Going backpacking? Well, there are about a trillion guides for which widget will make an imperceptible improvement to your hike. You may not need a tri-folding pour over kit, but we’re certain you’ll need a backpack. Choosing the right backpack can make or break your vacation, your honeymoon, or your thru-hike. Here’s an expert’s advice designed to make the choice simple. Oh, and we’ll teach you the best way to pack it, too.

Which Backpack Style Is Right For You?

Pretty much all backpacks employ internal frames these days. Even the fancy ultralight Dyneema packs that are all the rage these days use a few aluminum stays that can be considered a frame. Stick with an internal-frame backpack unless you’re an experienced hiker with a specific requirement that necessitates a burlier external frame.

But there are infinite options for internal frame backpacks out there. One big differentiating factor is how the pack rests against your body.

Cheaper options (or speciality ones designed either to support immense weights or to be used in cold conditions) will use foam back pads that sit flush against your body.

Mesh suspension, which is tensioned between the frame stays, conforms to your body and provides an air gap between you and the pack. Mesh suspension is a more broadly comfortable design that works well across different body shapes, and will keep you cool on the trail.

Which Size Backpack Should You Buy?

For anything beyond a day hike, most backpackers will want a pack between 45 and 65 liters in capacity. If you have a smaller body, choosing a smaller capacity will increase comfort, decrease weight, and, since your clothing and sleep system are probably smaller too, should correspond to the size of your stuff. The opposite is true if you’re larger.

If you’re planning a trip in adverse weather conditions, one that’s more than three nights long, or you have gear to carry to support additional activities, you’ll want a pack at the larger end of that range so you can fit all your stuff.

Sizes larger than 65 liters exist to support speciality uses like mountaineering or hunting, which then also dictate their own designs and materials that may compromise comfort on the trail and typically add cost. Unless you need a bag specifically to haul ropes or quarters, try and avoid buying a pack larger than 65 liters.

Which Backpack Features Should You Look For?

It’s the frame’s job to support the weight carried in the pack and transfer it down into the hip belt, where it can be supported by the largest muscle group in your body—your legs. So, beyond suspension and capacity, the single most important aspect of a pack is hip belt design.

In order to support that weight, a hip belt must be rigid when it’s secured to your body. Belts that flex and twist will do so when loaded, creating pressure points and chafing as you walk. Look for belts that can’t be twisted or otherwise deformed when fastened, and which feel comfortable on your unique body.

Beyond fit, packs may offer all manner of straps, pockets, zippers, clips and fabrics. Because all of that adds weight and potential points of failure, the best packs are often the simplest ones. Look for a fabric that’s robust enough to hold together and shed some precipitation, but avoid anything that’s actually waterproof, overbuilt, or over-featured.

If a pack comes with a removable summit pack/lid, excess webbing to attach bulky objects, or other non-mission-critical features, consider removing or cutting them off once you’re sure you don’t need to return it.

Also think about how you want to carry your water. Bladders help locate water’s weight close to your body, inside the pack. Bottles are easier to access. The former requires a sleeve and the latter specialty pockets (or a willingness to get in and out of your pack).

Master Class: Intro to Backpacking

How Should A Backpack Fit?

Fit is the single most important factor when selecting a backpack. You can only determine fit by trying packs on, so plan on visiting a big box store with a good selection, or ordering from an online retailer with a generous return policy.

Fit starts with torso length, which is typically measured from your C7 vertebra at the base of your neck to the iliac crest at your hips. Grab an assistant, and have them use a soft tape measurer to determine that length, then compare it to size guides.

Packs are typically available in different sizes, corresponding to different torso lengths. Many packs will then be adjustable within those sizes, to achieve a personalized fit.

A pack fits your exact torso length when its waist belt is centered over your iliac crests, and the shoulder straps conform to your shoulders without a gap, but also without placing weight on them.

But there are other factors to fit beyond torso length, which is why trying on packs is so important. Waist strap lengths typically feature broad adjustability, but should you fall outside average dimensions, you many need one that’s longer or shorter than is typical. Shoulder widths are also highly personal, and are one of the factors that differentiate packs designed for men and women. And chest shape and size will also interact with those straps, and the sternum strap that keeps those shoulder straps from sliding around.

How Should You Adjust A Backpack?

It’s crucial to try on a pack loaded up with weight roughly approximate to what you’ll carry on the trail. This is where a good return policy is crucial, because it’s going to be easiest to load a pack up at home.

If your pack has an adjustable torso, set it to the length you determined earlier, unloaded. Then loosen all the rest of the straps at the belt. For the shoulders, loosen the load lifters (the small straps that connect the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack), and the sternum strap that runs across your chest. Then load up the pack, pick it up by the shoulder straps, slide one arm through at a time, and fasten the waist belt.

Tighten the waist belt so the buckle remains centered on your body such that the belt is snug but not overly constricting. Then pull down on the shoulder strap length adjusters until they conform to your shoulders. Next, pull on the load lifters to bring the pack snug (but not tight) to your body. Lastly, adjust the height and tension of the sternum strap so that it lays flush to your chest, but isn’t tight. Its job is to prevent the shoulder straps from moving inward and outwards, chafing your shoulders and armpits.

Then go for a walk or hike, with a loaded pack, making adjustments as comfort dictates. Take note of what you’re changing and to what degree. While you can just leave your adjustments in place and throw on the pack next time you’ll use it, you’ll end up adjusting most of the straps throughout any hike based on your layers and the temperature.

How to Choose the Right Backpack

Do You Need An Ultralight Backpack?

You’re probably better off without one. Cutting weight is the best way to improve comfort and performance on the trail, but effectively minimizing weight involves a systematic approach in which the weight of the actual backpack is the least important factor. And, the weight of a pack itself typically corresponds to its capacity—both weight and volume. Trying to press an ultralight pack into carrying normal camping gear is a recipe for pain.

I’ve previously explained the approach it takes to achieve a truly ultralight base weight (mine’s seven pounds). Getting there involves a lot of dollar signs and sacrifices. If you just want to shed some weight on your next camping trip, the simplest and most effective approach remains to take less stuff.

How Should I Pack a Backpack?

The standard logic for packing a backpack is that anything heavy should sit as close as possible to your center of mass. After that, you should prioritize packing your gear by how quickly you might need to access it. Also, if you’re hiking somewhere it rains often, or are out for longer than three days, lining your backpack with a compactor bag is a safe bet.

I suggest you begin by placing your sleeping bag at the bottom of your pack, and stuffing sleeping layers around it to eliminate any dead space. Above that you can place heavy items close to your back, like parts of your tent, your stove, water bladder, and dinners and breakfasts you won’t need while hiking. You can surround those with clothing like a puffy jacket on the outside to keep the heavy items snug against your back. On top you’ll want your lunch or snacks for the day, a rain or wind shell, and your navigation and first aid kit. If you have a closed-cell foam pad, you can lash that to the outside of your pack. As a bonus, it makes a great sit pad during lunch breaks.

What Should You Pack For A Backpacking Trip?

Here’s a simple list. Sizing this gear as closely as possible to your needs will help reduce weight and size (if you’re going solo, carry a one-person tent, for example).

Sleep System

• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag
• Tent

Clothing

• The pants you plan to wear
• The socks you plan to wear plus an extra pair
• The shirt you plan to wear
• Hiking boots
• Base layer tights
• Mid-layer
• Puffy jacket
• Rain jacket
• Sun hat

Food and Water

• Stove with fuel and pot
• Lighter
• Dehydrated food packs
• Spork
• Meal bars
• Water bottle
• Water filter, eyedropper full of bleach, or treatment tabs
• Whiskey (Optional for some, not for me)

Personal

• Pocketknife or multitool
• Hand sanitizer
• Spade, TP and hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and paste
• Chapstick
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp

Navigation

• Custom maps on your phone (set phone to airplane mode to save battery)
• Paper map and compass for backup
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back

If you carry only that, and nothing more, you’ll enjoy hiking with a light backpack, no matter what budget you start with.

One Last Question:

How Do I Wash a Backpack?

Our friends at Backpacker made a

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As an outdoorswoman and veteran of multi-day, multi-sport adventure races, long mountain runs, and hundreds of competitive events of all sorts, let me tell you: There is no difference between a successful adventure and mastering a Disney park. They both require research, planning, strategizing, rising before dawn, navigating smart routes, moving fast and light, competitiveness, problem-solving, outwitting competitors, on-the-go fueling, sheer endurance, knowing when to rest and when to push, and critical gear choices. Lacking any of these skills at a busy amusement park can result in hours of standing in lines, money wasted, meltdowns by teammates (family members) and yourself, and, worse, lost quality time with your kids—of any age. What’s more, putting your outdoor skills to use to “beat out” thousands of “regular” park visitors is wildly rewarding (did I mention competitiveness?).

As I planned a recent visit to Disney World with my two sons during spring break, you better believe I used my knowledge of gear and adventuring to thoroughly research what outdoor apparel and equipment would give me an advantage as a super-competitive mom in the Disney parks. Here, I’m sharing my secrets. Just don’t use them to get to the Rise of the Resistance ride before me.

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

A backpack that’s lightweight, packable, and waterproof, with easy-access pockets

This item is key for survival as it carries sustenance, liquids, protective clothing, and most critically, phone chargers (Disney veterans, you know what I mean). To stay fast and light, I didn’t want the empty pack to weigh much but needed it to comfortably carry a large water bottle, snacks, and three lightweight layers for the three of us. I wanted adjustable straps so any one of us could carry it in backpack mode. I wanted it to be waterproof, in case of rain or, you know, a log flume ride. And I wanted it to have zippered compartments for secure storage and easily accessible pockets for snacks and our shared water bottle.

I landed on the, and it proved a perfect choice. It weighs just 14 ounces empty and, with a volume of 23 liters, comfortably carried all we needed for the day. The bag, made of a combination of 400 Denier and 210 Denier 100 percent recycled polyamide, transitions easily from backpack to tote without having to adjust any straps, which came in handy when plopping it on the ground while standing in line and getting on and off rides. I also used the bag as my airplane carry-on and appreciated the laptop sleeve.

A water bottle that’s large, insulated, and lightweight 

Hydration is as important when tackling an amusement park as it is during an ultramarathon. While insulated water bottles do a great job keeping contents cold or hot, their double-wall construction makes them heavy. Because my goal was to move light and fast on this trip—by all means more mobile than anyone else in the park—I went with a bottle from the which are 20 percent lighter than standard Hydro Flask bottles. And since my two sons and I planned on sharing one water bottle, we chose the 40-ounce Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series Bottle. The only downside to this bottle that I can see so far is that it’s less durable than a standard insulated bottle: ours shows one small dent.

Shorts/Skorts that are comfortable and versatile 

Poor apparel choices can ruin any adventure, and smart apparel choices can not only maximize comfort, but give you the extra edge needed to outlast the competition…I mean, the crowds. For this trip and months of warm weather to follow, I sought out shorts with flat, comfortable waistbands, lightweight, quick-dry materials that are also durable for sitting on roller coaster seats, and deep pockets that would secure my phone even when I was launched upside-down or backwards, or both.

I’ve long known Prana to make great activewear that doesn’t scream “OUTDOOR GEAR!” with its styling or labeling. I was thrilled with the performance of the (which have since been my go-to for gardening and yardwork, with their durable organic cotton/nylon/elastane blend material), the lighter weight with its sneaky hidden zipper pocket, and the. The latter surprised me. I’m not usually a skort person but the length of the lightweight exterior material proved perfectly comfortable, the side pockets are deep and secure, and the interior short offered modesty and comfort. In Florida heat and humidity, I happily avoided denim of any sort. My 15-year-old son, however, wore jorts but I’m certain I was more comfortable and did out speedwalk him on numerous occasions.

Shirts/Tanks that are lightweight, wicking, and quick-drying 

I love the for trail running, hiking, climbing, and now, charging around Disney World like a maniac. It’s lightweight, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and looks like a regular casual t-shirt. I love the for the same reasons, and the tank’s 55% Hemp, 35% recycled polyester, 10% TENCELL Lyocell blend makes it soft to the touch, like cotton. The and its slightly longer-than-normal sleeves provided added sun protection, plus its soft, breathable cotton with a touch of Lycra for stretch, proved a great choice as well. (We did four parks in four days, hence four bottoms and four tops.)

A rain shell that’s water-proof, wind-proof, and super-lightweight

It rains in Florida. A lot. And getting soaked is a great way to ensure you’ll be miserable for a precious couple of hours afterward. Since a good adventurer is always prepared, we packed minimal but effective rain shells. The I carried in the High Coast Totepack didn’t weigh me down as my boys and I raced to be first in line at Avatar’s Flight of Passage (and boy, was that exhilarating). It also kept my younger son warm and dry on a cool night with light rainfall. When, in my third-day haze, I failed to look at the weather forecast and we were caught jacket-less in a downpour, I punted and bought the best $12 piece of gear in the world: a plastic poncho. I once duct-taped a bunch of opened-up Hefty trash bags to one another for a makeshift poncho during a very rainy adventure race, and therefore know the value of knee-length coverage, even if unstylish.

Running shoes that are cushioned, breathable, and casual-looking (cute!) 

Perhaps the single most important piece of well-selected gear for any outdoor adventure, including a day in a Disney Park, is footwear. We covered between six and 11 miles per day, stood for hours at a time, and occasionally ran. I chose the well-cushioned, highly breathable, stable (thanks in part to a carbon-fiber plate embedded in the midsole), lightweight, good-looking Deckers X-lab XS Speed prototype, which I tested while reporting on this feature for şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř. They provided ample cushioning while remaining lightweight, allowed my feet to breathe sufficiently, and transitioned smoothly from a walk to a run at rope drop (when the park opens and the race to the busiest ride begins—it might as well be a starting gun). As expected, my feet craved walking barefoot and in flip-flops to regain muscle activation once the trip was over—carbon-plated shoes take that flexion away. On that note, every shoe works differently for every walker/runner, so make sure whatever shoe you choose has been well-tested before committing to four full days on your feet in one pair.

Socks that are lightweight and breathable

Getting a blister when you’re trying to win a race—I mean, maximize your time in a Disney Park—can derail you. And cotton kills, especially in Florida. To pair with the almost transparent upper of my shoes and to keep my feet happy in humid heat, I wore the socks and the. Both allowed my feet to breathe, stayed lightweight instead of getting heavy with sweat, and didn’t bunch up one bit.

Compression socks (your secret weapon)

Every night, after a shower and setting the alarm for an early wake-up the next morning to do it all over again, I’d reach for my secret weapon, perhaps the sneakiest, smartest piece of gear that my competitors (hoards of other park visitors) would never even see:. I’d pull them on and enjoy the slight squeeze, the improved circulation, the much-needed recovery of my lower legs while I slept. It’s hard to measure just how much compression socks helped me, but whether it was 50 percent actual and 50 percent in my head, I 100 percent appreciated feeling like I was revived from the previous day’s Disney Park ultra and ready to charge all over again.

Do you need outdoor adventure gear to get around Disneyland or Disney World? Of course not. Will using gear designed for adventure and endurance sports make your day in a Disney Park more comfortable? Yes. And when you’re more comfortable, moving lighter, faster, and smarter, then you’re that much more capable of soaking up all the magic. Make fun of me all you want, but I freaking love the magic. I love it even more when my gear choices pay off.

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Fifty years ago, a young artist and hiker in Santa Cruz, California, dropped out of college and opened a backpack shop. That little storefront in downtown Santa Cruz grew into Osprey, an award-winning company that leads the backpack and luggage category and has become a household name among backpackers, hikers, cyclists, and travelers the world over. As the brand celebrates its golden anniversary this year, it’s doubling down on its heritage as a brand focused solely on making the world’s best packs. No distractions, just a single-minded commitment to expert design, sustainable manufacturing, and inclusive sizing. Here’s how Osprey got here and where it’s going.

The First 50 Years

Mike Pfotenhauer opened Santa Cruz Recreational Packs in 1974, offering gear repair and custom-made backpacks to local outdoor enthusiasts. He’d grown up backpacking with his family in the Sierra Nevada and by his early 20s was sewing his own gear. After selling a few packs to acquaintances, Pfotenhauer decided to make a go of it. So he borrowed $1,000 from his parents and set up shop.

Within a few years, Pfotenhauer’s designs were earning national attention. A brand-new şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř magazine reviewed the Ariel backpack in 1979. By the mid-’80s, the company had grown to four employees and couldn’t make enough packs to meet demand. A few years later, the brand—now called Osprey, for the raptors that mesmerized Pfotenhauer on his own backpacking trips—moved into larger facilities in Cortez, Colorado. The growing company hired local skilled sewers, many of them members of the DinĂ© (Navajo) tribe, and Osprey packs showed up in more and more retail shops.

Things really got rolling in the early 2000s. First, Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind climber to summit Mount Everest, in 2001, and he did it while carrying an Osprey Aether 60 pack. (Weihenmayer and his pack graced the cover of Time that year.) Then Pfotenhauer moved the company’s manufacturing to Vietnam in 2003—and moved there himself as well to be closer to the beating heart of the manufacturing process. (Development and warranty repairs remain in Cortez, while designers are located in Cortez, Vietnam, California, and New Zealand.)

Through it all, Osprey has remained hyperfocused on backpacks and luggage, a laser focus that helped the brand rack up countless awards for design and innovation. Milestones along the way include a custom-fit women’s-specific backpack in 1993, the Straightjacket suspension compression system a few years later, and the Antigravity suspension system, launched in 2015. The Antigravity design set a new standard for comfort and breathability, earning a prestigious Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award for the Atmos AG/Aura AG.

Not surprisingly, Osprey stands firmly, even radically, behind its products. The brand’s All Mighty Guarantee promises a free repair on any Osprey pack, no matter how old.

The Next 50 Years

Osprey is hardly resting on its laurels in this anniversary season. The 2024 collection honors the brand’s 50-year tradition by continuing to push the limits—whether that’s in design innovation, sustainable practices, or expanding access to the outdoors to everyone.

Technical Innovation

The toughest, most technically cutting-edge backpacks live in Osprey’s Pro series. This collection of top-of-the-line pieces is designed for experienced outdoorspeople, from guides to long-distance hikers to seasoned adventurers. Pro series packs prioritize performance through innovative fabrics, advanced suspension systems, custom features, and bomber construction.

The newly updated is the latest daypack to join the collection. It’s available in both men’s and women’s fits and three sizes—20 liters (ideal for peakbagging and bikepacking), 30 liters (versatile enough to handle a variety of day trips), and 40 liters (best for gear-heavy days and even minimalist overnights). A new injection-molded framesheet and torso adjustment tool add structure to the pack without weighing it down and provide a custom torso fit, while its ultradurable NanoFly fabric with a triple-grid ripstop reinforcement ensures the Talon Pro/Tempest Pro can handle the toughest excursions.

Sustainable Design

Osprey’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact hits a new benchmark in 2024, with 48 percent of its product line meeting the requirements for certification, a measure of product safety to people and the environment. Over the past few years, the brand has also dramatically increased its use of 100 percent–recycled fabric in its packs’ main bodies and eliminated the use of harmful PFAS in its DWR treatments.

Osprey’s dedication to sustainability is best seen in its Earth line, a collection of backpacks that push the boundaries of renewable materials and eco-friendly processes. The new special-edition daypack is a prime example: This versatile design features a main body and bottom woven from 100 percent Regen Ocean recycled polyester, a fabric made entirely from postconsumer plastic bottles that otherwise would have ended up in the ocean. Its webbing, edge binding tape, zippers, and thread are all 100 percent recycled. The EVA foam back panel is 50 percent recycled, and the plastic hardware is made from bio-based captured agricultural methane.

Inclusive Sizing

Osprey believes everyone deserves a chance to experience the outdoors outfitted with the best gear. That’s why the brand launched its in 2023. The packs, created specifically for bigger bodies, feature hipbelts that fit hips up to 70 inches, extended shoulder and sternum straps, and repositioned pockets for greatly improved comfort and performance.

In 2024, the Extended Fit family is adding options for backpacking, day hiking, biking, and running. The new brings inclusive sizing to the Osprey mountain biking collection. This premium bike pack, available in 10- and 14-liter sizes for both men and women, is designed for all-day rides. A bike-specific shoulder harness and hipbelt ensure a stable carry, and an updated 2.5-liter reservoir with a sternum-strap magnetic bite valve attachment is included for convenient hydration.

Whatever you want a pack for, you’ll find best-in-class choices in this year’s Osprey lineup—and for years to come.

Wherever you find adventure, will be with you. Since 1974, Osprey has provided hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers with innovative and long-lasting carry solutions, each thoughtfully designed item reflecting a passion for exploration and the outdoors. Headquartered in the foothills of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Osprey’s surroundings provide the ultimate testing ground for all of its products, guaranteeing that its technical packs are up to any challenge.

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My buddy and I went fishing on the Sea of Cortez a few days ago. We knew we’d be in an open panga, with plenty of salt water coming into the boat. And in that environment a professional photographer would normally carry his bodies and lenses in a hard-sided Pelican case. But Stu wanted to travel with just a carry on when he flew down to see us here in Todos Santos. So, we just balled his expensive equipment up in a few clothing layers for padding, and threw it in .

Made from thermoplastic-coated 840 Denier nylon canvas, with seams welded by radio frequency (RF), a technology that uses high-frequency radio waves to melt layers together (a novel kind of bond that requires no adhesive or stitching), and closed by a completely waterproof TIZIP zipper, this backpack is made nearly identically to the heavy duty dry bags you and I have taken boating for the last few decades. What’s new here is that, all of a sudden, those materials and technologies are popping up on backpacks designed for everyday use, in activities both exciting and mundane.

“TPU-coated nylon is made by bonding a nylon base fabric between thermoplastic polyurethane (a specific type of heat activated plastic), creating a multi-layer fabric sandwich that is an incredibly durable, flexible, waterproof performance material,” explains Alex Carleton, Filson’s Chief Creative Officer. “The material has been around a while, but advancements in fabric and the RF welding technologies have made it more accessible to a wider number of brands.”

I started shopping for durable, practical waterproof backpacks while preparing for a peninsula brown bear hunt with my wife off the coast of Alaska last year. And while I was expecting to find the familiar roll-top dry bags, just fitted with backpack straps, I think I stumbled onto an emerging trend in the backpack space. Both of us found ourselves spoiled for choice with a wide variety of packs available in different sizes, and a selection of features from brands both familiar and new.

And not only did my Filson bag survive 14 days hopping in and out of skiffs around the rocky shores of Alaska’s sea islands, but I’ve since found it perfectly suited to a variety of other trips too.

I didn’t really need a waterproof bag to fly to France last October to nurse my mom through a major surgery, but it was still the perfect size for a carry-on, and its slick material made it easy to slide in and out of the planes, trains, and rental cars it takes to get to my parents’ remote farm. And I appreciated the entirely air-tight construction when I stopped in Paris on the way home, for a good meal, a nice bottle of wine, and a much-needed mental health break in a comfortable hotel. But I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines—. So I hung the waterproof backpack from the shower head in my hotel’s bathroom, and made sure the waterproof zipper was pulled entirely closed. I can’t confirm if it was the backpack or not, but I can tell you I brought zero of the hard-to-kill pests home to Montana.

I also grabbed the same bag to transport my laptop, toiletries, and travel clothes for a two-week long drive down to Todos Santos, where my wife and I are currently spending two months while recuperating from another major surgery. While my truck bed is capped with a , all the gaps and holes Ford left back there to drain water also create a lot of dust ingress. An airtight bag is just as good as keeping dust out as it is water. I roughly shoved the backpack into whatever small void was available inside the camper before each day’s drive and I didn’t have to worry about where it got hurled while unpacking for camp each night.

“This material is a great balance of weight, flexibility, durability, and cost, while not compromising on submersible waterproof performance,” continues Carleton. “A double-sided TPU-coated dry bag is perfect for users that expect submersible performance without the bulk and weight of a hard-sided case. Waterfowl hunters, fly fishers, kayakers and boaters, motorcyclists… any user who is out on the water or under threat of serious weather could benefit from a welded TPU-coated dry bag. Whether a full waterproof backpack, or using a smaller waterproof roll-top gear bag as a dry packing cube within a separate non-waterproof bag, they have peace of mind that their important gear is safe from the wet.”

Carleton goes onto explain that TPU is very different from other materials used to create cheaper products.

“Our TPU-coated fabrics are waterproof, durable, abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, and puncture-resistant, and more environmentally friendly than alternatives, as they do not release toxins when heated, do not contain phthalates, and are recyclable,” he states. “They also maintain their flexibility in lower temperature environments, like snow and cold water.”

“TPU coated fabric should not be confused, however, with inexpensive, more toxic vinyl alternatives like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which you see flooding sporting goods store shelves through inexpensive soft-sided coolers and dry bags,” Carleton continues. “Although they have a similar look, these vinyl materials are inferior and less environmentally friendly to produce. They are inexpensive to make, but can release toxic fumes when welded, and often have additional plasticizers, phthalates, and other potentially harmful chemicals. These inexpensive alternatives are not as durable, are less abrasion-, tear-, and puncture-resistant, and tend to become brittle at low temperatures.”

Let’s take a look at some of the best applications of TPU-coated nylon currently available in backpacks that are practical for everyday use.

The Best Dry Bag Backpack: Filson Backpack Dry Bag ($365)

With a 28-liter capacity, Filson’s zip-closure backpack is a little on the small side for extended travel, but perfect if you’re squeezing in and out of cars, and boats, or just walking through a city or the woods. While the water bottle sleeve is way too small to actually hold a water bottle, the welded carabiner attachment points, shell holders, top strap, and other connection points mean you can easily connect to the bag in multiple locations. The built-in side accessory pouch and clear plastic rear panel aren’t submersible, but I find them perfect for stashing weather-resistant necessities like my Garmin inReach, headlamp, ear plugs, and stuff like that.

The main compartment is entirely open, with only a small mesh panel available for organization. So you may want to add a laptop sleeve or similar. I’ve been using mine almost every day since last May, and it still looks brand new.

The Most User Friendly Dry Bag Backpack: Osprey Arcane Roll Top Waterproof 25 ($270)

My wife has limited mobility in her left hand, so she finds roll-top closures and hard-to-pull waterproof zippers difficult to use. She was worried she might make too much noise fussing with one of those, and risk spoiling our hunt, so it was a relief to find . While you need to roll its top at least three times to assure it’s actually submersible, that flap also contains magnets that can silently connect it to the body. And we found that was plenty to keep spray and precipitation out, even while riding in a small skiff in heavy seas.

This would be the bag I’d choose if I still commuted to an office by bicycle, instead of to my couch in my underwear.

The Best Dry Bag Hip Pack: Mystery Ranch High Water Hip Pack ($169)

Toothed zippers like the TIZIP used on the Filson pack and shared with dry suits are difficult to pull and are so strong they’ll destroy any other fabrics you catch in them. To avoid those problems, Bozeman-based Mystery Ranch employs the toothless Tru Zip system, which uses an extruded TPU slide instead.

Made from a similar 840 Denier nylon base fabric to the Filson, is perfect for keeping smaller items safe from submersion or weather.

The Most Comfortable Dry Bag Backpack: Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30 ($329)

Slightly larger at 30 liters in capacity, and made from similar materials, this Orvis pack features a sleeker shape than the Filson, and includes rod holder cam straps on its right side as well as a functional water bottle sleeve on the left. More importantly, its padded back panel and shoulder straps are more breathable. So if you plan to put in miles while carrying a dry bag pack in hot weather, this may prove the superior choice.

When Are Dry Bag Backpacks The Wrong Choice?

Jake Stern, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’s digital editor found this out the hard way while ski touring earlier this year. His coffee mug spilled inside a waterproof pack, and with nowhere to go, that warm, sticky liquid just hung around, soaking all his layers.

“For users who want water resistance, but don’t need submersible performance—like hikers or commuters in the rain—a welded TPU-coated dry bag may be overkill in performance and cost,” acknowledges Carleton. “These users would benefit more from a sewn weather resistant bag made of waterproof fabrics.”

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Two years ago during one autumn week, I carried a load of food, water, a change of clothes, and some recovery slides on my back while running the Appalachian Trail between huts for four days. As one would expect, I worried how my body would hold up under the added weight. By the end of the trip, however, I felt stronger than I had when we’d begun. 

Back at home in Boulder, Colorado, I was getting ready to head to the gym one day when I thought better of it. I grabbed the same pack I’d used on the AT—a —loaded it up with full water bottles and some extra layers, and I headed to a trail with my dog. 

Instead of doing leg presses and crunches on a machine, I ran slowly up a steep trail. Rather than staring at the news on the Rec Center TV between sets, I watched my dog’s tail wag and the dirt beneath my feet. After, I felt a familiar workout fatigue I don’t get with running by itself, and, immediately, a full-body sensation of strength—plus my hips felt more aligned, likely due to hearty glute activation under the weight of the pack.

Ever since, I’ve slung my full pack over my shoulders once or twice a week for a slow run or hike, or run-hike combo, for a bone-fortifying, connective tissue-strengthening, overall durability boost. (The bonus is that the bag slows me down to a pace that works well for my aging dog, or any two-legged partner who might be slower. It’s an equalizer.)

The pack fits like a trail running hydration vest, with two front-access storage pockets on the shoulder straps where I stash energy fuel, dog poop bags, and a soft flask full of water in the open mesh pockets. Those open-top, front-access pockets have smaller zippered pockets layered on top of them where I store my phone and my car key. I use the 22-leter main compartment to carry added weight: I load up extra layers of clothing (even on hot days), large, full waterbottles (like one or two 32-ounce Hydroflasks), and, sometimes, whatever’s laying around in the back of my car or on my office floor, like a that I intend to test. The soft, meshy harness system holds the weight close and comfortably to my back. The empty pack weighs just 14.3 ounces. Full of my junk, the roughly eight pounds of weight feels evenly distributed, and it doesn’t slosh around or chafe me.     

This isn’t the first time I’ve trained purposely with a pack. There was a month or so a couple decades ago when I loaded a backpack with a giant bottle of Liquid Tide and hiked all over Marin County’s Mount Tamalpais. I was trying to prepare for an expedition-length adventure race I’d gotten a last-minute invitation to join. A few times I ended those hikes with blue Tide streaming down my legs–either the bottle had cracked or I didn’t screw the lid on tightly enough. I may have been strength-training, but I was kind of a mess. Back then, I was specificity training to be able to carry weight over days on my feet, similarly to how backpackers train for upcoming trips on the trail, but the weighted hikes had the side-effect of making me feel heartier than my lean frame appeared to be. Nowadays, I’m focused on simply running and hiking with a pack to get stronger for both running and daily life.

Yes, other people “ruck.” I’m aware that rucking, the act of carrying weight on your back while walking or hiking, has recently become a somewhat trendy fitness craze. I understand why. I’m convinced that purposely hiking and especially running steep terrain, up and down, with a lightly weighted pack has made me a better runner.

Last summer, I may have barfed on the top of Utah’s Mt. Baldy during the 7.1-mile, rugged , but I felt pretty dang strong climbing those 2,545 feet (strong enough to push myself to barf-level). And, as someone who used to feel like I’d tear something on an all-out downhill, my legs felt solid. I chalk that up to my regular run-rucking outings I’d been doing for about a year. The weighted uphills build glute, quad, calf, and core strength. The weighted downhills work my quads too, but differently. Downhill provides an eccentric load, muscles contracting while elongating, which l to all the tiny stabilizer muscles in my legs and around my core.

Knock on wood, I’ve been less injury-prone than I have in years past. Weight training has been proven to help with strains and tears, especially for a runner like me. Plus, I’m thrilled by multitasking and combining a run, a dog walk (run/hike), and a strength-training session all within one outing. I’m sold. 

The feeling of durability has inspired me to also include more muscle-specific strength work in my routine. For more traditional lifts and as a compliment to carrying a weighted backpack, I’ve been using a . The set easily transitions between a single dumbbell and a barbell and takes up about as much space in my home as my dog fully stretched out while napping. I love it. I mostly use it in barbell mode to do deadlifts, front squats and overhead squats. I also occasionally do bicep curls, rows, and shoulder presses. The amount of weight you load up adjusts easily with one hand and a satisfying “click” sound, which locks the plates on either side in place. 

Yes, you can use a loaded backpack to do deadlifts, front squats, and overhead squats. But I find that I tend to round my shoulders when using a backpack, which creates other pains. Using an actual barbell allows me to focus on proper form with shoulder blades pinned and a flat back. 

I look forward to getting stronger using it—and my trusty backpack—for years to come.

The post Why My Favorite Strength-Training Equipment Is a Backpack Made for Distance Running appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Winter adventure is complex by nature. As the weather gets rougher and less predictable, your gear list grows longer. Meanwhile, margins for error shrink. A good winter pack can keep up with the extra demand without faltering in treacherous terrain. Of course, that’s easier said than done. We sorted through 15 different packs to find ones that actually handle the strain of winter. Here are our top picks.

The Winners at a Glance

• Most Versatile: 5.11 Skyweight 36
• Lightest: Rab Latok 20
• Best All-Around: Exped Impulse 20
• Best °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Fit: Gregory °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Targhee 24
• Most Durable: Ortovox Peak 42S/45
• Most Adjustable: Granite Gear Virga 3 55

The Reviews: The Best Winter Trail Packs of 2024

Most Versatile: 5.11 Skyweight 36 ($200)

Weight: 2.4 lbs. (S/M)
Size: S/M, L/XL
Pros: Decent durability, cushy hip belt, included rain cover
Cons: No hipbelt pockets, backpanel feels stiff without winter layers on

A pack for all seasons, the Skyweight 36’s combination of weather-resistant materials, light weight, and easy gear access make it just as at home on long hikes as it is traversing snowy slopes. Thanks to an internal perimeter frame, tester Lauren Danilek was able to load her Skyweight with up to 30 pounds on a winter hike along Ridgway, Colorado’s Escarpment Trail. The frame, which is gently curved to mimic the contours of the back, seamlessly transferred the weight from her shoulders to a pair of broad, generously contoured hipbelt wings. “The belt was so dang comfortable, I forgot it was hugging my hips at all,” Danilek lauded.

Testers were overall pleased with the organization. An external shove-it pocket accommodated rain shells, and twin bottle pockets each fit a 48-ounce Nalgene. Gear straps along the base let us affix a sit pad or extra layers, and a full U-zip opens up the pack’s front panel for easy gear access. One drawback: there are no hipelt pockets, though you can purchase chest pouches separately, starting at $20. However, the Skyweight was the only pack in the test to come with a rain fly (200-denier, PU-coated polyester) that easily deflected both melting snow and overhanging tree branches. It’s also neon orange, a nice safety feature.

The rest of the pack, made from 330-denier ripstop nylon, proved equally abrasion-resistant. “I was not able to tear this thing, despite scratching it on desert rocks and trees in Colorado’s McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area,” Danilek says.

Bottom line: An good all-around pack for four-season adventure.

Lightest: Rab Latok 20 ($155)

Weight: 1 lb.
Size: one size
Pros: Lightweight, durable, sway-free in technical terrain
Cons: No avalanche tool pocket

You can take one of two approaches to winter: bring a ton of layers and commit to moving slowly, or pack light and never stop. The Latok 20 facilitates the latter approach, combining a svelte top-loading packbag with a running-style vest to keep essentials at hand. Dual chest pockets fit a phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and a day’s worth of snacks, which meant testers could grind out miles without having to doff the pack. A side zipper gives access to a small valuables pocket, and dual ice ax loops keep tools secure on long approaches. Tester Ryan Irvin appreciated the no-frills floorplan (and resulting light weight) for quick-hit snowboard missions and technical climbing in the Alaskan backcountry—though he missed having an avalanche-tool pocket. The streamlined silhouette also kept the pack close during winter bushwhacks.

“Even smashing through alder thickets and scampering across frozen sections of riverbed, the load felt secure the whole time,” Irvin reported after an ice-climbing mission in Alaska’s Eklutna Canyon. The close-to-back fit meant the pack never wobbled or swayed, even on steep snowboard descents with 20 pounds on board. The Latok owes its outsized load-carrying capacity to its broad shoulder straps, which spread the weight across the chest and shoulders, and simple webbing hipbelt, which adds stability without bulk. A lightweight, pre-curved backpanel helped the pack retain its shape, though testers did experience some barrelling when the Latok was stuffed full. The pack ended the season without any tears, thanks to the 210-denier ripstop Cordura’s superior abrasion resistance. And testers found that the material’s DWR-coating easily shed snow, even on wet spring days.

Bottom line: An ultra-light, weatherproof, alpine-style pack for winter hiking and climbing

Best All-Around: Exped Impulse 20 ($140)

Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Size: one size
Pros: Water-repellent and durable with decent load-carrying capacity
Cons: External organization is lacking

It’s hard to find a burly winter pack at a budget-friendly price, but the Impulse 20 ticks both boxes without skipping a beat. The Impulse’s lightweight, 210-denier HD ripstop nylon lasted a full season of adventure travel and brushy hiking without any signs of wear. (HD indicates a tighter weave, which boosts abrasion resistance.) A PU-carbonate coating kept contents dry—even after tester Rory Brown put it through three hours of steady rain on a hike near Suffolk, England.

Suspension is decent for a pack this size; Brown reported all-day comfort, even loaded with 22 pounds on a 15-mile winter trek along the English coast. Credit goes to rudimentary load lifters and a stiff PE foam board in the backpanel, which helped distribute weight to the lightly padded hipbelt. Both the belt and board are removable—a feature alpine climbers appreciated for weight-savings and harness compatibility.

The pack clamshells open via a front zip. The large zipper pulls are mitt-friendly, though some of the smaller buckles were tough to operate with gloves on. Most testers loved the external stretch-mesh shove-it pocket for gloves and shell layers, but organizational fanatics wished for bigger hipbelt pockets (they each fit lip balm and a couple of granola bars, but no smartphone). An aluminum toggle accommodates a single ice ax, and a small top pocket fits a map, headlamp, and other essentials. Ding: While each stretch-mesh side pocket easily fits a 1-liter bottle, they’re impossible to reach while hiking.

Bottom line: A tough, inexpensive grab-and-go bag for multisport adventure.

Best °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Fit: Gregory °Â´Çłľ±đ˛Ô’s Targhee 24 ($180)

Weight: 2.66 lbs.
Size: one size
Pros: Durable, well-organized, ultra-comfy
Cons: Heavy for a daypack

The secret to clocking long days in the backcountry is having a pack that actually fits. And if you’ve got curves, you know men’s packs don’t often cut it. Enter the Targhee 24. The padded belt is angled to contour a wider hip and narrower waist, providing a snug fit around the tops of the iliac crests and distributing up to 20-pound loads across the entire hip girdle. Likewise, the shoulder harness is narrower at the top but curves outward before it hits the armpits, accommodating breasts without any awkward squishing or chafing. Combine that with a high density polyethylene-reinforced backpanel that’s more naturally curved to a woman’s shape—and a lightweight, steel-alloy perimeter frame—and you’ve got a system that transfers weight seamlessly to the hips without swaying, bulging, or barrelling.

The Targhee also holds its own in the durability department. Aluminum ski-carry buckles and ice axe toggles promise to last a lifetime. The main fabric is a 210-denier HD nylon, and the base is reinforced with a 630-denier version—burlier than you’ll find on most winter daypacks. A 1000-denier Cordura front panel provided extra defense against sharp ski edges whenever we rigged them up for diagonal carries. We also appreciated the PFC-free DWR coating, which easily shed the Pacific Northwest’s wet, clumpy snow.

Kelly McNeil, an Oregon-based guide, also praised the Targhee’s organization. A U-shaped zipper flays open the backpanel, which made it easy for McNeil to grab layers during transitions. Pick sleeves and aluminum toggles accommodate dual ice axes, and a deployable helmet net adds storage. A zippered goggle pocket and external avalanche-tool pouch round out the feature set.

Bottom line: A versatile daypack designed specifically for a woman’s shape.

Most Durable: Ortovox Peak 42S/45 ($260)

Weight: 3.5 lbs. (L)
Size: 45L, 42SL
Pros: Durable, weather-resistant, reliable in technical terrain
Cons: Heavy

The Peak 42S/45’s burly, 420-denier recycled ripstop polyamide made it the most durable pack we tested this season: it emerged without holes even after six months of ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and hut-tripping everywhere from Yellowstone National Park to Chamonix. Ice screws never punctured from within, and A-framed skis couldn’t slice the burly outer fabric. The polyamide was also surprisingly waterproof: tester and guide Jeanelle Carpentier reports that it easily deflected heavy, wet snow during a storm in southwest Montana.

The Peak also excelled at load carry. A V-shaped aluminum frame transfers weight to the center of an EVA foam-padded hipbelt. Add an anti-barreling cross-stay and a thin polymer frame sheet, and testers were able to carry up to 30 pounds of overnight gear without discomfort. Fully loaded, the Peak still felt nimble: the pack always rode close to the back, even while testers boot-packed over rocky ribs and carved out steep ski descents in the French Alps.

In that kind of terrain, we were happy to have organizational features that kept gear handy, like the dual hipbelt pockets, which each fit snacks and sunscreen.. “Going over the Col de Labby [in France], even with skis still on the pack, the side-zipper entry allowed me to grab a puffy without taking the Peak off,” one tester reported. Hauling technical equipment was a cinch, too, thanks to a crampon attachment system, ice ax toggles, a helmet net, and an avy tool pocket. Downside: all those features made this the heaviest pack in the test.

Bottom line: A burly option for multiday ski trips and technical winter climbing

Most Adjustable: Granite Gear Virga3 55 ($200)

Weight: 1.7 lbs. (unisex M)
Size: S-L (unisex), S-M (women)
Pros: Lightweight, durable, extremely adjustable
Cons: Not up for heavier winter loads

Ultralight hiking can feel like an exclusive club, but the Virga3 makes it everyone’s game. This pack offers a stunning four inches of torso-length adjustment, 17 inches of hipbelt play, and two torso-width settings. Broad-chested testers appreciated the breathing room, and small-waisted hikers were able to achieve a snug fit, permitting some weight transfer to the hips even without an internal frame. As a result, testers were able to pack the Virga 3 with up to 20 pounds of gear for snowshoeing overnights.

Organization is impressive for a frameless: compression straps let us attach snowshoes, and dual trekking pole loops came in handy on steeps. A dorsal stretch-mesh pocket let testers stash layers (and a bottle of Bailey’s), and dual hipbelt pockets each fit lip balm, a granola bar, and sunscreen. Cinch closures on the roomy lateral pockets were a plus. “I was able to cram those pockets full and feel good about not losing anything bending over,” tester Robin Mino reported after a three-day snowshoe on Colorado’s Barr Trail.

The pack’s mix of 100- and 210-denier nylon proved both durable and water-resistant. Tester Matt Wise took his Virga3 on a rainy trek in Washington’s Illahee Preserve and found the pack’s contents bone-dry upon return. “It held up better than the rain jacket I was wearing,” he said. The same material survived several days of postholing and bushwhacking in Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness without sustaining a single tear.

Bottom line: A capacious hauler for hut-trippers of all sizes.

How to Buy

Winter adventure demands more gear, layers, and calories than three-season outings—which means step one is picking the right pack size. Generally, we recommend choosing a bag that’s 10 to 20 liters larger than your summer day pack. After volume, consider fit. The hipbelt should wrap the tops of your hip bones, and the shoulder straps should just perch atop your shoulders; you should be able to fit two to three fingers between shoulder and strap. Before you commit, we recommend going into your local gear shop and trying on several packs. Load them with your winter gear and wear your winter kit. Check that all zipper pulls and fastenings are operable with gloves on, and make sure you can reach all your essentials on-the-go.

Testing Stats

• Total miles: 325
• Total vertical feet: 53,500
• Coldest temp: -14°F (Yellowstone National Park)
• Hottest temp: 82°F (Grand Canyon National Park)
• Highest elevation: 12,000 (Barr Camp, CO)
• Highest winds: 40 mph (Thompson Pass, AK)
• Heaviest Load: 35 lbs (Mt. Washington, NH)

How We Tested

At şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř, we hold winter packs to a high bar. In our search for the best, we first called in samples from top pack designers across the Northern Hemisphere. We prioritized models between 20 and 55 liters, with robust suspensions and burly materials capable of handling heavy winter loads across a variety of terrain. Then, we distributed those samples among a dozen winter testers, ranging from international climbing guides to weekend warriors. They spent the season chasing storms and frozen flows as far afield as Alaska, New Hampshire, and the Italian Alps, writing home about all the best—and worst—features they discovered along the way. At the end of the season, any bag with a busted zipper, gaping hole, or thoughtless layout got tossed. Of the packs that remained, we chose these six as our top picks for the full spectrum of winter adventure.

Meet Our Testers

Jeanelle Carpentier () is an Arizona-based trekking guide, expedition leader, and naturalist. She has guided trips everywhere from Nepal to Peru to the Wyoming backcountry and has lived in several countries across the world. When she’s not exploring the world on foot, you can find her paddling a packraft or bike touring across the US.

Kelly McNeil is an international ski guide and a professor of health and human performance at Eastern Oregon University. Rice discovered her love for the outdoors while growing up near Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. She now studies ways to use public health protocols in improving avalanche education.

Ryan Irvin () is a snowboarder, carpenter, and professional Christmas-light installer. He learned to snowboard and splitboard while attending college near Mt. Hood, Oregon. After spending more than a decade shredding slopes across the Pacific Northwest, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he’s now working through a new (and ever-growing) list of winter objectives.

The post The Best Winter Trail Packs of 2024 appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Your backpack is your command center in the mountains, and in winter conditions, it ensures operations run smoothly. The best backcountry skiing packs are roomy enough to fit all of your essentials while keeping them both organized and accessible in a tight package that feels comfortable as an extension of your body. We took all of this into consideration while testing over a dozen backpacks specifically designed for backcountry skiing and alpine touring and rounded up the best picks for you below.

The Winners at a Glance

• Best All-Around: Rab Khroma 38
• Best Use of Space: Picture Komit.Tr
• Best Organizational Features: Ortovox Ravine 34/32S
• Best Single Day Ski Mountaineering: Exped Couloir 30
• Best Quiver Killer: Thule Stir Alpine

The Reviews: The Best Ski Packs of 2024

Rab Khroma 38 ($250)

Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
Size: Unisex, One size 19in / 48cm
Dimensions: 61 x 31 x 29cm
Pros: The full back panel zipper opening and roll-top make for easy access and adjustments to the pack’s size
Cons: Poorly-ventilated back panel

It may look like an alpine climbing pack at first glance, but this ultralight roll-top is stacked with smart features that enhance hut-to-hut ski missions and big line pursuits. Cinch it down for light loads or stuff it full of layers, food, and other gear—its wide hip belt didn’t pinch our waists during tours when the pack was fully loaded down. With two compression straps on either side, plus a sternum strap that can be adjusted via toggles, it was easy to fine-tune the pack to change how it sat on testers’ backs when they were changing configurations (the pack allows for A-frame and skimo ski carries, but not diagonal) for heavier loads. While the fit and range of carrying capacity makes this the ultimate do-it-all pack for all sorts of different missions, the Khroma’s accessibility is what really sold our tester who used it for mellow ski touring and bigger ski mountaineering objectives in Colorado’s Gore Range. “On a tour when I needed my small repair kit for skin glue, it was so easy to access the entire pack without having to unload everything,” he said. “I could just open the full zip back panel and find the kit super fast.” He also liked the external avalanche tool compartment and the large zippered hip belt pocket that made grabbing a snack on the go super smooth. One complaint was that the thick back panel didn’t ventilate well, so this pack may not be the best option for spring tours in warm temperatures.

Bottom line: A great choice for skiers who want one pack for everything and the ability to carry a lot or a little with ease.

Picture Komit.Tr 26 ($160)

Weight: 2 lbs 15 oz
Size: Unisex, one size
Dimensions: 51 x 28 x 15 cm
Pros: Dry pocket at the bottom is good to keep wet items separate
Cons: No diagonal ski carry, only A-Frame

Our Central Colorado tester raved about this 26-liter pack’s “Pandora’s Box of features” that he used in conditions ranging from bluebird and above-freezing to blowing snow in single digits. The roll-top closure allowed him to expand and compress the bag as needed, while the zippered back panel made for easy access to the interior water bottle pocket and gloves. “​​I was on a tour in the West Elk Mountains where we skied three different lines and I must’ve transitioned from skinning to bootpacking to skiing a dozen times,” he said. Thanks to the waterproof zip pouch at the bottom of the pack, he was able to keep his wet skins and crampons separate from the rest of his dry gear. “My layers would’ve been soaked if I had to throw them in the main compartment at each transition.” Another 6-foot 2-inch, 200-pound tester was surprised by how well the pack fit. “For me, a pack this size can feel a little short on my back, but this one didn’t. I appreciated how the sternum strap adjusted low enough to fit my chest.” For wetter days or those in rugged, rocky conditions, the pack also boasts 210 Denier Ripstop nylon and PU coating made from 100 percent-recycled poly, recycled buckles and trims, and PFC-free DWR treatment.

Bottom line: The Komit.Tr 26 was designed for full-day ski tours when you want something light on your back and you’ll be throwing skis on and off your pack during lots of transitions.

Ortovox Ravine 34/32S ($240)

Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz (men’s 34L) / 2 lbs 2 oz (women’s 32SL)
Size: 28-34 L (men’s) / 26-32 S (women’s)
Dimensions: 11.81 x 22 x 10”
Pros: Hyper-compartmentalized for easy organization
Cons: No hip belt pocket

Ortovox continues to lead the charge in ski pack innovation with this lightweight, framed pack that rethinks how ski gear should be carried. Two side zippers, one of which goes to the main compartment and the other to a separate compartment for quick access to skins, crampons, and gloves, gives you several organizational options. The main compartment, which has a drawstring closure, and the open avalanche tool sleeve are secured with a hook and webbing flap that’s easy to open and close with a gloved hand. The brand also left no stone unturned with both a goggle and front panel pocket, ice axe loops, two carrying options for skis, hydration bladder pocket and tube access, and a helmet carry net. “The fit was perfect,” said one tester who used the women’s-specific 32 liter version. “I have a small torso and the back panel and straps felt very comfortable and secure, with a bunch of options for customizing the fit and an adjustable-height sternum strap.” As with some packs that have many designated pockets (seven in total on this one), the Ravine doesn’t leave a ton of space available in the main compartment, so best to use this for small and medium outings in moderate temperatures where you don’t need a bunch of extra layers and other gear that takes up a lot of room.

Bottom line: This one’s for all skiers who need all their gear to live in a very specific place and women who demand a snug, anatomical fit.

Exped Couloir 30 ($230)

Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz
Size: Back Length Range 18-21 in (men’s), 17-20 (women’s)
Dimensions: 12.2 x 22 x 8.7 in
Pros: Durable materials and balanced carry
Cons: Snow builds up in buckles

With a load limit of 29 pounds, the robust suspension and internal steel wire frame on this pack dispersed weight evenly, which allowed testers to comfortably strap skis and other technical equipment to the outside and still maintain a comfortable, balanced fit. That was key for our Jackson, Wyoming-based tester who used it on several big spring objectives in Grand Teton National Park where he found himself carrying some extra gear. “While I was skiing a line known as Chute Buck and faced with a steep, tight couloir and two rappels below me, the pack ensured that my rope, crampons, ice axe, and other gear for the day stayed tight to my back, allowing me to make precise turns as I descended into the unknown.” Another tester praised the foam and tricot polyester back panel as both comfortable and effective at mitigating sweat on a hot springtime mission in Utah’s La Sal Mountains. The 420 Denier Ripstop Nylon and EVA foam reinforcement on the front and base make this pack super durable. Other thoughtful details, including the beefy hip belt with two stretchy mesh pockets, 270-degree access through the back panel zipper, and brightly colored interior material that made finding smaller contents easy, seal the deal.

Bottom line: Smart storage solutions and carrying capacity make this pack ideal for single day ski mountaineering missions.

Thule Stir Alpine ($200)

Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz
Size: Unisex, one size
Dimensions: 11.42 x 10.24 x 22.83 in
Pros: Customizable features
Cons: No avalanche tool pocket

This pack can shapeshift into just about anything you want it to be, thanks to its smart design, a removable lid, frame sheet, hip belt padding, and sternum strap, all of which can shed up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) for lighter, faster missions. “I was very grateful for the side-access zipper when the thing was filled to the brim with overnight gear for a snowmachine-accessed ice climbing festival up the Knik River Gorge,” said our Alaska-based tester, who was able to use the side-access to get to gear without removing his climbing rope draped over the top of the pack. The streamlined body yet large 40-liter capacity makes it ideal for bigger trips and overnights requiring warm gear for cold temperatures. “The suspension had a perfect amount of padding for the capacity of the bag and even with a heavy load on the overnight trip, it felt great with no awkward pressure points,” added the same tester after putting the pack to the test on ski mountaineering trips on Turnagain and Hatcher Pass. With little details like a storm flap to cover the pack when the lid is removed, a stretchy shoulder strap pocket for holding sunglasses or snacks, and gear loops on the hipbelt, this crossover pack is ready for anything from casual skiing to full-on mountaineering. One ding: the lack of an avalanche tool-specific compartment felt like the only oversight.

Bottom line: The Thule Stir Alpine is a versatile workhorse that can pull triple duty as a ski-, mountaineering, and even a climbing pack.

Backcountry Skiing Backpacks FAQ

How do I choose the right backpack for backcountry skiing and alpine touring?

1. Choose a backpack that fits your body.

Backpacks come in various sizes to accommodate different torso lengths, so measure the length of your spine from the base of you neck to the top of your hips and choose your backpack size accordingly. Backpack torso lengths generally range from 15 inches (size XS) to 20-plus inches (size L). Because fit is the biggest single factor in pack comfort and carry, we recommend going into your local gear shop wearing the layers you plan to tour in and trying the packs on for size. The hipbelt should securely wrap your iliac crest, and the back panel shouldn’t hit you in the back of the head when you have a helmet on

2. Choose a backpack that suits your skiing adventure.

If half-day backcountry tours are your norm, choose a lower volume pack (20L-30L) that fits just the essentials (shovel, probe, water, extra layers, snacks). If you typically spend full days in the backcountry, you’ll want a higher volume pack (30L-40L) that fits extra supplies for the extra time you’ll be spending out in the elements. Also make sure that your avalanche shovel easily slips in and out of the dedicated avy pouch, and that the pack is both big enough and sufficiently organized for your touring preferences. Don’t be afraid to size up to a larger pack capacity if you’re on the fence about how much space you’ll need—a few extra liters of empty space won’t weigh you down that much. If you’d like to be able to secure your skis to your pack, look for a pack with an A-frame or diagonal ski carry strap system. The same goes for your helmet: some packs have integrated helmet-carry systems.

What should I pack for backcountry ski days?

Always carry avalanche safety equipment when traveling in the backcountry. That includes wearing a beacon and carrying a shovel and probe in your pack. You’ll also need extra layers, a helmet, sufficient hydration (it’s a good idea to carry some hot liquid for longer backcountry adventures), energy snacks, a first aid kit, and a multi tool.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 22
• Number of products tested: 14
• Number of vertical feet climbed: 600,000
• Number of beers carried in a pack up Highland Bowl on closing day: 12
• Number of times our lead tester’s wife asked him to carry more stuff “because you have extra room in that fancy pack”: 5

To nail down the best ski packs of 2024, we seeded 14 products to 22 different testers according to their planned objectives for the season, body and skier type, and appropriate testing environments. Then, we set testers loose in the mountains, largely in the Continental U.S. (Colorado, Utah, Jackson Hole, and Alaska), where many states received historic snowfall this past season. Testers jammed gear into packs, stuffed them shut, and put the packs through both rugged and mellow ski ascents and descents.

We focused on newly-designed packs with practical, ski-specific features that make traveling on snow easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Comfort is a must, even for packs meant to carry smaller, lighter loads, as is durability, so we asked testers to evaluate straps and back panels and hip belts alongside the quality of materials used. After every time a pack was taken out, testers filled out feedback forms assessing fit, weight distribution, ease of access, even pocket size and placement. Testers noted how easy it was to find what they needed, transition in the skin track, and carry their skis and boards on their back up steep couloirs. After this rigorous testing process, the following six packs emerged as the cream of the crop.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Scott Yorko is a former gear editor for Backpacker, SKI, TransWorld SNOWboarding, and şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř. He lives on the edge of West Central Colorado, where he splits his ski time between the world-class resorts around Aspen and backcountry terrain of the West Elk Mountains. He loves to chase storms and visit pow-shredding friends, many of whom tested this year’s crop of ski packs, in places like Alaska, Jackson Hole, the Sierras, Utah, and all throughout Colorado.

More from the 2024 Winter Gear Guide

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I’m obsessed with the idea of having a single bag for a weekend trip—something that can handle my computer, light photo equipment, and all the clothes and gear I’ll need for a variety of adventures. I don’t like carrying a work backpack plus a clothes and gear bag because I loathe checking bags and I like to have my hands free as I move through airports.

So, the perfect pack would have a laptop sleeve, but also be tough enough to handle being tossed around in the dirt. Obviously, said bag would need to have ample carrying capacity, but also be small enough to meet carry-on requirements. It’s a suite of characteristics that has proven to be so hard to find that the perfect weekend bag has become downright mythical in my mind, right up there with the perfect IPA.

Testing the Matador SEG28

Recently, I tested out the new Matador SEG28 backpack ($250), which almost lives up to my unrealistic ideals for a weekend adventure bag thanks to its 28-liter capacity and unique compartment system that allows you to separate items into myriad pockets. I’ve used the SEG28 for the last two months, loading it up for multiple short road trips and carrying it on two adventures that required multiple flights, and in my mind, it’s pretty damn close to being my perfect weekend travel bag.

If you’re not a pocket person, check out this weekend bag recommendation from one of our other columnists, Jakob Schiller. 

The first thing you notice about the SEG28 is all the zippers, each of which leads to a different sized compartment. Think of them as integrated packing cubes. You put your socks and skivvies in one, your running gear in another, and date-night threads in another—it’s like having drawers built into your bag. The SEG28 is the latest version of Matador’s popular “segmented” line, which offers the same compartment system in different sizes. I tested out the SEG42 a couple of years ago and was delighted with the packing system, but was intrigued by the SEG28’s more modest size. At 28 liters, Matador labels the SEG28 as a “travel” and “daily carry” pack. I think it’s a bit bulky for daily use, but this size is great for a weekend trip. There’s enough room to accommodate apparel and gear for a variety of activities, but not so much room that you’ll mindlessly fill it up with items you don’t actually need.

I carried this bag on trips where I went on trail runs and out to fancy dinners; where I mountain biked and camped; and where I hung out with my family and cruised on the beach, and I loved separating my clothes and gear accordingly. Basically, it was always easy to quickly find the exact pair of socks or shirt that I needed.

But there’s also a single large compartment, accessed via a clamshell zipper, where you can place bulky items that might not fit inside one of the pockets, like a jacket or helmet. In theory, you could eschew the pocket system altogether and just pack this thing like a traditional backpack, but that would be ridiculous, like when people don’t use the seat heaters in their cars during winter.

Typically, I’ll start the trip with each pocket filled, separating my accoutrements accordingly. As the trip progresses, I shift the dirty clothes to the main compartment. By the end of the trip, most of the pockets are empty and the clamshell space is full of dirty clothes. That makes unpacking on the backend of the trip simple because I know what’s dirty and what’s clean.

Besides the packing, the backpack system is more comfortable than the straps used on their previous versions of the SEG series I’ve tested, with ample structure and padding. I wore it for hours as I wandered through the Las Vegas airport looking for a fantastic snack, and my shoulders never fatigued.

There are a few other details that help take this pack to the next level: it’s made from recycled and Bluesign-approved materials, it has an external water bottle pocket (you’d be surprised at the number of packs that don’t have one), and the luggage handle passthrough has a hidden zipper pocket for your passport or phone. It’s also very water-resistant, since it’s constructed from reinforced ripstop and nylon with a polyurethane (PU) waterproof coating and YKK zippers coated with PU sealant. I wouldn’t use it as a flotation device if my plane goes down over the ocean, but I have no qualms standing in the rain with this pack on my back.

Drawbacks of the SEG28

Does it sound like I’m glowing? I am glowing a little bit, but there are a couple of small things that bothered me about this bag. First, there’s an “admin” pocket at the top of the bag designed to carry things like your wallet, medication, snacks, and headphones, the stuff you need to access quickly while you’re traveling. But if the bag is packed to the brim, all of the space in this pocket is squeezed tight by the others. I could still pack it, but I couldn’t really get anything out of it on the fly. I had a similar issue with the laptop sleeve, which is designed to fit a 16-inch machine, but could barely accommodate my 15-incher in its plastic protective case. When the bag was packed full, I had to work hard to squeeze the laptop into its sleeve and it was almost impossible to retrieve it. You could argue that I shouldn’t overpack my bag, but I’d counter that it’s human nature to fill the space we’re given.

These sound like minor complaints, but both issues impacted the usability of the bag on multiple occasions during each trip. Think about the number of times you reach into your bag for a snack or your headphones, or how often you need to grab your computer to knock out emails while waiting out a layover. Are these problems deal breakers? Hell no. I still drink all kinds of IPAs even though none there’s not one I would choose to drink for the rest of my life.

The Matador SEG28 is an almost perfect weekend travel pack. And almost perfect is good enough for me.

The post Is This Backpack the Perfect Weekend Bag? appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

My wife and I recently took a four-day trip to Mexico City. To keep things simple and avoid any lost luggage during our transfer in Dallas I wanted to just bring one bag. That, and the last time I was there someone rifled through my checked bag and stole several things. (I still love you, Mexico.)

The easy choice was the Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30-liter bag ()—my go-to for shorter trips. One of the biggest draws is the pack’s size adaptability. The main compartment is big enough to hold everything I need for three to four days, including clothes, toiletries, a laptop, a rain jacket, and an extra pair of shoes. Thanks to the rolltop closure, it can also expand to hold four or five more liters of stuff on the way back, and it can be cinched way down and serve as a small day pack.

This adaptability came in handy several times on our trip. In Mexico City, the bag was great for day excursions when all I wanted to carry was a rain jacket, a long-sleeve shirt, and a bottle of water. Some days we walked up to 15 miles, and the bag carried well, whether it held almost nothing or was weighed down with water and gifts.

When it was time to head home, the ability to increase the volume proved essential. As a parent, of course, I could not return empty-handed. After some careful shopping—the kids didn’t get anything too big—I was able to expand the rolled top just enough to stuff everything in and close the buckle. I looked ridiculous because the bag was now extra tall, but everything stayed put, and the over-filled bag still fit just fine in the overhead compartment on our plane, a newer Boeing 737.

I’m also sold on the Chrome rolltop’s organization. Inside, the bag is refreshingly simple. There’s just one cavernous main pocket, a laptop sleeve (inside the main pocket), and two smaller zippered exterior pockets. I’ve come to hate bags that are “feature-rich” with pockets because I end up spending too much time trying to find whatever I’m looking for. There are very few places where anything can hide in the Chrome bag.

Finally, I love that the Chrome bag is waterproof. The weather was dry in Mexico City, but if we’d been caught in a rainstorm, the fully-welded, 600-denier, polyurethane-coated polyester would have given me complete confidence that not a drop of water would destroy my books, postcards, electronics, or anything else stored in the bag.

I liked the Chrome bag so much that since returning from Mexico I’ve been on a rolltop kick and tracked down two other packs you might also look into:

Osprey Transporter Roll Top ()

The 25-liter Transporter has more features than the Chrome, but doesn’t go overboard. My favorite add-ons are the mesh back that breathes well on sweltering days, two side water bottle mesh pockets that can be accessed while I’m wearing the pack, and a side zipper that makes it easy to stow my laptop without opening the rolltop compartment. The bag is not as waterproof as the Chrome—the Osprey’s seams aren’t sealed—but it still keeps most moisture out.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City 27 Liter ()

Even simpler than the Chrome bag, the Ortlieb Daypack has one huge pocket, a laptop sleeve, and one exterior pocket. Like the Chrome it won’t let a drop of water into the main pocket, even if you spend an hour in the rain. Made from a feathery-but-still-durable nylon, the bag itself weighs a scant 28.2 ounces. (Compared to 32.5 ounces for the Chrome bag and 32 ounces for the Osprey bag.)

The post The One Bag You Need for a Weekend Trip appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Everyone should have access to the outdoors, and be comfortable there. There’s no arguing with the sentiment, but there are still plenty of obstacles out there, which is why şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’s mission is literally to Get Everyone şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř. And that’s why we love to partner with brands like Osprey, which shares our values and believes gear sizing should include everyone, too, because equipment needs to fit in order to work. To that end, Osprey worked with a diverse group of product testers and DEI consultants to develop its , designed to give bigger bodies equal access to quality packs. We spoke with Lauren Cramer, product professional at Osprey, to learn about the development of Extended Fit and its meaningful contribution to building a more inclusive outdoor community.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř: What motivated Osprey to offer Extended Fit packs?

Lauren Cramer: At its core, Osprey strives to inspire and support outdoor adventure with innovative new products. Whether you’re taking your Osprey pack into the backcountry or on a trail close to home, the brand believes everybody deserves equal access to these experiences. To support that notion, Osprey is introducing the Extended Fit line. So now hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with bigger bodies can experience the capabilities and performance of high-quality packs.

Who was involved in developing the Extended Fit collection?

The Extended Fit collection was created with direct help and feedback from a focus group that included in-field testers, athletes, influencers, and industry professionals. From concept to launch, Osprey worked closely with the Extended Fit focus group to go beyond superficial changes and deliver a pack collection that comfortably supports bigger bodies. 

How are the Extended Fit packs different from the standard fit sizes?

Features like a longer hipbelt (up to 70 inches), sternum strap, and shoulder straps are some of the design changes users will notice in the Extended Fit collection. Additionally, Osprey repositioned hipbelt pockets to optimize ease of access. Unique to the Extended Fit series, the custom Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and shoulder straps are fully adjustable for maximum comfort and even load distribution.

What key features are the same across all Osprey pack fits?

Osprey offers custom-fit packs that maximize efficiency, comfort, and safety. Plus, all packs are backed by the brand’s . Osprey believes there’s no reason to charge people more for a product size that’s necessary for comfort and support on the trail—the new Extended Fit packs are the same price as their standard-fit counterparts.

What packs come in Extended Fit, and what’s special about each of them?

As of spring 2023, Osprey is offering two hiking series and two backpacking series in Extended Fit. For day hikers, Osprey has released the and the . Backpackers will be excited to hear that Osprey is also offering Aether/Ariel Extended Fit and . If you’re looking for an adjustable hipbelt and harness, the Aether/Ariel Extended Fit series comes equipped with both.

Learn more about the complete .

Wherever you find adventure, will be with you. Since 1974, Osprey has provided hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers with innovative and long-lasting carry solutions, each thoughtfully designed item reflecting a passion for exploration and the outdoors. Headquartered in the foothills of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Osprey’s surroundings provide the ultimate testing ground for all of its products, guaranteeing that its technical packs are up to any challenge.

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