Overnight Pack Question

I'm headed for some overnights in BC next month and am curious about whether or not to bring a smaller day pack. Obviously, I'll take the larger pack to haul the gear, but would also like to take the smaller Avalung pack for the day tours. Is this worth the awkward strapping of a pack on a pack, or should I just do the day tours in the larger pack? Maybe spring for a separate avalung to attach to the large pack? How's this done?

Thanks

Its akward and it sucks on the approach but well worth it when touring out of your basecamp
I strap my day pack on the outside of my Multiday pack (and I prefer skinning on dirt  )

Hi Rubes - Several of us have been using a new (last yr) super lightweight pack that doubles as a sleeping bag stuff sack, made by OR.  Have used it on several overnights, and it works great! Stuffs & compresses your sl.bag, and works reasonably well for a day pack. Plus it's waterproof with a roll top closure on top.  Weighs very little.  Out of concern for my shovel blade, I made a combo back and shovel cushion by cutting some closed cell foam to fit in the pack and against the part resting against your back, and folded up the bottom about two inches & duct taped it to form a pocket to insert my shovel blade in.  Check it out on Outdoor Research's web page.  I think they make a smaller version this season as well.  Can highly recommend it!  I'd just bring a seperate avalung, especially if you'll be traveling in avy terrain with your overnight pack.  The avalung incorporated packs are not exactly lightweight.
Gerry H

There are others here with much more expierence with this than me but I'll share my $.02
I have tried a couple of ways.  First I would do multi day trips with my large pack.  That was o.k. as it compressed well.  I would however semi inflate a camp pad/pillow to occupy volume for a less sloppy ride.
Twice I did overnight trips with a 20L day pack and an accessory bag attached to the bottom (think rope bag).
That worked well enough but was very limited on space.  Half sleeping bag, mini pad, no toothbrush...
As of now I am using a very light (1lb. 3 oz.) and simple pack (Granite Gear Virga) which is 57L.  It has no frame and is predicated on the use of a foam pad rolled up inside to create a frame.  This has been working well for me so far.  Even with the 3/4 ridge rest pad in it, it is very lite and compresses well for day trips.  It is only rated to 20lbs. but I have carried about 35lbs. relatively comfortably (no pads in the waist belt).  There are better packs for this use but the point is that if you can reduce the weight and bulk of your cargo, you should be able to do both jobs with one pack.

Good luck and have a good trip.

Hi Rubes I agree with Gerry H I also have one of those OR stuff/pack bags and it's a great idea. once your sleeping bag is out you have a day pack. www.outdoorresearch.com/site/drycomp_summit_sack.html

How small an avalung pack? -- if it is the larger 42 liter one -- would reccommend figuring out how to reduce your two-three day load to fit in that pack.  Skiing is safer and more fun with a light pack.

For longer hut type trips with a reasonable approach, in recent years I've been using a "Paris Expedition Sled" to haul days worth of food and gear.   I use an old pair of 7000 series aluminum skating poles (170cm) rigged in an "X" configuration and lashed to my day pack for hauling.  Sticking an extra set of glue-on climbing skins to the bottom of the sled makes haulling it uphill a lot easier.  The sled performs quite well in many conditions -- long traverses on firm snow -- not so much.

If you need a larger pack for multi-day trips that aren't conducive to using a sled -- I think getting the stand alone avalung II and using a stuff sack / summit pack as describe above makes a lot of sense.