wrote on Mar 9^th, 2007 at 4:06pm:

What size (60L, 30L, or 2X30L) would you use for a 2 person or 4 person group for a week as a food pack which will also hold the cookware, dinnerware, and stove?

A 60 litre for sure.

I've used the 30 litre for 4 people over 4 nights (food inside only, no cookware) supplemented by fresh caught fish. That's about all I can get out of it without switching to freeze-dried or dehydrated foods. The 30 litre will handle a week's food for two people though – if you pack carefully.


wrote on Mar 9^th, 2007 at 4:06pm:

Is the 60L easy(relatively) to carry for a smaller framed person?

Obviously, a little less easy than a 30 litre because it's going to be that much heavier. It is however, not more difficult than carrying a loaded pack, assuming you invest in a decent harness. I've seen skinny teenage girls carry them, older men carry them, even a disabled friend carry them. Yes, relatively easy to carry.


wrote on Mar 9^th, 2007 at 4:06pm:

Also, a double 30L set up is around two pounds heavier than one 60L...is it worth the weight? Or don't you notice a weight difference since the center of gravity of the 2X30L is closer to your back compared to the 60L?

That's an unusual set-up. If you want to carry multiple containers, make them olive barrels. I think they're about 15 litres volume, often square in cross-section. You can get them used at Greek restaurants before they throw them out. They won't add up to 60 litres but they'll be easy to carry in a pack. An olive barrel may also may be a good companion to a 30 litre barrel to stretch out your trip or carry dog food.

I have both a 60 and 30 litre barrel. Highly recommend them. I also use Headstrong harnesses for their cost/quality/comfort equation. Ostrom is a more costly choice, the Cadillac of harnesses I would say.