u/VisionWhale

I’m looking for a backpack for doing day hikes and hopefully C2C mountain summits like rainier as well, I know 40L is a lot for day hikes but I just like carrying a lot of stuff honestly, plus I mostly do strenuous 7-15mi hikes as I don’t like when things are easy haha. I’m looking for a bag that has a hip belt with pockets, ice axe/trekking pole loops, and preferably a water bladder holder, side zipper to the main compartment, and honestly just a bunch of added compartments/small pockets as I like keeping things separate.

I’ve seen and liked:
Osprey exos 38L pack $245 and
Decathlon Simond alpinism evo 40L pack $200/$150 on sale

Im not an ultra light hiker, I much prefer comfort and usability, any other recommendations would be appreciated, I like larger bags because I have the freedom to do hikes that require that much room and I can just not fill if I’m going on a shorter hike

What would be the best size for mountaineering (like mt rainier and other mountains of similar height in the west coast) as well as regular hikes. Also what would be good things to look for in a pack? I’ve heard hip clip with pockets and ice axe/ski/trekking pole holder are very useful

I’m looking to buy a softshell jacket mostly for wind proofing, and I’ve found 4 choices that might work, the most important thing is wind proofing, but I’d love to hear the pros and cons of each hoodie

I’m currently looking at the:
Rab Borealis $130 10oz
OR Ferrosi $165 14oz
MH Kor Airshell $170 5oz
OR Shadow Wind Hoodie $140 5oz

All 4 can pack into its own pocket, all are pretty light besides the Ferrosi, and both OR’s have 3 pockets, the other two have 2 pockets. (I’ve heard that the Kor and Shadow are very similar and the deciding factor should be price, is that true?)

I’m just starting hiking/mountaineering and wanted to sort of future proof my purchases. right now I’m just looking for a hard/soft shell? (Idk the difference) for hiking in rain and high wind conditions.

I’m looking for 3L waterproof 20k/20k breathability/sub 6 RET jackets with arm pit zips and preferably thumb holes, more then 2 pockets, and being able to store it inside a pocket

right now I’m looking at the:
Forclaz mt900 waterproof jacket $130
Quechua mh500 jacket for $150
Black diamond dawn patrol shell used for $100
Patagonias torrentshell 3L jacket for $132

but I’m looking for more recommendations hopefully less then $200 or more info on these jackets/which is “best”

TLDR: looking for a sub $200 3L waterproof jacket that I can buy now and use for a long time until I eventually max out my gear and buy the “absolute best” jacket money can buy

I’m just starting hiking/mountaineering and wanted to sort of future proof my purchases. right now I’m just looking for a hard/soft shell? (Idk the difference) for hiking in rain and high wind conditions.

I’m looking for 3L waterproof 20k/20k breathability/sub 6 RET jackets with arm pit zips and preferably thumb holes, more then 2 pockets, and being able to store it inside a pocket

right now I’m looking at the:
Forclaz mt900 waterproof jacket $130
Quechua mh500 jacket for $150
Black diamond dawn patrol shell used for $100
Patagonias torrentshell 3L jacket for $132

but I’m looking for more recommendations hopefully less then $200 or more info on these jackets/which is “best”

TLDR: looking for a sub $200 3L waterproof jacket that I can buy now and use for a long time until I eventually max out my gear and buy the “absolute best” jacket money can buy