-checking your packing list. Expedition planning is in full force.
Perhaps you're heading out for Patagonia, Peru, Kilimanjaro, or Everest Base Camp--chances are you need to think about pack selection.
The options can be a bit overwhelming. OneSeed is here to help.
1) CHECK YOUR PACKING LIST
On trips with pack animals or vehicle transport, a sturdy duffle can do just fine. On trips where you'll be carrying your own pack, a well-fit expedition pack will be important. Read your packing list carefully and let us know if you have any questions about which type of pack(s) you'll need.
2) PICK YOUR PACK
We're partial to the goods over at MHM Gear. MHM makes beautifully designed packs with all the right features. They offer the full spectrum of pack sizes so you can pick the perfect pack for your expedition.
First, let's talk about day packs.
Day Packs
For nearly all OneSeed trips, you'll need a daypack. This 20-30L pack will be used to carry water, extra layers, camera, etc. while on the trail or navigating cities. This pack should be compact with the ability to stuff down into your larger pack when needed.
We like MHM's Switch 26L pack. With the signature S-zip for quick access and just enough capacity for your daily needs, the Switch is the ideal day pack for most of our expeditions. Its nine (!) pockets make for easy organization and its slick design makes you look cooler than your friends.
Expedition Packs
On some of your trips (like our trips in Patagonia), you'll need to bring a larger expedition pack that you'll carry yourself. A good expedition pack will be 50-65L and will be used to carry all of your personal gear during your time on the trail. We like the Divide 65 pack or the slightly smaller Sultan 50. Both packs are light weight and thoughtfully designed with hidden surprises like internal dry sacs and pivoting hip belts. These big haulers will get the job done on multi-day pushes.
3) DO YOUR RESEARCH
Wherever you get your gear, take the time to weigh the tradeoffs of each design and get comfortable carrying your pack as you train for your expedition.
We especially appreciate the scientific method and a good field test: