Like the look of the pack? Looks good doesn’t it? Well it’s the Sea to Summit Ultrasil Daypack. It holds 20 litres and folds up into nothing. The best bit it weighs in at 68g. So how much for this wonder of modern technology? Well it should retail at £17.99.
So apart from my little plan below, this pack is something you could have with you all the time. But the biggie is when you are out backpacking with a larger heavier pack, and decide “oh I fancy nipping up to that summit but not with this big pack”. In that situation most people stash their pack away in a safe spot away from any thievin gits, and go up with just what they can carry in their hands and pockets. Well this allows you to be a bit safer and carry just the essential kit for that unplanned summit detour, and be a bit more prepared for any change in circumstances while up there. Or you’re on a campsite, want to nip in to town and top up your supplies, well this would be ideal for that situation as well, as it gives you a bag to use to carry them back in, without having to empty out your main pack.
I have a plan for this pack this Summer. I want to try and get everything I need for an overnight in to it, and then go and spend a night out using what I have in the pack.
The rules I have come up with are:
- The pack being used has to be the Sea to Summit Ultrasil Daypack.
- Everything has to fit in the pack (not including photographic equipment). I’m going to allow no more than 2 litres of water to be carried in hand. So any more than that has to be found on route or near the camp site, or carried in the pack.
- You have to be able to cook a hot meal and make a hot drink in the evening.
- No pre dropping of supplies or equipment.
See my brew kit in a mug would be ideal for this. As would be the QMH kit with the no longer available gnome stove that I got from MiniBullDesign.
If anyone wants to join me in this venture and try doing this themselves using the above rules, then let me know, send in some photos and maybe a description of how you got on. I’ll post them on here and then during September I’ll get readers to vote for their favourite and give a prize to the one with the most votes. Not sure what the prize will be yet but I’ll make sure it’s worth winning.
Hey Darren ,
Great idea. I got one of these little beauties for Christmas and have used it several times. It is also (unfortunately) really handy to take shopping and throw in all the excess stuff Sue has bought.
Did a bit of a blog post about it here BUT you covered all the features! http://ourhikingblog.com.au/2010/01/sea-to-summits-ultra-sil%E2%84%A2-day-pack-review.html
Like the challenge , great idea.
Frank
Frank,
thanks for the comment. Glad you like yours.The competition is open to all so would love to see an entry from down under. I do have an announcement to make about the prize which should be going up over the next couple of days.
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I know someone who would love one of these day packs…… so where might i get one from
Sally – If you call Burton McCall on 0116 234 4644 they will be able to tell you who your nearest stockist is. Alternatively it is available to buy from a number of online retailers.
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Sounds like fun, I was just thinking about getting one of these day packs so maybe I’ll give it a try.
robin
http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com
I looked at these a couple of months ago online, but wanted to see one in a shop. Ended up buying a Terra Nova Laser 20L which I haven’t had chance to try yet due to Finland and TGO trips.
For the price you can’t really go wrong with the Ultrasil though. I was thinking along similar lines of packing everything into my Laser for an overnight trip which I think should be quite easy, it has lots of places to clip suff, but heavier. I think fitting gear in mine maybe easier but hopefully pick one of these up shortly
Dying to get outdoors again when I can walk…
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Hello Darren. Is there a time frame for the trip to take place or can it be done anytime before September? I ordered one of these little beauties a coiple of days before you announced the competition, so I may just give your challange a go.
Cheers
John
John, nope anytime before September, even during if folks need it.