Backpack Reviews

Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Backpack Review

Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Backpack Review

The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is a multi-purpose backpack with vest-style shoulder straps that can be used for backpacking, thru-hiking, or long day hikes. I hesitate to call it a fast-pack because its utility extends far beyond that narrow style of use. Weighing …

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Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 Backpack Review

Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 Backpack Review

The Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 is a wonderfully versatile, comfortable, and bombproof backpack suitable for extended day hikes or 1-2 night backpacking trips with a streamlined gear list. If you’re unfamiliar with Mystery Ranch’s backpacks, let me preface this review by saying …

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Zpacks Bagger Ultra 40L Backpack Review

Zpacks Bagger Ultra 40L Backpack Review

The Zpacks Bagger Ultra 40L Backpack is a versatile frameless backpack suitable for day hikes, peakbagging, travel, commuting, and even ultralight backpacking. Weighing 12.1 ounces (342g) it’s made with a waterproof and highly abrasion-resistant fabric called Ultra which has been almost universally …

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Durston Gear Kakwa 55 Backpack Review

Durston Gear Kakwa 55 Backpack Review

The Durston Gear Kakwa 55 Backpack is an ultralight, internal frame pack that weighs just under 2 pounds with a total volume of 55L plus additional external storage. It has a sewn-on hipbelt, load lifters, an aluminum tubular frame, large hipbelt pockets, …

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Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack Review

Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack Review

The Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack is a 27-liter daypack that’s great for day hikes, travel, school, and more urban endeavors. While it has a potentially off-putting militaristic name, it’s quickly become my go-to pack for overnight trips and plane travel, but …

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Granite Gear Virga3 55L Backpack Review

Granite Gear Virga3 55 Backpack Review

The new Granite Gear Virga3 55L (2023) is a frameless ultralight rolltop backpack with an adjustable torso length and adjustable length hipbelt, that’s available in multiple torso ranges, in unisex (men’s) and women’s models. The unisex men’s version reviewed here weighs 26.9 …

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Osprey Stratos 36 Backpack Review

Osprey Stratos 36 Backpack Review

The Osprey Stratos 36 is a ventilated and adjustable length backpack that is suitable for long day hikes, multi-sport adventures, and even lightweight backpacking trips. It has a suspended mesh back panel and seamless wrap-around hip belt that make it cool and …

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Gregory Focal 58 Backpack Review

Gregory Focal 58 Backpack Review

The Gregory Focal 58 Backpack is a lightweight ventilated backpack weighing 2 lbs 9.3 oz / 1.17 kg that is designed for general backpacking and thru-hiking. It’s an internal frame backpack with a 360-degree wire perimeter frame, a floating top lid, load …

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