Welcome mntrehgr,

I gotta say that's one of the most insightful question type first posts I've seen in a while. I've seen similar foodpacks being advertised with a picture of someone with a small frame standing straight up. (Stupid art directors are to blame) I'd guess two 30's would be easier for most any adult to portage even with the extra 2lbs but I've no first hand experience w/ blue barrels so...

I too like to keep both cookware and food to a dedicated pack so I'll add a more specific question to yours. What is the size of the opening of a 30 and 60? My frying pan wants to know.