From two hours – to two months, the best Packs
June 23, 2010 posted by Brent - All Mountain Sports
Filed under Gear Reviews
TWO HOURS
CHICOBAG’s DayPack rePETe, made of 95 percent recycled content (mainly water bottles), easily swallows a couple of snacks, a Sigg, and some sunscreen for a hike or bike ride. Back at home, you can stuff it into the small attached pouch. Other niceties include stretchy bottle pockets and a carabiner that’s 97 percent recycled aluminum. ChicoBag was started in 2004 after its founder, Andy Keller, toted some trash to his local landfill and was horrified by the mountains of plastic he saw. 5.6 ounces; holds 20 liters; $20; chicobag.com
TWO DAYS
When you’re up for an overnight trip, the easily compressed JANSPORT Salish keeps you light on your feet. It features a hydration tube, a padded back and belt, a detachable hood, vented shoulder straps, conveniently placed compartments, and several lashing points. JanSport raises funds for, and donates gear to, Big City Mountaineers, a nonprofit that takes urban teens on wilderness adventures. 59 ounces; holds 34.4 liters; $120; jansport.com/cloudripper
TWO WEEKS
Packs from GREGORY MOUNTAIN PRODUCTS are PVC-free, recyclable, dyed via a water-saving process, and designed in an eco-friendly office. The men’s Baltoro 70 and the women’s counterpart, the Deva 70, feature hypercomfortable suspension systems whose adjustable straps make it feel like the pack is giving you a firm but gentle hug. They’re ideal for a fortnight, especially if the rest of your gear is on the smaller side. Baltoro 70: 85 to 94 ounces; holds 68 to 76 liters; $290; Deva 70: 85 to 91 ounces; holds 69 to 74 liters; $290
TWO MONTHS
Most long-term trekkers plot out resupply points and thus don’t need to truck a huge load on their back. They look instead for the latest, lightest technology to help them make it safely from port to port. Durable ARC’TERYX Altra models are just about perfect. Their clever suspension system lets in plenty of air, while a rotating disc transfers the load in harmony with the body’s movements. Arc’teryx employs an independent auditor to help the company “substantially reduce the total amount of materials used over time.” 76 to 81 ounces; holds 62 to 75 liters; $375-$400; arcteryx.com
Related articles you might enjoy:
- Osprey Manta 30 Hydration Pack
A great sized pack for those quick hikes or long runs. One of the best features of the Osprey Manta 30 Hydration pack is the overall stability of the pack. Once you cinch it down – the load stays surprisingly... - ACA Announces Endorsement of North Face
May 6, 2010 — The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) today announced its endorsement of nine backpacks and daypacks from The North Face. The Big Shot, Borealis, Box Shot, Cornice, Hotshot, On Sight, Recon, Surge, and Yavapai are the endorsed styles.... - Osprey Stratos 36 Backpack
For those of you interested in a smaller day pack with a stream-lined appearance, then the Stratos 36 by Osprey is worth checking out. The pack is around 2300 cubic inches and is great for day hikes (and not bad...
