Backpack Reviews

Elemental Horizons is a well-regarded cottage backpack manufacturer based in North Carolina with a small but loyal customer following. They’ve recently added XPac fabric as a material option to their backpacks, including the adjustable frame Kalais XT reviewed here. XPac is an ultralight waterproof laminate like cuben fiber (now called Dyneema …

The Osprey Packs Talon 44 Backpack is a lightweight pack with an adjustable torso length that’s good for weekend backpacking trips, technical day hikes, climbing, and peakbagging. Weighing 2 pounds 7 ounces, it can carry a remarkable amount of gear, has a ventilated frame to help keep you dry, and a …

The Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack is a multi-faceted pack that can be used for day hiking, backpacking, school, or travel with a plethora of pockets and features to keep your gear well-organized and accessible. Featuring a new adjustable length frame, its greatest strength is its adaptability for many different kinds of …

Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes small and large packing pods which are the ultralight equivalent of the luggage packing cubes that people use to pack travel bags. They’re U-shaped to fit snugly into Hyperlite’s backpacks and can be used in place of a white plastic compactor bag to provide extra moisture …

The Zpacks Nero is a frameless 38L ultralight backpack that weighs 10.9 ounces and is made with waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), formerly called cuben fiber. It’s seam taped inside, making it effectively waterproof so you don’t have to line it with a plastic garbage bag or cover it with …

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak daypack is a 17L backpack made with two layers of black Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), a waterproof laminate that makes the Daybreak lightweight, durable, and highly water resistant. The Daybreak is laid out very much like HMG’s overnight backpacks with two side water bottle pockets and …

The ULA Photon is a 35L frameless ultralight-style backpack that weighs between 22-27 ounces, depending on how the pack is configured and whether you keep all of the optional components.  It’s basically a lower volume version of ULA’s CDT ultralight backpack (54L) ideal for day hikes, short backpacking trips, hut-to-hut overnights, …

The Exped Traverse 40 Backpack is a lightweight alpine style backpack with an innovative frame that can be curved when you want more airflow for back ventilation or flattened when you need a backpack that hugs your back and hips more closely. A convenient rear hatch also provides panel-style access …

Granite Gear backpacks have been longtime favorites with Appalachian Trail thru-hikers because of their light weight, carrying capacity and durability. The Blaze AC 60 incorporates many improvements over past models of Granite Gear packs, including a better compression system and a large front mesh pocket. I’ve been testing the Blaze AC …

The ULA Ohm 2.0 is a high-capacity 63L ultralight style backpack that’s durable enough for rough and tough adventures. It’s also available with the same male and female shoulder straps and hip belt (available in multiple lengths) offered with ULA’s other lightweight backpacks, so you get a pack that fits you and …

The Mystery Ranch Scree is a 3.1 pound daypack with an adjustable length torso that’s designed for carrying heavy loads in rugged terrain. It’s made with burly fabrics to withstand serious abuse, with a unique frame system that won’t buckle if you have to haul heavy gear. External daisy chains, …

The REI Flash 45 is a lightweight backpack with an adjustable, ventilated frame that’s perfect for weekend backpacking trips or more technical day hikes. Weighing just 2 lbs 14 oz in a size L, (a women’s specific version is also available) it’s a surprisingly comfortable and functional backpack capable of …

The Osprey Packs Atmos AG 50 might just be the most comfortable backpack you’ll ever wear. Featuring the new Anti-Gravity ventilated suspension system, this backpack wraps around your upper torso, positioning itself properly on your hips for maximum load transfer and comfort. It’s even adjustable, so you can dial in …

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) is one of the oldest and most respected ultralight backpacking gear manufacturers. Their backpacks are quite popular with long distance backpackers and weekend warriors in the United States and are a frequent sight along our National Scenic Trails and in the backcountry. I like ULA’s backpacks because they’re very durable …