I do have a commercial pack- Gregory Deva (2007 model) in fact, and I absolutely love this pack. Yes, I'm a gal, and as such, need gear that works
for and with, me. A pack built for a 6 foot+ man wouldn't be comfortable nor fit me very well at all.
As such, my 60L commercial pack is what backpackers refer to as "bombproof". It will take whatever you want to dish out and then some. It has a
rubberized, waterproof bottom on it, and built tough all the way around. It definitely doesn't fall into the "ultralight" category. On this side of
the pond, the military surplus stores are getting to be as expensive as the backpacking stores are!!
Not much savings there anymore. I should
also mention that I do use this pack I have for regular backpacking trips also, so it serves more than one purpose, which is always good. I've tested
all of my gear, to make sure I can use it and that it works for me and my own needs.
As for gear I carry regularly, I can make a short list but I won't include everything, no need.....or it would get really long. But here goes for a
short list .....
60 Litre pack
-5F down sleeping bag (to be upgraded to a -40Fbag)
Exped 7 downmat sleeping mat
Henry Shire's Tarptent
Multi tool knife
Compass/Maps
Raingear
Titanium cookpot w/lid
One of 2 cooking stoves with fuel- cannister setup or Whisperlite International
Aqua Mira or Water filter (or both)
Bandana (helps to filter out large chunks in water)
Medical kit (my own I made up myself)
Lite Line (1oz per 50 ft of line) can be used for all sorts of purposes including gear repair, bear hanging line, clothes line etc....
dental floss- for gear repairs etc....
Duct tape!
Hiking poles- help keep one moving over rough terrain faster and easier, in my opinion
Xtra layer of clothes- including long underwear and xtra sox
Headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb
And for Mountainous terrain-- Ice axe, 6 point instep crampons and a light down jacket with a removable hood.
I also own an amateur radio for communications and have a good whistle.
Food (of course)
Fuel (to cook food)
Matches- storm proof and a lighter. A small amount of tinder, kept dry will help one start a fire under any circumstances.
Each person's needs will suit their own terrain and conditions. Just know how to use your gear well and how it will suit you. Practice with it every
chance you get- camping trips or whatever. Even overnites will help.
Happy New Years!
Soul Sista