Editors' Choice 2012: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
Ultralight, affordable, and idiotproof. What's not to like?
Backpacks
Backpacks
Find the best backpack for your next outdoor hiking adventure, whether it be a multi-day hike or only a day trip. Our expert gear testers have reviewed all the best backpacks on the market to help you decide.
Find the best backpack for your next outdoor hiking adventure, whether it be a multi-day hike or only a day trip. Our expert gear testers have reviewed all the best backpacks on the market to help you decide.
Winter 2012: Outdoor Retailer Wrapup
All the best gear our reader reporter team saw at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.
Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks Multiday Backpacks
These multiday packs provide excellent load support with comfortable designs that will help you move easily with any kind of terrain.
Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks – Daypacks
These daypacks offer plenty of comfort, easy to access pockets and the kind of durability you need for any climbing adventure.
Gear Guide 2012: Arc'teryx NoZone 55 Backpack
An extraordinary toughness-to-weight ratio makes this pack both durable and supportive.
Gear Guide 2012: Gregory Savant 58 Backpack
With effective compression and great load stability, this lightweight pack offers great balance and comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack
Great for family camping trips, this pack has plenty of useful features that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Gear Guide 2012 Vaude Terkum 75 +10 Backpack
An innovative cinching hipbelt and customizable torso helps create a support system tough enough to handle your heaviest loads.
Gear Guide 2012: Black Diamond Mercury 65 Backpack
This pack is equipped with a suspension system that helps increase mobility and overall stability.
Gear Guide 2012: REI Flash 62 Backpack
This pack handles heavy loads without compromising your ability to move efficiently, offering improved suspension and great versatility.
Gear Guide 2012: Osprey Atmos 65 Backpack
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Gear Guide 2012: First Ascent Alchemist 40 Backpack
Take this pack on any trip as its design is made to handle big days, weekend trips and even ultralight expeditions.
Gear Guide 2012: Mountainsmith Ghost 50 Backpack
Carry this pack sweat-free with its improved suspension that allows for dynamic movement wherever you take it.
Gear Guide 2012: Exped Torrent 50 Backpack
Take on wet conditions with this waterproof pack that offers welded seams and waterproof closures.
Gear Guide 2012: Marmot Drakon 35 Backpack
Ultralight and climber-friendly, this pack can carry large amounts of gear while remaining light and stable.
Gear Guide 2012: Mile High Salute 34 Backpack
This pack offers easily accessible zippers and great suspension for carrying heavy loads comfortably.
Gear Guide 2012: GoLite Quest 50 Backpack
A great fit and excellent load transfer is what you'll get with this multiday pack.
Gear Guide 2012: JanSport Cienega Backpack
This anatomically friendly pack is great for women, offering suspension and comfort when carrying heavy loads.
Gear Guide 2012: Salomon Quest 30 Backpack
This ultralight daypack is perfect for spring skiing and offers a U-shapped zipper that's great for quick packing.
Gear Guide 2012: Sierra Designs Discovery 30 Backpack
Keep air circulating with this highly ventilated daypack.
Gear Guide 2012: Ortovox Lightning 25 Backpack
Easily accessible and plenty durable, this daypack offers plenty of organizers from your GPS to your headlamp.
Gear Guide 2012: Columbia Treadlite 22 Backpack
This daypack easily handles heavy loads and transfers weight well, making warm weather hikes a breeze.
Gear Review: SteriPEN Freedom
Our favorite UV light water treatment tool just got lighter, smaller, and easier to recharge.
Outdoor Retailer Roundup: BACKPACKS!
On Day 2 this reporter had one focus: backpacks.
Reader Extreme Makeovers: Lighten a Heavy Load
By replacing just five key items from this reader's Army surplus kit we helped him save over 10 pounds of unnecessary weight.
Editors' Picks with Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn
BACKPACKER's Editor-in-Chief weighs in on his favorite products of 2011.
Editors' Picks with Executive Editor Dennis Lewon
This no-nonsense editor needs gear that can go the distance.
Editors' Picks with Map Editor Andrew Matranga
Gadgets and gear from our resident map editor.
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Day Pack
Ultralight stuff sack and daypack
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Backpacks
Eight packs that haul cameras, ski gear, and everything else you'll need for a cold-weather outing.
Gossamer Gear Mumur DX Ultralight backpack
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Gossamer Gear Gorilla Ultralight Backpack
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Gossamer Gear RikSak Hyperlight Daypack
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Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Ultralight Backpack
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Gossamer Gear G4 Ultralight Backpack
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Gossamer Gear Murmur Hyperlight Backpack
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Deuter USA Quantum 70+10
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Deuter USA Quantum 55+10 SL
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Deuter USA Aircontact 75+10
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Deuter USA Aircontact 70+10 SL
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Deuter USA Aircontact 65+10
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Deuter USA Aircontact 60+10 SL
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Deuter USA Aircontact 55+10
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Deuter USA ACT Lite 45+10 SL
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Deuter USA ACT Lite 40+10
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Deuter USA ACT Trail 32
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Deuter USA ACT Trail 28 SL
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Deuter USA ACT Trail 24
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Deuter USA ACT Trail 20 SL
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Deuter USA Spectro 28 SL
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Deuter USA Spectro AC 24
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Deuter USA Guide 45+
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Deuter USA Guide 35+
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Deuter USA Pace 20
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Deuter USA Speed Lite 30
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear HMG Ice Pack
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider Southwest
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear HMG Porter
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Deuter USA Futura 30 SL
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Deuter USA Futura 26
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
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ARC'TERYX Kata 30
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ARC'TERYX Kata 37
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ARC'TERYX Kata 45
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ARC'TERYX Nozoe 75
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ARC'TERYX Miura 30
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ARC'TERYX Muira 50
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ARC'TERYX Naos 85
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ARC'TERYX Blade 15
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ARC'TERYX Blade 24
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ARC'TERYX Blade 30
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ARC'TERYX Arro 22
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ARC'TERYX Arrakis 65
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ARC'TERYX Arrakis 50
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ARC'TERYX Arrakis 40
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ARC'TERYX Bora 95
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ARC'TERYX Bora 80
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ARC'TERYX Altra 75
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ARC'TERYX Altra 65
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ARC'TERYX Altra 62
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