Small (under 10L) Backpack's??

[Adam Alphabet]

Just wondering what people are using for small (under 10L capacity) backpacks...

I've got a Talon 11 which is great but I'm looking for something a little smaller, specifically for racing, 6-8L or so

A lot of cycling specific packs seem to be very feature rich which I'm not particularly fond of, lots of extra zips and straps and junk that can fail or is of limited use or very particular use (slotted tool pockets, etc..).

I just want a bladder compartment, a simple large main section, maybe a smaller organizer pocket, an outside stretch mesh stuff pocket(s) or bungy strapping and some hip belt pockets. I'm at the point where I may just make one if I can't find something small and simple out there.

Thanks in advance all!

[vermont]

I've seen the stuff you are sewing. Just make one.  Backpacks aren't that hard.  Its the shoulder straps that are the difficult part.  I personally make thin straps with breathable nylon and fleece.  I attach a triglide buckle to the shoulder end and attach a piece of webbing to the pack.  It makes sewing easier.  Take your time, its a fun challenge.  You can make them truly unique.
As far as purchased ones, I'm a big fan of Camelback.  I have an old Blowfish that is showing no signs of giving up.
Scott

[Adam Alphabet]

I've seen the stuff you are sewing. Just make one.  Backpacks aren't that hard.  Its the shoulder straps that are the difficult part.  I personally make thin straps with breathable nylon and fleece.  I attach a triglide buckle to the shoulder end and attach a piece of webbing to the pack.  It makes sewing easier.  Take your time, its a fun challenge.  You can make them truly unique.
As far as purchased ones, I'm a big fan of Camelback.  I have an old Blowfish that is showing no signs of giving up.
Scott

Thanks Scott, appreciate the feedback. The shoulder straps are the thing that seem the most challenging to shape up and get right. I'm getting tight for time before the AZT this year and time in front of the machine means less time on the pedals!
One thought was to find a discounted pack to hack up (Osprey or something). Keep the back panel, shoulder straps, hip belt and then just make the actual compartments to attach to the back panel.

[bakerjw]

I bought an Outdoor Research Antimatter Pack that I love. It is about 10 ounces, can roll up quite small yet has a lot of room available in it. I had looked at some of the more prevalent ones such as an Osprey, but this fit the bill nicely. It usually holds my windbreaker and/or rain gear and I hardly know that it's there.

The thing about it rolling up is that I can just tuck into a frame or seat bag and have it if I need it.

[vermont]

Thanks Scott, appreciate the feedback. The shoulder straps are the thing that seem the most challenging to shape up and get right. I'm getting tight for time before the AZT this year and time in front of the machine means less time on the pedals!
One thought was to find a discounted pack to hack up (Osprey or something). Keep the back panel, shoulder straps, hip belt and then just make the actual compartments to attach to the back panel.

If you decide to cannibalize a pack, just keep in mind the final sewing is going to be inside out, so make sure your backpanel is as flimsy as possible.  When is your leaving date?  I recently took apart of couple of unused packs and might have some extra shoulder straps lying around to sell you (for about the cost of shipping).  Or I could sew a set up.  Don't forget about thrift stores for materials.
Good luck
You live in BC?  I'll trade for beer too.

[Adam Alphabet]

If you decide to cannibalize a pack, just keep in mind the final sewing is going to be inside out, so make sure your backpanel is as flimsy as possible.  When is your leaving date?  I recently took apart of couple of unused packs and might have some extra shoulder straps lying around to sell you (for about the cost of shipping).  Or I could sew a set up.  Don't forget about thrift stores for materials.
Good luck
You live in BC?  I'll trade for beer too.

Good point on the inside out. I hadn't put much thought into it beyond... 'I like osprey back panels, hip belts and shoulder straps, I'll add my own pack body.' Definitely need to do some more thinkering beyond that.
Thanks for the offer. I've got a few packs lying around here I'll take a look at but beer trades down the road could be an option!

[THE LONG RANGER]

I've had good luck with just bringing along a vest designed for ultra running races. They're usually quite comfy, durable, fairly simple, really breathable and pack down to nothing. For example, the SJ vest is packable enough to fit into a jersey back pocket,

https://ultimatedirection.com/sj-ultra-vest-3-0/

You can just use one of its own mesh pockets to stuff it in itself. It's listed as 8.5L. From experience this isn't the volume of the main compartment, but for ALL compartments totaled together. UD does have 2 other vests that are ~11.5L and 16L. These aren't packs by any means - if you look at the weight of these things, their flyweights compared to what I'd call, "a pack". Features you won't find with these vests are things like padding on the back.

[Adam Alphabet]

I've had good luck with just bringing along a vest designed for ultra running races. They're usually quite comfy, durable, fairly simple, really breathable and pack down to nothing. For example, the SJ vest is packable enough to fit into a jersey back pocket,

https://ultimatedirection.com/sj-ultra-vest-3-0/

You can just use one of its own mesh pockets to stuff it in itself. It's listed as 8.5L. From experience this isn't the volume of the main compartment, but for ALL compartments totaled together. UD does have 2 other vests that are ~11.5L and 16L. These aren't packs by any means - if you look at the weight of these things, their flyweights compared to what I'd call, "a pack". Features you won't find with these vests are things like padding on the back.

Thanks Justin,
I went to MEC (our REI equivalent) and had a look at the different UD vests. Cool concept and look comfortable.

[nepbug]

I've been using a Wingnut pack for a long while now, love it.  I have the Three Point Zero, which is 13L, but the Two Point Five is just below 9L and pretty much fits your criteria.

It sits differently on you than a traditional backpack (sits lower), which I like.  It puts less stress on your back and it also allows some access to jersey pockets as well.  The wing pockets and mesh pockets are very easy to access while riding.

Here's a pic of me wearing mine as I finished the CTR so you can see how they sit on you.

[ice-breaker]

I use a Gregory Tempo pack for running that I bought a few months ago. Am planning on using it for Bikepacking this year also.  Bought it from MEC in Canada.

[Adam Alphabet]

Thanks Nick - looks like wingnut is back with packs ready to go on their site. Have always wanted to try one as I'm a dedicated fanny packer on day rides.

Thanks ice breaker - popped by mec to have a look.

[eec]

I have a Marmot Kompressor pack that I love. Very simple design, extremely light weight, and I don't even notice it's on even when packed full.

[Adam Alphabet]

I ended up getting an Osprey Syncro 10 a couple days before this years AZT300. It carried really well and the 'Airspeed' suspension system was super comfortable and airy. The minimal hip belt and lack of hip belt pockets were my biggest gripe but overall I was happy with the feel of the pack.
Now a talon hip belt/pockets on a simplified 8L Syncro type bag in with the airspeed back and I'd have found my pack. Anyone have any pull at Osprey?