Category Archive: Backpacks

Deuter ACT Zero 50 + 15 Backpack Review
November 22, 2015
The Deuter ACT Zero 50 + 15 backpack is the Batman of backpacks. It’s not the backpack I want but it’s the backpack I need. My friends know that when it comes to any single piece of gear my backpack is the thing I’m most picky about. I own roughly 10 various backpacks and of those […]

Deuter ACT Lite 50 + 10 Backpack Review
September 2, 2015
The Deuter ACT Lite 50 + 10 is one of Deuter’s flagship lightweight load hauler. Its one the largest lightweight packs they list on their website and it has the goal of providing “lightweight, yet reliable comfort”. To a fair degree Deuter has come through on this front but this pack also isn’t a contender for […]

REI Traverse 28 DayPack Review
August 18, 2015
Recently there has been a trend in daypacks that I fully support – the inclusion of a real frame. The REI Traverse 28 Pack is an example of this new breed of pack. While I appriciate a light load I always prefer a pack that has the ability to carry additional weight when needed. This could be […]

Outdoor Products 20L Amphibian Weather Defense Daypack Review
May 27, 2015
In my opinion Outdoor Products is one of the most underrated outdoor brands out there. I use several 10 year old dry bags they don’t make anymore on all of my kayak and whitewater adventures. I expect them to keep going strong for another 10 years. So when Outdoor Products reached out and asked me to review their 20L Amphibian […]

Osprey Exos 48 Backpack Review
July 8, 2014
For 2014 Osprey updated their very popular Exos line of packs. The newest update has a couple big changes – primarily squishy new shoulder and hip belt straps that promise a more comfortable ride. There is also a cool new double lid (called the FlapJacket) that makes it easier to use the Exos with the head pouch […]

REI Flash 45 Backpack Review
July 1, 2014
The REI Flash 45 backpack is another iteration of REI’s Flash line of gear (which includes sleeping bags and pads as well as backpacks). Its geared as a lightweight pack perfect for weekend trips or extended trips if you are an ultralight enthusiast. This pack stands out for three reasons – its weight (just over 2 lbs.), […]

Mountain Hardware Summitrocket 40 Backpack Review
June 23, 2014
Mountain Hardware’s Summitrocket 40 backpack aims to be your go to fast and light peak bagging pack. It is a stripped down, simple pack made from a mix of both durable and lightweight materials that hides a few surprises inside it. Using this strategy Mountain Hardware has been able to create a pack that comes […]

Kelty TraiLogic PK 50 Backpack First Impression
January 29, 2014
I recently got a chance to see the Kelty TraiLogic PK 50 backpack in person. Ever since this pack was first shown at the Outdoor Retailer show I’ve been dying to get my hands on one to see what its like. The PK 50 is a backpack made to work in conjunction with the other […]

MIllet Axpel 42 Mountineering Backpack Review
January 23, 2014
Recently I picked up the Millet Axpel 42 L mountaineering backpack with high hopes for its active suspension, the MBS back system with swiveling hip belt pin. For larger overnight packs I gravitate towards the lighter weight variety so I was interested to see what a fully featured pack with beefy suspension would be like. I […]

Black Diamond Bolt Backpack Review
January 15, 2014
The Black Diamond Bolt is one of my all time favorite backpacks. I use it on any winter/fall/spring day hike I go on and it is my primary overnight pack for the summer season. What makes this pack uniquely awesome is the internal aluminum frame that it sports along with a legitimate hipbelt. This is […]