In The Spotlight: Topo Designs Brand Profile
Colorado-designed and made in the USA, few brands scream ‘domestic manufacturing’ like Topo Designs.
2,000-Mile Test: Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack
We packed, hefted, and hiked with the Granite Gear Crown2 for a five-month test along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Patagonia ‘Black Hole’ Backpack, Lighter For 2017
The redesigned Black Hole series of packs from Patagonia include this 26-liter daypack we put to the test. It comes to market next spring.
Toughest Climbing Pack: Dyneema 2400 Porter Reviewed
Made from fabric that is ‘stronger than steel,’ the Hyperlite Dyneema 2400 Porter is light, streamlined, and just about perfect – except for the price.
Custom, Made-In-USA Backpack … For Your Dog
Groundbird Gear crafts lightweight backpacking gear for dogs. We put one through 1,000 miles of testing.
First Look: Thule’s 2016 Technical Backpack Line
People know Thule for its vehicle racks. But the Swedish brand has a burgeoning backpack line.
Review: Ultra-Light Running Vest Feels Like Second Skin
Water, gels, keys, phone: Salomon’s S-Lab Sense will carry it all, and nothing more. We test a minimal running vest for the distance-minded adventurer.
First Look: Expanding ‘Flex Capacitor’ Backpack From Sierra Designs
Designed with renowned adventurer Andrew Skurka, the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor expands outward for a pack that ranges from 40 to 60 liters.
‘Dolfin Pack’ Delivers Hydration on Land and Sea
Made of neoprene, the $40 Dolfin Pack was designed for biking, running, SUP and other water sports.
Organizational Freak: Rugged Red Oxx Roll-Up Duffel
The ‘Big Bull’ bag is a pocket-adorned duffel built for situations as varied as TSA airport checkpoints, overlanding, and archeology field work.
Stitched In America: Reviewing North St. Bags’ Pack Line
With no-frills design, the line of backpacks, duffels, and bike panniers from North St. Bags appear to be from another era.
Sunk In America: Mad Water ‘Domestic Duffel’ Review
Mad Water is returning production of its product line to the USA. A bombproof duffel bag made for the outdoors is the brand’s first domestic offering.
Review: Ultra-light, Ultra-tough, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
We marveled at this pack’s futuristic, translucent body, which is made of a Dyneema material so strong the brand compares it against steel.
First Look: Marmot $99 ‘Kompressor Star’ Backpack
A solid value for a mid-size daypack, we put the Marmot Kompressor Star to a test this spring.
Traveling? This Drawstring Backpack Is ‘Theft-Proof’
Pack has special ‘slash-proof’ fabric and cable straps to withstand cutting and thieves looking to grab-and-go with your gear.
Intriguing Design: The North Face ‘Urban EDC’ Backpack
Pop-open pockets, protective compartments made for electronics, and ingenious ‘ejector tabs’ that help remove media devices… this is not your average commuter backpack.
Review: Cotopaxi ‘Luzon’ Custom Daypack
This simple daypack starts at $35. It’s a pared-down ‘sack with straps’ but can work for hiking, biking and everyday use.
Backpacks For Bricks: Startup Funds Volunteer Projects
Gear for the ‘urban adventurer’ with a conscience funds infrastructure projects around the world.
No Shame! ‘Trail Buddy’ A Hip Addition For Your Fanny
Call it what you will, the fanny pack is back! The ‘Trail Buddy’ is a minimalist hip bag that’s stout and sleek.
Mountain Top To Coffee Shop: Topo Designs Rover Pack
This burly, made in Colorado backpack will stand up to abuse while lugging your computer and daily gear.
REI ‘House Brand’ Reboots As Premium Gear
This spring, retail juggernaut REI says it will lead the industry in quality and performance. We put a couple of the new products to a test.
Airport To Trail, Eagle Creek ‘Modular’ Luggage Review
An all-in-one convertible backpack/roller bag that is fit for most weekend warrior adventures.
Ultralight Hiking: Katabatic Gear Helios Backpack
Tough-as-nails Cuben Fiber and a streamlined design make the Helios from Katabatic Gear an efficient backpack for hauling gear that weighs just over two pounds.
American-Made: Repurposed Textile Mill A Factory For ‘Hyperlite’ Gear
Domestic manufacturing is exemplified in Maine, where a revived industrial space serves as the HQ for Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
Backpack Turns Into Bivy Sack
Combining a backpack and a bivy sack, the Freestyle BivyPack makes sure that you never leave the house without a shelter again.
Bike Share to Backpack: ‘Convertible’ Tote Does it All
Tote bag quickly converts to waterproof backpack, messenger or shoulder bag and is compatible with bike-share cycles.
Barrel-Hauling Backpack: Granite Gear Vapor Flatbed
This system replaces traditional backpack design with 60-liter barrels perfect for use in canoe camping and travel.
Waterproof Backpack For Fly Fishing Put To Test
This simple backpack is billed as a waterproof option for fly fishing. We put it, and the waterproof claims, to the test for the review of the Simms Dry Creek Z backpack.
Camera Kit: Dakine ‘Reload’ Backpack Review
Battle-hardened shooters looking to carry a ‘run and gun’ camera setup into the wilds should consider the Reload from Dakine.
Waterproof, Inflatable Adventure Backpack
Dubbed an ‘ultimate water adventure pack,’ the Klymit Splash 25 is the lovechild of a waterproof dry bag and a daypack.
Segmented: Stuff Sack Organizes Your Gear
The SegSac has internal dividers to keep clothes and gear from floating around in your pack or luggage.