Taylor Welden

SIGG Traveller Aluminum

If I were to choose JUST one…

My choice is the iconic SIGG Traveller aluminum water bottle in the raw aluminum finish with a red cap.

I love it because it successfully holds water which is the whole point, it’s perfectly extremely simple, and there’s no XYZ crazy unnecessary fluff “features” or marketing nonsense. It is by far the sexiest, most minimal and cleanest Swiss design of any bottle on Earth. It’s effortlessly lightweight yet strong, and the robust cap can fit a carabiner through it for carrying externally on a pack. It’s also environmentally friendly and can be 100% recycled if you ever manage to somehow damage the bottle on your adventures. The manufacturing story is amazing as each bottle starts out as a solid aluminum “hockey puck”, and they’re actually manufactured in the beautiful country of Switzerland. Lastly, it meets all 10 criteria for Dieter Rams’s famous “Ten Principles for Good Design”; my favorite of the ten principles, “Less, but better”.

Even better? You can enjoy a refreshing 15% discount by using the code CARRYOLOGY at checkout on SIGG’s site. Nice!

Melisine

GSI Outdoors MicroLite

I’m currently in love with the GSI Outdoors MicroLite Collection which are vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottles that are a third lighter than other brands. As a photographer, I am often traveling with my camera gear and try to reduce the weight I carry as much as possible with high performance lightweight products. The walls of this bottle are thinner than most single wall plastic bottles, so the bottles are compact and light, perfect for my active lifestyle.

David Vo

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

If I am planning on carrying hot beverages for consumption in another location, over an extended period, I am reaching for the Zojirushi every time. Many people take thermoses for granted and while you can buy them from a dozen different brands at your local home goods store, there is only one brand that stands above the rest when it comes to performance. The Zojirushi is made with an 18/8 steel interior, has a grippy and durable matte exterior, and is compact without being overly tall. It fits into all car cup holders and your fingers can wrap around it comfortably. It features a wide-mouth opening and the lid has a simple locking mechanism that I trust enough that I’ll pack the thermos full of hot coffee, alongside my MacBook, in my bag. All the important parts are completely removable and easy to clean and most important of all, it keeps beverages warm for hours. Honestly, I’ve come back from morning back-to-back meetings, and my coffee is still a satisfying sipping temperature.

CamelBak Chute

I like to bring a large water bottle on any car trips that last longer than two hours. And, for the past two years, the bottle I have been reaching for is the CamelBak Chute. I have the stainless version so it’s a little beefier and heavier than your typical bottle but it sits in my car’s cup holder so weight isn’t as much of a concern. It’s a nice wide-mouth opening so you can take big gulps without having to suck a straw or risk having too much come out at once; it’s just the right amount. The screw top to the drinking port is easy to install and remove, and the whole top itself is a threaded affair as well for easy filling. The cap also stows into the carry loop though I find that interface not so elegant, and my only gripe about this pretty awesome bottle.

Frank Sedlar

Vapur Element

One of my biggest first world pet peeves? Carrying an empty water bottle with me. That’s why my go-to bottle is the Vapur Element. It collapses and folds down to be non-existent when not full of water, there’s a carabiner on the lid, and drinking out of a pouch isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Super lightweight, super good.

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Well, there are. We’ve scouted out solid packs like the GORUCK GR1 that give it a good run for its money, delivering on military vibes, ruggedness and versatility…

5.11 Tactical RUSH24 (US$ 129.99)

If organization is a priority, and you’re happy with a strong tactical vibe to your gear, the RUSH24 should definitely be on your radar. A host of interior and exterior pockets and webbing attachment points give you great flexibility to tailor carry setups to different needs. It’s also hydration bladder compatible, ruggedly built with 1050D nylon, and offers a wide-opening main compartment for quick and easy access. This pack comes in at 37L, with a 24L and 55L option also available.

The Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack (US$ 139)

Available in small runs in a range of colors, the Conceal Pack is a durable pack crafted with water-resistant 1000D Nylon CORDURA® and water-resistant YKK zippers. Made in California, the pack features a concealed side zip pocket for quick-access essentials, along with a choice of interior organization for pens, notebooks, a laptop or tablet, keys and other work and EDC items.

CamelBak HAWG Hydration Backpack (US$ 139.11)

This adaptable backpack keeps you easily hydrated on the go with an included hydration bladder, while also handling a range of day-to-day or short travel needs. The 23L pack is made with 500D CORDURA® fabric and features two compartments for organization, along with plenty of attachment points to secure quick-access items externally.

First Tactical Tactix 0.5-Day Backpack (US$ 159.99)

With a variety of internal and exterior pockets, Hook & Hang Thru compartment and no shortage of attachment points, this pack gives you plenty of options for customizing your carry setups to changing needs and preferences. The clamshell-style opening lets you easily pack and retrieve items, while the durable build takes demanding use in its stride.

Vertx EDC Gamut (US$ 199.95)

The EDC Gamut offers a thoughtful blend of great access, organization and low-key aesthetics that blend into diverse settings. Front panel organization, wide-opening main and secondary compartments, multiple pockets, and tech storage for up to a 15″ laptop make this a versatile bag for work and play.

EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loader (US$ 229)

The sleek style and versatile access makes this 24L pack a stylish choice for city use. But its durable, water-resistant build is tough enough to take on outdoor environments too. The pack features a clamshell-style main compartment, top and side carry handles, multiple pockets for organizing your gear, padded storage for a 15″ laptop, and hydration bladder compatibility.

Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed (US$ 245)

Extremely tough and adaptable, the FAST Pack Litespeed shares a lot of the GR1’s features. It’s built in the USA with 1000D CORDURA® fabric, is hydration bladder compatible, offers a clamshell-style main compartment for easy packing and access, and provides a range of pockets and webbing attachment points for organization. However, the 22L FAST Pack Litespeed has a more tactical exterior aesthetic than the GR1, which is something to bear in mind if you’re looking for a bag that won’t stand out in urban settings.

Triple Aught Design Axiom 18 Pack (US$ 245)

If you’re keen on a TAD pack but want more understated urban styling that suits work and play, consider the Axiom 18 Pack. The weatherproof pack includes a front admin pocket and further quick-access pockets for organizing smaller essentials. There’s also separate front storage for dirty items or fast access to items like outer layers. Additionally, the back of the pack offers separate storage for up to a 13″ laptop. The main compartment features a clamshell-style opening, fits up to a 15″ laptop, and includes Helix attachment points for securing accessories and other items.

Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack (US$ 260.10)

The S.H.A.D.O. 28L backpack is a versatile bag that finds a good balance between urban and outdoor functionality. Rugged enough to embrace the outdoors but still understated enough to suit a lot of urban environments, the pack features dual clamshell-style compartments for general and EDC storage. An exterior cinch cord, daisy chain and pockets keep essentials within easy reach, and the main compartment includes a padded laptop sleeve. Made in the USA with 500D CORDURA® fabric, the pack features a bright orange lining for easier visibility and is also hydration bladder compatible.

Kifaru Urban Zippy (US$ 300)

The Urban Zippy works well as both an EDC and travel pack. A useful range of organization options keep smaller items tidy and within easy reach, while a cinch cord and compression straps allow you to secure bulkier items externally. The functional design is backed up by durable US-made construction featuring 500D CORDURA® fabric.

Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault CL (US$ 375)

Looking for a tough hauler that embraces outdoor and urban needs? This hard-wearing 30L pack is well up to the task, made in the USA and built to take a beating. The 3-ZIP closure provides fast access to the main compartment, with a laptop sleeve that also doubles as storage for a hydration bladder. And with exterior pockets and webbing, you can easily add additional items as required.

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For people new to the backpacking world, you might be tempted to try a one to three-day hike using the trusty daypack that you have been using for years. The problem, of course, is that you will end up having to strap so many things to the outside of your daypack that you will be flopping down the trail and most likely rubbing a pretty good blister into your back as your tent jabs you, in unison with each stride.

The other extreme is to purchase the largest possible pack following from the logic that more is always better. Overpackers, we’re talking to you! Taking along a pack with a volume of 70 to 100 liters for a simple overnight hike might be plausible if you are packing along several bottles of whisky and an entire kitchen to celebrate your buddy’s birthday out in the wild, but it definitely doesn’t make sense if you want to travel lightly and comfortably.

A pack that is anywhere in the 35 to 50-liter range is usually an ideal size for a one to three-day hike. This volume will give you more than enough room to take along the necessities for life on the trail while not burdening you with extra weight and bulk.

Below, we will analyze some of the pros and cons associated with different types of backpacks that are best for a one to three-day hike. And then dish out recommendations for different types of hikers who are headed out to the wilderness for one to three-day adventure.

Panel Loader versus Top Loader Packs

One of the first things you need to consider when choosing a pack is whether you want your bag to be a top loader or a panel loader. Top loader backpacks are what you usually see in daypacks. These only allow access to your gear from the top meaning that you have to pack accordingly and pack the stuff you won’t need until nighttime at the bottom of your pack. The issue of course is that you might have to unload everything to get to your rain jacket that you left at the bottom of the bag when you set out on a sunny morning.

Panel loader packs have a U-shaped zipper on the front of the bag that allows one panel to fall away like a flap. This makes it easier to rummage through your stuff without unpacking everything and they’re usually good options for short travel hikes. The cons are that if you have overpacked your bag, things will fall out when you open the front panel. And the more zippers along the exterior leaves more opportunity for water to ingress (but rain covers can fix that).

Internal Frames versus Frameless Backpacks

Many one to three-day packs will come with internal frames (either from plastic or a lightweight aluminum pole structure). Obviously, this will add a little bit of weight to your pack but also allow you to comfortably add more weight. Frameless packs will mold perfectly to your back but generally don’t allow you to add any serious weight without putting a lot of stress on your shoulders and on the pack itself. Frameless packs are thus a better option for people who are planning on traveling ultra-light and have their packing game completely dialed.

Shoulder and Hip Padding Options

While some lightweight packs might not have any sort of shoulder or hip padding, this is an essential feature if you are carrying weight over 20 pounds for a long distance. The padding will help to take the stress off your shoulders and avoid unnecessary rubbing that could lead to blisters or bruises. If you are hiking on uneven terrain, you should also consider a pack that has a sternum strap that will help to stabilize your load.

External Attachments and Multiple Compartments: A Must-Have

There is nothing worse than having to dig through your entire bag just to find a pair of gloves on a cold morning. Packs that come with several external attachments and multiple compartments allow you to stay organized while on the trail. You can place your mid-morning snack in an easy-to-access pouch so that you can save yourself from the hassle of having to rummage through your dirty socks in order to find your sandwich.

Hydration Compatibility

Many packs come with an internal hydration sleeve where you can put some sort of hydration reservoir or plastic water bottle. This might be necessary if you are a quick hiker and don’t want to lose time digging through your pack every time you need a drink.

What Size Do You Need?

While the needs of every hiker are different, we recommend that a pack with a volume of anywhere between 35 and 50 liters is more than enough. This size allows for more than enough room for a small tent, sleeping bag, food supplies, and extra clothes. At the same time, it is small enough to not add unneeded weight and bulkiness for a short hike and it will force you to think about what is essential during your time out in nature.

Different Options for Specific Hikers

Women’s Pack Specifics

Women are built different than men, and their packs should reflect the different body shapes. In general, women have shorter torsos than men, and the pack they choose should come with a shorter torso option. Furthermore, contoured shoulder pads that better adapt to a woman’s physique will allow for a more comfortable feel while carrying the pack.

Minimalist Hiker Backpack Options

For people who truly enjoy hiking lightly, choosing a tarp over a tent is a great way to lower your overall pack weight and thus opt for a smaller pack. If you’re hiking on the Appalachian Trail, or other trails that have shelters already set up for hikers, a small sleeping pad will reduce weight and your need for extra space as well.

Group Hiking Options: Who Carries the Tent?

If you are headed out to the wilderness with a group of friends, chances are that not everyone needs to bring their own tent. When hiking in a group, it might very well be possible to choose an even lighter and smaller pack for the members of the group fortunate enough not to be carrying the tent. A 35-liter pack (or less) is more than enough space to carry your sleeping bag, food, and other necessities.

The Best Backpacks for a 1 to 3 Day Hike

Below we offer a quick review of the most important features and characteristics of the top 12 backpacks on the market for a 1 to 3 day trip.

Traveling Light – Under 35L

REI Traverse 28

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The Traverse 28 is a good option if you’re after a functional pack with a budget-friendly price tag. The pack is available in men’s and women’s versions and includes handy features such as REI’s UpLift compression system designed to pull the load up and in towards your center of gravity, quick-access pockets, and hydration bladder compatibility.

Osprey Talon 33

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With its adjustable torso length, quick-access pockets and easy-access exterior hydration bladder compatibility the Talon 33 (and its women-specific counterpart the Tempest 30) is a useful trail companion for long day trips or overnight adventures.

Mystery Ranch Coulee 40

This 40L pack comes with a quality 3-Zip design that allows for quick and easy access to the main compartment of the pack. Additionally, the pack has two large stretch pockets across the front of the pack for storage of items that you will need often while on the trail.

Granite Gear Lutsen 45

This is a great pack for slightly heavier loads since it is quite a bit sturdier than other options here. The 45L Granite Gear Lutsen is one of the best packs for transferring loads while on the trail.

Boreas Tamarack 48 SE

The 48L Boreas Tamarack has easy-to-adjust hip and shoulder straps and hidden daisy chains which make it easy to adjust perfectly to the shape of your back. An external spinnaker sleeve is also included to increase the carrying capacity of your bag.

Hauling Mid-sized Loads – 50L to 65L

Kelty Redwing

This pack from Kelty comes in two different sizes (50L and 44L) and one of the packs is designed specifically for women. It is also an inexpensive option while not skimping on any of the essentials.

Arc’teryx Bora AR 50

This quality 50-liter pack is larger than some of the others reviewed here and also is perhaps the most durable of all the packs. It is extremely water resistant and has great comfort along the hip line which is good for heavy loads.

Osprey Atmos AG 50

This pack offers an excellent combination of load-carrying comfort and ventilation thanks to Osprey’s suspended AntiGravity back system. And with a removable lid, you can benefit from extra space when you need it or trim weight when you want to travel light.

The Aura AG 50 is the women-specific alternative to the Atmos AG 50, with all of the same handy benefits including the adjustable AG AntiGravity back system, removable lid and quick-access pockets for frequently used items and snacks.

Designed for women, Osprey’s Ariel AG 55 features an adjustable torso length, removable top lid, AG AntiGravity back system and a range of pockets and attachment points for quick-access items. Plus a choice of top and side access makes getting to your gear easy without the need to rummage and repack.

The women-specific Terra 55 provides a great combination of comfort and access. The North Face’s OPTIFIT suspension system can be adjusted to suit different torso lengths, while a variety of pockets keep items tidy and accessible. For added flexibility the pack also provides top and side access options.

REI Flash 65

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The Flash 65 comes in three sizes and offers an adjustable torso length along with a reinforced and padded hip belt and ventilated shoulder straps for comfortable load carrying and weight distribution. The top-loading pack also provides a J-zip for side and bottom access into the main compartment, and a good range of quick-access pockets.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Southwest
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Super light, this pack is designed for climbers. It has a single main compartment and nice back pad running up and down the length of the pack. The shoulders are lightly padded. While there is no external storage, you can purchase extra hip belt pockets. Minimalism at its best.

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70

At about 4.5 pounds, this pack is heavier than most other one to three day backpacks, but also has four side pockets and one front mesh pocket. If you like to bring along extra comforts for a short hike, this pack is the one for you.

 

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Two weeks ago, I was down in that valley at the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. Along with 30,000 other people, I looked over gear and listened to product pitches deep in the Salt Palace Convention Center. Today, I’m still checking out gear but on my own terms, in the great outdoors, and with a mere 300 other people. I’m at the inaugural CamelBak Pursuit Series in Snowbasin, Utah and the trail running class I signed up for is pushing me to my limits.

The CamelBak Pursuit Series, in partnership with The Outbound Collective, is designed to be a turnkey outdoor experience. Just show up with a pair of shoes and choose from the nearly 250 classes and outdoor experiences offered over the three-day event. It’s a consumer-facing event where brands can build genuine, offline relationships with customers. On the flip side, customers have access to any outdoor activity they want with full gear and instruction provided by the brands. It’s a win/win.

The outdoor industry is booming. Or perhaps it’s more accurately described as trending. Swoon-worthy Instagram photos and epic Facebook videos have done a lot in the last few years to drive people to the outdoors more than ever before. Yet for every one of these newly-hooked outdoorsmen and women taking sunrise selfies on top of a mountain, there’s two who have no actual clue how to pack an overnight backpack to follow suit, especially safely. As an outdoor gear company, how do you not just sell consumers gear but also provide some lasting benefit and experience to them?

This is where the CamelBak Pursuit Series comes in. Want to bike down a mountain? Great, Trek is on hand with bikes and some bonafide instructors. Or perhaps you’re looking for a more low-key hike in the woods? Not a problem because Granite Gear is leading a hike led by a thru-hiking legend. But then again it is the weekend so maybe you just want to kick back with a drink in hand? Cool because Tito’s Vodka is teaching you how to imbibe in style in the outdoors. The outdoors can be experienced in a whole lot of different ways. The Pursuit Series recognizes that and provides the logistics to safely dive in, no matter how gnarly you want to get.

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“Brands can build genuine, offline relationships with customers. On the flip side, customers have access to any outdoor activity they want with full gear and instruction provided.”

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For Granite Gear’s Rob Coughlin this is a key benefit of attending the Pursuit Series. In “How to Pack a Bag,” one of Granite Gear’s numerous classes being taught daily, Rob excitedly tells me that all 15 people in this class have never worn a hiking backpack. “That’s an incredible opportunity to teach people safe backpacking,” a visibly stoked Rob tells me. Paul Twedt, another Granite Gear guy and seriously accomplished thru-hiker, chimes in about how you see thru-hikers with serious, long-term back problems because of incorrectly loaded packs. “At the Pursuit Series we can provide these new hikers not just with one of our packs but also the knowledge of how to keep using our pack. That’s really cool.”

As brands begin to find ways to take their sizeable online communities offline for experiential events (think Outpost and Outessa), bag companies find themselves filling an interesting niche in these events. Regardless of what event you’re doing, you likely need a bag. And for CamelBak, the fact that you’ll be carrying water as well makes sponsoring an event like the Pursuit Series a natural fit. As Whitney Standring-Trueblood of CamelBak tells me, even if they weren’t here people would still be bringing CamelBaks to nearly everything here. “I think we’re a natural sponsor for an event like this.”

As I relax beneath the airy CamelBak tipi throughout the weekend Whitney has a point. With the exception of Granite Gear hiking packs, CamelBak packs are ubiquitous on participants’ backs. As Julia Stamps Mallon of Eventus Outdoors, one of the organizers of the event, explains the brands – and gear – being used throughout the Pursuit Series is a very intentional thing.

Although there’s a natural synergy between the brands (for instance there’s only one company here that sells hydration packs), deciding what companies to invite was the second step in building the Pursuit Series. “In planning this event we sat down and made a dream list of adventures that we could do in Snowbasin. From there we decided what gear and brands we would need to invite to make this happen.”

While watching the Camp Chef crew prepare mouthwatering food I think about this distinction – adventures first and then brands. Had this been the other way around it would be too easy to dismiss the Pursuit Series as a marketing event masquerading as an adult summer camp. Instead it comes across as a genuine event for the brands in attendance to build organic relationships, share their stories outside of product catalogues, and offer some bonafide knowledge that encourages getting outside. As the weekend comes to a close I’m stoked to see how the CamelBak Pursuit Series and similar events will continue to develop and start to shape the outdoor industry in a way that feels right.

Curious to give the CamelBak Pursuit Series a go? The second edition is happening in Sanborn, California September 8 – 10. More information here.

*Photos courtesy of The Outbound Collective – Clare Healy, Jason Hatfield, Josh Currie, Mike Fennell, and Prajit Ravindran

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Author’s Note: Melisine collaborated extensively on this article, providing much of the research that laid the foundation for the story.

1988

”Personal hydration system” was invented in 1988 by a Texas paramedic, Michael Eidson to cope with the harsh conditions of the “Hotter ‘n Hell 100” bike race he was participating in. To prevent dehydration, he made a drinking system from an IV bag, surgical tubing clamped with a clothespin over his shoulder, and a tube sock that he sewed to his shirt. Eidson is able to drink as he pedals, while the other racers laugh and fiddle with their water bottles.

Within months, Eidson had a finished product—the ThermoBak, an insulated sleeve with two nylon straps and a hose.

1989

The first CamelBak packs enter production. The original product was made from PVC IV bags and used off the shelf fill and and exit ports. This made things easier to produce and get to market but hurt profitability because of the reliance on third party suppliers.

1991

The CamelBak Bite Valve is patented and remains the same self-sealing single piece silicone design.

The first military orders from CamelBak packs arrive. These bags had military specific reservoirs to accommodate the different usage scenarios on the battlefield.  These included custom materials that are thicker, different colors and anti-microbial reservoirs and tubes. Up until this time, recreation and military reservoirs were similar. CamelBak still produces packs for the military to this day.

1996

The iconic M.U.L.E. pack is invented and the narrow pack made for mountain bikers remains a bestseller and iconic silhouette.

1997

The company started making completely their own reservoir in late 90’s (around 1997) with all parts completely custom designed themselves.  This gave them the freedom to customize specifications: how much water it can hold, what material the bladders were made of, etc.

1998

The Big Bite (TM) Valve is patented.

2001

2011

2016

The Crux reservoir is announced during the Summer of 2016. This latest revision of their iconic hydration bladder includes the greatest advancements. To address the act of filling the reservoir, CamelBak redesigned the cap to allow users to start threading wherever they want rather than having to properly align it.

To increase flow, CamelBak looked at the ends of the tube – Quick Link disconnect on one end, and the Bite Valve on the other, but found that these didn’t lead to any flow restrictions. Instead, they found that increasing the diameter of the tube and changing the angle of the valve to 45-degrees (from 90-degrees) resulted in a 20% increase water being delivered to the user.

Lastly, a new on/off valve is easy to use with just one hand, and is compatible current Quick Link systems, allowing for an upgrade path for existing customers.

Sources

Interviews with Andy Rees, Jeremy Galten, Betsy Leggat, Seth Beiden from CamelBak

Taylor, Tom. “Innovation in Hydration: How CamelBak became a military essential”. Sports Illustrated. Time Inc, 20 Jun. 2016

Felton, Vernon. “bag to the future”. Bikemag. The Enthusiast Network, 12 Dec. 2013.

Wikipedia: CamelBak

CamelBak: About Us

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AustriAlpin

While not a bag company, AustriAlpin hardware decorates some of our favorite bags. There’s also a growing movement in the Carryology community to see how many of AustriAlpin’s Cobra buckles can be sewn onto one bag (current record at 9), so we had to swing by the booth.

While the original Cobra buckle is still going strong, it’s getting a makeover with additional colors. The orange and various shades of green look very sharp. Recognizing that the size and price of the original Cobra buckle is overkill for most bags, AustriAlpin is also rolling out a more ‘fashion’ orientated buckle. It’s the same buckle mechanism but at a much smaller size, price (~$7.50 wholesale), and a whole range of anodized colors.

CamelBak

We came to the CamelBak booth for the purified water fountains they had on hand and stayed for the impressive range of bags to comfortably carry this water.

Taking their bestselling Fourteener and Sequoia backpacks, CamelBak has redesigned them from the ground up. Aside from a host of practical features there’s a new compression system CamelBak is calling ‘waist belt wings’. Basically it’s a system that will simultaneously tighten and compress your pack and hydration bladder in order to keep the bags tight against your body as the volume decreases throughout a hike.

The Nano Vest is an ultralight vest (150 grams) for runners. For being so small, the Nano Vest can carry 2 liters of gear and 1 liter of water. It also boasts a slick way to stow trekking poles while on the go.

The most durable bags we say at OR have to be CamelBak’s new K.U.D.U. and T.O.R.O. packs. Designed for mountain bikers, these bags include a back panel protector, sternum protector and hydration bladders. If you’re going light, the back panel protector can be worn without the rest of the bag.

Dakine

Dakine came to OR with three new collections of bags that will appeal to everyone from the hardcore adventurer to the hardcore partier.

Things start off with the updated Cyclone Collection. There’s a host of bags here from backpacks to board bags all designed with burly Cordura ripstop fabric and meant to get wet. The 60L Duffel has a two-way purge valve for compression or flotation. The Wet/Dry Pack has a waterproof pocket just to hold a wet wetsuit.

Among the trends we saw at this year’s OR was the resurgence of fanny packs (though the politically correct name is now lumbar or hip packs). Dakine was debuting their Hot Laps series, three lumbar packs aimed at bikers. They feature hydration bladders on the larger packs and a ton of convenient pocketing.

Recognizing that the last thing you want is a warm beer, Dakine’s Party Block series not only has insulated softshell coolers, but also a shoulder belt with Velcro coozies (think the Rambo belt but with beer). The Party Block 28L comes in a sharp camo colorway and features 1” thick closed cell foam lining to keep those 18 (!) cans cool. Party on.

Dyneema

For carry-heads, the Dyneema booth was like a candy shop. Dyneema, the manufacturer of the superpower-esque textile of the same name, had a number of packs and gear on display that featured various Dyneema weaves and composites. Among them a North Face jacket, packs from Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Saint motorcycle jeans.

We noticed more and more companies at this year’s OR starting to incorporate Dyneema weaves into their bags. Or at the very least, designers from said companies sewing one-off bags with Dyneema that turned heads. Carryology Senior Editor David Vo was even spotted trying to barter his first child for a green Dyneema daypack.

Behind The Dyneema Project, Dyneema’s targeted collaboration program, we’re excited to see how Dyneema continues to find its place in the wider outdoor industry.

Filson

Nobody does heritage packs at OR quite as well as Filson. And while their bags boast top-of-the-line heritage material, this comes with a high price point. Recognizing this, Filson is releasing a host of new bags sewn with a ballistic nylon instead of their traditional wax cotton or tin cloth.

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“Filson is releasing a host of new bags sewn with a ballistic nylon instead of their traditional wax cotton or tin cloth.”

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The profiles are still unmistakably Filson and are available across a line of backpacks and duffels.

Granite Gear

We’ve always got our eyes on Granite Gear after awarding them an ‘Innovation Award’ at OR a few years ago. The team from Minnesota is coming out with a collection of five packs all hand-sewn back in Minnesota.

The Daywalker, Clipper and Crux are solid daypacks that can be used on the trail and taken back into the city. Then there’s a pair of duffels that can be worn as backpacks. All feature rock solid construction and have a nice heritage touch. We’re digging the subdued colorways and understated style of this series.

Mountain Hardwear

With a booth featuring a beer cave, we spent a good amount of time talking shop with the team from Mountain Hardwear. They’re releasing the Multi-Pitch Collection, a line of climbing bags that were perhaps the most dialed-in bags we saw all show.

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“Mountain Hardwear are releasing the Multi-Pitch Collection, a line of climbing bags that were perhaps the most dialed-in bags we saw all show.”

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There are four packs, ranging from a chalk bag to a 40-liter ‘Station’. The way these bags can be laid out and accessed while fully loaded with gear had us drooling. They’re all decked out with super durable ballistic nylon and abrasion-resistant TPU and are just begging you to rough them up. Even for the non-climbers, the obsession that the Mountain Hardwear team designed into this series is impressive.

Mystery Ranch

The team from Montana was in top form at OR with some great-looking new bags and a host of updates to existing bags. The stars of their booth were the new Terraframe and Hover packs.

The Terraframe line are bags with entirely new suspension systems designed to comfortably carry serious loads. The idea is that the bag adjusts to carry large, heavy loads next to your back instead of awkwardly lashing them to the exterior of your bag. The frame and harness are really well engineered, really in a league of their own.

The Hover Pack is a clever bag designed to not only minimize points of contact between the bag and your back, but do so in a way that doesn’t take away from the carrying capacity of the pack. There are some serious frame stays that effectively direct the levitating load down to your hips. Trying on this bag, it felt ridiculously comfortable and minimal despite being 50 liters.

In addition to a number of smaller daypacks, Mystery Ranch is set to release a line of roller duffels. The Mission Wheelies clock in at 40, 80 and 130-liter sizes. The wheels on these rollers are legitimately off-road. There’s a flexible molded shell along the bottom of the bag and 1000D Cordura fabric on the top. If there happened to be a tornado at OR, I would run and hide in the 130-liter Wheelie, it’s that tough.

Thule

Thule had a full line of new bags and updates to existing lines. Lots of good stuff here. Starting off with their new AllTrail series, we liked the way this line of outdoor backpacks was geared to the casual backpackers. Nothing unnecessary or complicated about these bags, and lots of accessories to adapt the pack to your needs. The hipbelt can be fitted with seven various accessories including a camera pouch and hiking pole holsters.

On the hydration front Thule introduced the Vital pack, a lightweight pack aimed at bikers. It’s available in three sizes and features some well-designed access points. We really liked Thule’s ReTrakt hose return system – basically a magnet on the hydration hose and shoulder strap to ensure that you have no problems with floppy hoses.

Finally Thule updated their Subterra luggage line. There’s a series of new colorways, sizes and solid travel features. One in particular had us wondering why this hasn’t been done before. Thule’s putting magnets in their luggage grab handles. This allows you to quickly unzip your bag and get inside without needing to unbutton any handles. Travellers rejoice.

Tortuga

File this one under ‘backroom dealing’. We met the Tortuga crew to discuss a prototype of their backpack at an undisclosed location post-OR. The bag is part of their new Homebase collection. It’s a bag that’s meant to serve for nomads who have a few home bases scattered across the globe. The material is super lightweight, the build is rock solid, and we’re stoked to see this bag released.

YETI

YETI, best known for the insulated cooler, is getting into the carry game. They’re debuting the Panga duffel, a fully submersible beast of a bag that’s available in 50, 75 and 100-liter sizes. It’s decked out with a Hydrolok zipper, all-metal hardware and handy interior pocketing. As YETI puts it, this bag is nothing short of a waterproof fortress.

“YETI are debuting the Panga duffel, a fully submersible beast of a bag that’s available in 50, 75 and 100-liter sizes.”

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Matador

Matador was impossible to miss thanks to a large gong frequently being gonged in their booth. Adding to their line of super-packable bags is a 28-liter backpack with hydration bladder. The bag is affectionately known as The Beast and packs down smaller than a Nalgene bottle.

Cordura

Somewhere nestled in the back of the Salt Palace Convention Center is the Cordura booth, the textile manufacturer that 95% of the bags at OR are sewn with. Stepping into their booth it’s always impressive to see not only the sheer number of textiles on hand but also new fabric technologies being developed.

We’ll hold off on detailing these technologies and instead will wax poetic on two bags Cordura designed with The North Face to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The bags are based on original North Face designs and feature hardware from all of the original supplies. As Cordura puts it, ‘they got the band back together’ for these bags. Bonafide carry candy.

Timbuk2

Timbuk2 came out swinging at OR. They not only had the most new bags on display at OR, but some of the most complete lines. Their bags were divided between four lines – heritage, urban mobility, travel and bike. Sharp colorways, super reflective material (for the bikers), and lots of accessory bags really impressed us. We can’t touch on every bag but we’ll mention a few that caught our eyes.

Take the Mission Sling. It’s an 8L-10L sling/hip bag that was designed with music festival goers in mind. It’s got extra-large pockets and zippers if your vision is blurry and can easily fit a small jacket or blanket.

Or look at the Wander Pack. It’s a 40-liter travel backpack that is aimed at one-bag travelers. There’s tons of accessible pocketing, a full line of packing cubes and gadget holders available, and it’s designed in very sharp colorways.

Finally there’s the Circuit Sling. While this bag would be a solid messenger bag as is, what really caught our eye was the material this bag is made with. Timbuk2 took reflective material and laid it beneath a coarse nylon weave. The result is that the entire bag lights up when a light shines on it.

We also got wind of a recent collaboration Timbuk2 did with…Froot Loops. Yes, apparently this limited-edition backpack has swapped a laptop sleeve out for a cereal box holder and the material of the bag is printed with the image of Froot Loops being poured from a box. Carry Candy. No pun intended.

Gami

Another OR backroom special. Gami is the newest bag brand at this year’s OR. It’s an evolving collaboration between members of the Alite and Boreas teams that is experimenting with origami-inspired bag designs. The Gami is their first release and is an interesting approach to an expanding duffel.

The folding design of the bag is meant to carry from work to the gym to travel through a clever expanding system. The Gami bag is currently live on Kickstarter.

The North Face

The North Face continued to push some really solid expedition packs out at OR. The flagship was the Prophet 100L. Yes, for anyone needing a 100L pack, the Prophet has got you covered. Highlights include a Dyneema weave for the fabric, a waist belt and hip belt that can be adjusted with one hand while still wearing the pack, and uber-compressible pockets all in a very useable form. It’s an impressive pack and the large photo of a grinning Conrad Anker behind the display only made the bag seem more badass.

Along with some updates to their climbing packs, The North Face is also rolling out the Prophet in a few more traditional sizes.

It’s also worth noting that The North Face is releasing an entirely new line of urban packs in the near future. No amount of bribery could convince them to give us any more details.

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Running on fumes (the beer tents had long ago closed) and dangerously close to a carry overdose, we stumbled out of the Salt Palace into the fading light glimmering through downtown Salt Lake City. However, before our OR 2017 buzz ended we had some hardware to dole out. Stay tuned for the 2017 Carryology Outdoor Retailer Best in Show Awards…

The post Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2017 :: Recap Part II appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Snow

The following packs are designed to help you out when you’re hitting the slopes. From avalanche airbags that prioritize protection, to quick-access storage for skis or a snowboard, these bags aim to keep you safe and your gear within easy reach.

Deuter Ontop Tour ABS 38+ SL Women’s Avalanche Airbag Pack – US$ 998.73 (save $250.27 (20%))

Deuter OnTop ABS 30 Avalanche Airbag Pack – US$ 598.83 (save $600.17 (50%))

Backcountry Access Float 42 Avalanche Airbag Pack – US$ 559.93 (save $140.02 (20%))

Mammut Ride R.A.S. Avalanche Airbag Pack – US$ 349.83 (save $350.12 (50%))

Dakine Heli Pro II Pack – US$ 101.93 (save $43.07 (29%))

Burton AK 20L Pack – US$ 104.93 (save $45.02 (30%))

Hiking

Multi-day hiking packs should offer a good balance of useful space and carry comfort. Just like the packs below, which will haul your gear comfortably over several days of exploring the outdoors. And for added versatility, they can serve as an alternative to wheeled luggage and tag along on your travels too.

Osprey Ariel 55 AG Pack – US$ 217.49 (save $72.51 (25%))

Osprey Aether 85 AG Pack – US$ 247.49 (save $82.51 (25%))

REI Co-op Traverse 85 Pack – US$ 195.29 (save $83.71 (30%))

Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 85 Pack – US$ 276.73 (save $93.22 (25%))

Fishing

This pack is primarily designed for fishing, but its waterproof design makes it a handy option for other water-based activities too such as boat trips or water sports.

Patagonia Stormfront Pack – US$ 245.73 (save $83.27 (25%))

Everyday

Need somewhere to store your tech during the daily commute? How about a convenient place to stash some lunch and EDC essentials while out and about during your downtime? These packs are in their element taking care of a variety of everyday carry needs, from hauling work tools to a change of clothing or day-to-day supplies.

Osprey Pixel Pack – US$ 104.93 (save $45.07 (30%))

The North Face Access Pack – US$ 163.93 (save $71.07 (30%))

Arc’teryx Granville Pack – US$ 138.93 (save $60.07 (30%))

Millican The Do Roll Pack – US$ 136.93 (save $8.07 (5%))

Topo Designs Mountain Daypack – US$ 131.93 (save $57.07 (30%))

The North Face Isabella Daypack – US$ 62.93 (save $22.07 (25%))

Hydration

A lot of bags offer storage for a water bottle, but sometimes you need faster, easier access to hydration. Whether you’re mountain biking or trail rambling on two feet, these packs help you stay easily hydrated thanks to their hydration bladder compatibility, while also offering useful storage for essential tools and supplies.

CamelBak K.U.D.U. 18 Hydration Pack – US$ 134.73 (save $90.27 (40%))

CamelBak Fourteener 24 Hydration Pack – US$ 108.73 (save $36.27 (25%))

Cycling

If you tackle the daily commute through pedal power, these packs are definitely worth scoping out. Key design elements include protection from the elements, secure comfort for covering the miles at speed, along with space for your tech, work supplies and EDC.

Timbuk2 Heist Roll-Top RF Bike Pack – US$ 118.93 (save $80.07 (40%))

Osprey Spin 32 Cycling Pack – US$ 111.73 (save $38.27 (25%))

Ortlieb Velocity Design Cycling Pack – US$ 99.93 (save $25.07 (20%))

*image courtesy of the Granite Gear blog.

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