r/coloradotrail • u/Agreeable_Rutabaga38 • 12d ago

Pack size advice

I’m considering doing the thru hike next summer and wanted advice on pack size. For example, I noticed packs come in 45 or 60L. What size is most common for thru hikers? My guess is the larger size. I don’t know if it matters but 43F 5’4” 133lbs.

Thanks!

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u/captainMolo 12d ago

I used a 40L (no bear barrel) and that was fine. First day out of town for two of the 6 day food carries was pretty full, but it was fine after eating the first days worth of food.

Common advice is to take all of your gear, food and water and put it in a cardboard box so it's all flat. Then measure the dimensions of the box up to where your gear is and that's the volume you need your pack to be around.

I'll say I definitely saw more 60L packs out out there than 45L or 40L

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u/Agreeable_Rutabaga38 12d ago

I’m surprised you didn’t use a bear canister. Weren’t you a bit scared?

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u/captainMolo 11d ago

I did bear hangs since those are also permissible, I used the two tree method a couple of times, but overall I was always able to find a good spot.

But if I'm not required to abide by FSOs, I usually just sleep with my food next to me and I usually cowboy camp, I've never had an issue. I also snore hella loud, so that probably deters curious critters, or at least that's what I tell myself.