| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
|
|
Outdoor Products Firefly PackThe Firefly is a multipurpose entry-level performer, at a low price.By Joe Flowers
Cheap scout pack from your attic? No! Inexpensive old school external frame that fits multiple people? Yes! Outdoor Products Firefly is a good entry-level backpack, as I found on various trips around Jefferson National Forest, in Virginia.
|
|
|
|
-
The 10 Essentials
The 10 essentials packing list was designed to ensure that hikers could a) ... -
How to Fit a Week's Gear into a Weekend Pack
Don't own a massive pack for your big annual adventure? Here's how to make it ... -
How to Make a Survival Bracelet
In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...
TIP 9: Check the Weather
Most weather reports don't apply to backcountry or mountainous terrain. Gather specific information by calling ranger stations, checking guide books, and researching monthly climate trends.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide
261 reviews and camping tips
Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.
Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.
FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat BetterThe Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only.
Canadian subscriptions |
International subscriptions
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
READERS COMMENTS
Page 1
Thanks for highlighting an external backpack! My husband and I have always used external frame backpacks (for decades). We've given the internals a chance but still prefer the externals. We find the externals a lot more comfortable, your back doesn't get so sweaty, the use of space is so much more efficient and they are lighter weight.
I'm glad there are still wonderful externals on the market - - and being used!
— Holly
I have the Outdoor Products Dragonfly backpack, the smaller cousin to the Firefly. It has performed flawlessly for over a decade. From backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail, to backpack climbing trips in the rockies, and climbing the Washington volcanoes,the pack has been versatile and free from failure. The size is a bit smaller, but that works well with a lightweight approach, and I have often considered purchasing the Firefly as a larger option.
— Allan Schroden
I have an old (at least 8 years now) Outdoor Products Pack and use it constantly. It's my "always ready to go" pack, packed for any weekend activity. I've used the pack on Colorado backpacking and Philmont Treks and one point missing in newer packs are the pockets. They are great for organizing all of the little things you need to find (sometimes at 4 in the morning).
My son used one last year while a Ranger at Philmont. He figured he was on the trail for a total of 66 days and it held up well. He wants a new one for next year.
I still have my ulterlite gear, but for general use, these packs are great.
GGStart
— GGStart
When I first got interested in overnight backpacking 4 years ago, I looked online at Campmoor and this Firefly was what I ordered as it was only $50 and I thought the external would be cooler. it turned out to be a great fit for me. Only after 6 hours on the trail do my hips start aching or getting numb where I have to adjust the pack to get more weight on the shoulder straps. I've walked with it on all the Alabama 120 mile Pinhoti Trail plus 4, one week long sections of the AT and a few trips out west. I finally bought a ULA Catalyst for my last section of the AT and it should be a good, lighter replacement although I had to pay $260 for it. I still say the Firefly is easier on my shoulders than the new ULA though ! The side pockets on the Firefly are positioned perfectly to get water bottle, maps or snacks in and out, while it's hard to get anything out of the side pocket of the Catalyst and I can not put anything back in without taking the pack off. I did break the hip belt buckle once on the Firefly, so I always carry a spare buckle now.
— Edwin in Alabama
POST A COMMENT