Gear Review: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack
An ultralight daypack that fits in the palm of your hand
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.
Measure Your Torso for a Perfect Backpack Fit
Measure your torso to guarantee a perfect fit. Then hit the gear shop with our proven buying tips to find the best pack for your body type.
Gear Review: Osprey Aether 70/Ariel 65 Weeklong Pack
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
Gear Review: REI XT 85/XT 75 Weeklong Pack
These packs have everything but added weight.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Wiki 65/Nalu 60 Weeklong Pack
This pack is always comfortable regardless of weight.
Gear Review: Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10/60 + 10 SL Weeklong Pack
This pared-down pack hauls big loads.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Infinity 60/Innova 60 Weeklong Pack
A dynamic suspension gives this pack all-day comfort.
Gear Review: Mammut Trion Guide 45+ Weekend Pack
Soft shoulder blade and lumbar pads ensure comfort no matter the payload.
Gear Review: Mountainsmith Lariat 65+/Juniper 50+ Weekend Pack
These Transformers-worthy packs sport convertible fanny packs and summit packs.
Gear Review: Deuter Spectro AC 32/28SL
This stable pack is made for rough terrain.
Gear Review: Granite Gear Escape AC 60/Escape AC 60 K Ultralight Weekend Pack
A great choice for mileage-oriented trekkers who want an ultralight pack that can handle any load.
Gear Review: Gregory Z55/Jade 50
This pack has total load transfer, comfort, and a conveniently laid-out packbag.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Fluid 32 Daypack
This daypack wears skis and ice axes as accessories.
Gear Review: CamelBak Vantage 35/Vista 32 Hydration Pack
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Gear Review: Kelty Lakota 4000 Weekend Pack
This pack hits a sweet spot for affordability and performance.
Gear Review: ClikElite Nature 35 Camera Pack
This is a true hiker's camera pack.
Gear Review: Marmot Eiger 40 XT Daypack
This workhorse pack has been redesigned with an easy-access opening.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Nitro/Pulse Daypack
This daypack is made for scrambling and holds up to 25 pounds.
Gear Review: CamelBak Flow Meter
This digital device measures both how much you've drunk and how many ounces you have left in your hydration reservoir.
Liquid Assets: Hydration Gadgets
Quench your backcountry thirst with these new water (and wine!) products.
Gear Review: Innate Esse Water Bottle
Keep your wine at the perfect temperature in the backcountry with this perfectly sized bottle.
Gear Review: Osprey Manta 25 Hydration Pack
With a 100-ounce reservoir and shoulder straps and hipbelt that hugged our testers' every curve, this pack excelled at hauling water on the move.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Octane/Spark Backpack
With a snug fit and excellent compression system, this daypack handles up to 20 pounds and stuck like glue canyoning in southern Utah.
Reader Tip: Make a Leak-proof Hydration Bladder
Check out Bryan Bardley's author page.
Gear Guide Gear Sweepstakes List of Winners
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Win Free Gear!
Every week we go into our gear closet and pull out a sweet prize.
Weekend Backpacks
Ten reader-testers hiked nearly 1,000 miles to rate new midsize load haulers. Their five picks: five models that deliver comfort, affordability, and convenience.
Gear Review: Aquamira Water Bottle and Filter
Hate hoses? This bottle/filter combo is perfect for ultralighters in wet places
Gear Review: High Sierra Summit Backpack
Enjoy features galore without emptying your wallet with this light-duty pack.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Tour Attack 40 Backpack
This winter winner performs best on cold-weather hikes, climbs, and ski tours.
Gear Review: ALPS Mountaineering Orizaba Backpack
Obsessive-compulsive packers will appreciate this pack's organization options.
Gear Review: The North Face Ligero 50 Backpack
This comfortable pack offers stability on tough and uneven terrain.
Gear Review: GoLite Lite-Speed Backpack
This best-overall pack's simple design will win over ultralighters and traditional backpackers alike.
Gear Chick Holiday Gift Picks: Backpackers
Multi-day trip? No problem. These gifts will have your special someone dialed for their next outing.
Gear Chick Holiday Gift Picks: Stocking Stuffers
These gifts pack up so small, they're perfect for any stocking.
Mammut Zeon 25
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Neon Gear 45
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Mammut Creon Zip 28
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Creon Element 25
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Crea Contact 28
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Creon Contact 32
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Mammut Crea Pro 32
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Mammut Creon Pro 38
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Mammut Heron Pro 70
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Trea Guide 30
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Trea Guide 40
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Mammut Hera Light 55
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Heron Light 55
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Heron Light 65
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Trion Guide 45
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Trion Guide 35
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Trion Light 28
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Trion Pro
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Lithium 32
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Mammut Lithium Z 20
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Gear Lab: Packs
If a backpack can survive road rash at 60 miles per hour, it can handle any backcountry abuse.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 09: Backpacks
These versatile backpacks will keep you outdoors all year long.
Gear Review: JanSport Tahoma Backpack
The Tahoma wins out as a high country favorite.
Gear Review: Osprey Kode 30 Backpack
Check out the perfect pack for backcountry winter day trips
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Snowstorm 20:20 Backpack
This versatile Lowe Alpine pack handles it all.
Gear Review: Gregory Palisade 80 Backpack
Best pack for large winter loads and family trips.
Gear Review: Deuter Freerider Pro 28SL Backpack
This ultra-comfortable pack tests best with diehard snowshoers.
Gear Review: Cold Cold World Chernobyl Backpack
Cold Cold World offers custom packs sewn in New Hampshire.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Anarchist Avalung Backpack
A potentially lifesaving pack for the backcountry skier.
Eagle Creek Thrive 65L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Twist 65L
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Eagle Creek Thrive Vita 75L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Truist 45L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Thrive 90L
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Eagle Creek Twist 45L
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Eagle Creek Truist 45L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek W Truist 55L
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Eagle Creek Truist 55L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Truist 55L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Truist 55L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Truist 65
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eagle Creek Thrive 90L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Winter Camping Gear & Clothing
Your complete guide to choosing, fitting, and using essential winter gear.
Backcountry Access Float 30 Avlanche Airbag
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.