Black Diamond Archives - Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry

Carry 101: My Essential Car Camping Gear

Andrew Sporrer — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 23:29:11 +0000

Winter has been rough here in the northern hemisphere and I for one am itching for warmer temperatures and hopefully some sun. If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to dust off your party equipment than spring. Use this rundown to make sure you’re ready to roll when adventure calls.

Coming from a backpacking discipline, car camping requires you take more or less the same stuff, but with one exception—you don’t have to carry it, so weight and bulk are an afterthought. Since you’re just tossing everything in your car, we recommend you use a bin and bag system to keep everything compartmentalized and easily accessible.

For easy of readability, let’s break it down into four categories of gear:

– Sleep system
– Shelter
– Kitchen stuff
– Food and water storage

You can obviously break that down a little further, but there’s really no need to complicate this.

Sleep System
- Sleeping bag: The North Face Blue Kazoo
- Sleeping pad: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite
- Cot?

Discovering New Gear with Cairn

Frank Sedlar — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 23:12:48 +0000

When the Cairn Obsidian Box arrived at my doorstep I was unsure of what to expect from a subscription service, a box, and their promise to Get Cairn, Get Outside. I received Cairn’s Obsidian level box, a pack of 5-10 products ($300+ in retail I’m told) that comes every three months with a price tag of $250 per quarter. This quarter’s box was themed Adventure Travel, curated by photographer Andy Best for a 2,000-mile road trip into British Columbia.

While I had no such road trip in mind, I was interested in finding out how well a subscription box would work for a weekend warrior like myself. Was this box simply outdoor marketing fluff that a gearhead like myself would eat up? Or was there some soul in this box and some gear that would actually come in useful outside?

So when Saturday arrived I opened the Obsidian Box, determined to make the most of whatever lay inside this impressively packaged box. Shaking the box like an adolescent kid on Christmas, the first item to pop out was a Lonely Planet book, Epic Hikes of the World (hardcover to boot). This seemed like an apt place to start the weekend’s adventure.

“Cairn is working closely with brands and targeted consumers to deliver new products instead of simply clearing out old products.”

Flipping through the pages and consulting my calendar I quickly realized that I simply could not hike the Pacific Crest Trail this weekend. However my mood was immediately lifted when I saw that Boston’s Freedom Trail was a listed hike. As I am based in Boston, this 2.5-mile trail was a perfect fit with ample pubs along the way to duck into if the gear Cairn had waiting for me didn’t work out.

After tearing into the rest of the box I realized that I would be very well off with what Cairn had curated. An array of Clif Bars to fuel my trek (one every mile by my count), a Matador toiletry bottle as those Boston trails can be grungy, a Black Diamond FineLine rain jacket (a necessary piece of clothing in November in New England), and the pièce de résistance, an Osprey BigKit 75L Duffel. Perhaps overkill for a 2.5-mile hike but I’m not complaining. With a heavy November rain falling outside I decked myself out in Cairn’s Obsidian Box and headed out to Boston’s Freedom Trail.

“Cairn is providing a different way to engage with brands while trying out some products that maybe otherwise wouldn’t end up in your carry quiver.”

As I write this piece from a warm pub in Boston’s North End on the tail end of the Freedom Trail, I really like what Cairn is doing. In an Amazon-fueled world of outdoor gear, I appreciate the value of curation more and more as it becomes increasingly difficult to sift through the noise. And, unlike other subscription services, Cairn is working closely with brands and targeted consumers to deliver new products instead of simply clearing out old products.

Will Cairn fundamentally shift how we buy outdoor gear? Unlikely, but I don’t believe that’s the point. Instead, Cairn is providing a different way to engage with brands while trying out some products that maybe otherwise wouldn’t end up in your carry quiver. It’s fun, it makes a great gift, and Cairn will even take your old gear, repair it, and resell it with proceeds going to the Conservation Alliance. They’re not reinventing the wheel, but making it turn a little differently and I think that’s exciting. I’ll save the adventure of my 2.5-mile hike for another time.

Liked the above article? Why not try these too:

The Best Travel Shoes for Every Type of Traveler Right Now

Packing for the Appalachian Trail

The Best Backpacks for a 1 to 3 Day Hike

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A Beginner’s Guide to Climbing Packs

Carry HQ — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:12:51 +0000

Keen to get into climbing but not sure where to start in the carry department? Guest contributor and climbing enthusiast Matthew “Blue” Taylor has you well covered with this awesome beginner’s guide to climbing packs…

Types of Climbing Packs

Crag Pack

If you’re just getting into rock climbing outside (where the air is clear and the holds are real), you’ll probably be best served by a backpacking pack or, if you know you’re serious, a crag pack. The basic climbing pack, sometimes called a crag pack, is designed specifically to carry climbing gear to the crag: quickdraws, rope, climbing shoes, snacks, water, layers for variable weather conditions. This bulky gear needs to be carried up potentially steep and scrabbly terrain and then be easily accessible at the destined crag. The pack will likely get scraped against rocks and trees on the way. Since the approach or hike to the crag or cliff can be rough, climbing packs are usually made out of Dyneema, ripstop nylon, tarpaulin, or Cordura. Durability and suspension might be sacrificed for a lighter pack in alpine or mountaineering situations, but for a crag pack you want something that can take daily cragging abuse. Crag packs frequently have multiple handles to easily move them from route to route on the same crag or wall. Most crag packs will be about 35 liters to 50 liters and they tend to come in many different opening or loading styles detailed in a section below. These different loading styles provide easy access to all of the gear.

Rope Bags

Rope bags are tarps turned into packs to carry your most precious lifeline and keep it clean. Over time dirt gets inside the rope fibers, getting the belayer’s hands dirty and creating more wear and grime on all of the hardware the rope passes through, but a rope tarp or bag can help minimize this. Rope bags can also make it easier to keep the rope organized and avoid knots forming without having to carefully coil it after each use. If a crag pack is big enough, the rope and rope bag can be carried inside of it. Some climbers who pack light will use a rope bag such as the Bolsa by Petzl, instead of a crag pack to carry everything. A rope bag can also be used to keep your climbing shoes off the dirt when not being used for climbing, such as in the picture of the Black Diamond Super Chute rope bag.

Alpine or Mountaineering Packs

Alpine packs are designed for more variety of terrain including rock, snow, and ice. They usually have bungee cords or loops on the outside to attach ice climbing tools and crampons without cutting the pack (or the climber wearing the pack). Alpine packs tend to be top loading and of lighter fabrics to shave weight and keep things as simple and streamlined as possible while still carrying everything. They also tend to have simpler closing systems that can be used while wearing gloves. For adventures that are one day or less a good size is 35 to 50 liters.

One of the best companies in the business is Hyperlite Mountain Gear. For just climbing multi-pitch rock faces the 2400 Porter is a great option. If you want to add ice climbing into the mix the 2400 Ice Pack is a great option. Arc’teryx, a company which started by making cutting-edge climbing harnesses, also makes great alpine packs. A versatile option is the Alpha FL 45.

Rima wearing an older version of the Gregory Alpinista 45 for mountaineering. Notice the loops for carrying ice tools.

Overnight or Extended Alpine and Mountaineering

For being out in the wilderness then something at least 45 liters or bigger, such as the Black Diamond Mission 75 or the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Ice Pack make great options. These are built for packing the kitchen sink and hauling it up long approaches. Speaking of which…

Haul Bags

The well-named haul bag is meant to be pulled up a wall behind you on longer climbs after. Since they are pulled up by the rope across a rock face, they are engineered to be streamlined and extremely durable. The two most widely used fabrics are urethane and vinyl coated nylon. Most haul bags are shaped like big buckets with straps on top. A great lineup of haul bags are made by Metolius. One of the smaller ones such as the Sentinel or Quarter Dome (right) can double up as a crag pack. This is a good choice if you want a crag pack that is burly enough to handle a zombie apocalypse, nuclear holocaust, alien invasion, a severe shortage of taco trucks, or if you just want to carry your lunch through packs of starving mountain bikers.

Summit Packs

Summit packs are designed to be small enough to be worn while climbing without hindering movement. This is the smallest category of climbing packs, 10 to 20 liters. Since most of the actual climbing protection including quickdraws, slings, cams, and nuts will be on the climber’s harness loops, the summit pack is for carrying water, snacks, and an extra layer or two of storm protection. Summit packs might be stored inside of a bigger pack during the approach to the base of a climb.

Dan Cooper using his red Black Diamond Bullet 16 while climbing in the Gunks (left). Cooper takes a reflective moment out of his busy life as a family man, coordinator of outdoor experiences for NYC students, and starting a microbrewery.

Gym Bags

This relatively new category accommodates climbers who go to the gym after work. These tend to be smaller and might be a simple messenger-style bag such as the Gym 30 by Black Diamond or a commuter backpack like the Seon Shuttle by Mammut with compartments to keep your gym climbing gear and your office gear separate.

Outside in Utah getting some vitamin D last summer. The author in American Fork Canyon (left) and Liz on a route in Maple Canyon (above).

Loading and Opening Styles

Some climbing packs feature innovative engineering.

Top Loading

The most similar to traditional backpacking packs. The downside to top loading is the opening might not be as big and you might have to dig through your stuff or empty it all out to get what you need. The upside is they are the easiest to cram your stuff back into and they tend to be the simplest and lightest designs.

Ozone and the Valdez by Cold Cold World
Cinder Pack 40 by The North Face
Crag Pack by Trango

Burrito

This style opens up for complete access to all your gear. Some burrito styles are padded, which means they can double up as a nice spot to rest between climbs or share with friends like a mini couch or sleeping pad. Having a small bag to put inside the pack for essentials can be helpful so that they don’t get lost when it’s spread out.

Spot Pad by Organic Climbing
Pipe Dream by Black Diamond

Duffle

Useful to see most of your gear though not as open as burrito or suitcase-style bags.

Crag Station by Metolius
Stone Duffel 42 by Black Diamond (pictured below)

Clamshell or Suitcase

Similar to travel luggage, this makes it easy to access all of your gear at the crag.

Flight by DMM

Hybrid Opening Styles

Many packs open in more than one way. This is useful for easy packing at home or in the car, and easy access in different situations.

Cragsmith by Patagonia – both top and duffel
Gravity by Grivel – both top and duffel
Creek 50 Pack by Black Diamond is mainly a top loader but also has a big side zipper similar to the duffel style
Neon Gear 45 by Mammut (pictured right and below) opens similarly to the Cragsmith

Rock climbing in the colder months although not as popular as in the summer has its advantages. There are less crowds, less likelihood of greasing off rock holds from sweaty palms, and overhanging walls can provide shelter to climb on dry rock. Warm layers and a spot of coffee or tea also helps.

Figuring the Correct Size

Torso length is more important than height. Measure the distance between the C7 vertebrae (generally the one that sticks out the most at the base of our necks) and the top of your hip bones (called the iliac crest). Put your hands on your waist with your thumbs on the top of your hip bones in back. Have a friend measure the length of your spine from between your thumbs to your C7 vertebrae. Some packs – such as the Patagonia Cragsmith – come in different torso lengths. Most climbing or outdoor stores will encourage customers to try on several sizes and styles of packs. Put some weight in while testing it out. An easy way to do this is to use the store’s climbing ropes that are for sale. Just make sure the store reps don’t think you are running off with their gear. Some stores have a device for measuring your ideal pack size (similar to a shoe size measuring device). As with hiking packs, the weight of the pack should rest on your hips, as opposed to your shoulders.

Fernando Molina, a mountain guide in Argentina and a rope specialist for cell phone towers and construction sites, using his free time to enjoy the Gunks. (Photo by Dan Cooper).

Recommendations

Best Overall Pick

The Creek 50 by Black Diamond is a great pack for both sport and traditional climbing. A climbing retailer once told me he sells ten of them to any other climbing bag. I’m not sure if he gets a kickback from BD, but I did notice several climbers on my last trip in the Red River Gorge with this pack. It has ample room, a drawstring top and side zipper that combine into one gaping opening, durable waterproof fabric and the bottom panel helps it sit on the ground well.

Jeff Ashley and Brendan Leader, both using the Creek 50, gave us some helpful beta (climbing parlance for information or advice) on the route we were working. Jeff said he would keep the sales tag on his pack to help distinguish it since it is such a popular bag.

Streamlined Simplicity

Black Diamond Stone Duffel 42. If you are just trying out the sport and going outside you will likely spend most of your time sport climbing or single pitch trad climbing. As of this writing it retails for an affordable US$85.95. I have also seen folks use it at the airport instead of wheeled luggage.

Supreme Toughness & Durability

The Metolius Sentinel or Quarter Dome Haul Bag could be used as a crag pack burly enough to survive a zombie-nuclear apocalypse as well as whatever nature throws at us. It’ll also be a great haul bag if you get into big wall climbing.

Cragging Comfort

The Spot by Organic Climbing is all about easily accessing all of your gear at the crag and unfolding to be a comfortable place to relax on when you are not belaying or climbing. I have The Spot and love it as do many of my friends. I have come off a climb more than once to see a friend or two lounging on it. I also love that you can choose the accent colors if you order through Organic Climbing’s website. They are a small boutique company based in Pennsylvania, USA. They are small and personal enough that the owner and founder personally responded to my email when I ordered mine.

Doubles as Airline Carry-On

The Flight by DMM is streamlined on the outside, padded, has decent suspension and has a shape and size that maximizes what many airlines allow as overhead bin carry-on luggage. The Rocker by Grivel is similar.

Dirt Cheap

If you really need to pay attention to your budget but need something to use until you can purchase something better then buying a used pack at a gear swap, second-hand store, or online from sites like eBay, Craig’s List, Amazon, or KSL can save a lot. Even though I now have a couple of newer climbing packs that I love, I still occasionally use my second-hand Evening Star hiking pack from REI which was my first pack (pictured right).

Some overhung walls can provide a shady spot to climb on a hot summer day. The author trying out the moves on the route Melting, in Hell Cave, American Fork Canyon, Utah.

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Best Active Backpack Finalists – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards

Mike — Wed, 09 May 2018 00:44:45 +0000

From the ski slopes to trail running, and multi-day treks to urban adventures, getting active outdoors demands a lot from your carry gear. Relevant durability is key of course; you want to know your pack has your back even when the going gets tough. But comfort is also crucial, from supportive harness systems to good ventilation, as nothing detracts faster from fun times than an uncomfortable bag. And if a little versatility is part of the mix, even better. One bag that embraces a multitude of uses will help you get out there and get active more easily.

Our 12 Best Active Backpack Finalists take their roles seriously, all delivering noteworthy performances in their different ways. But only one will successfully scale the summit to active pack glory. Which one will you choose?

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Best New Gear: October 2017

Carry HQ — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 22:51:07 +0000

From tech protection to all-in-one EDC, October has welcomed a host of great new gear onto the carry stage. And we’ve rounded up the best new gear for your perusing pleasure below…

Backpacks and Luggage

master-piece Delta Series

Value fast access to your gear? Then look to the master-piece Delta series, which puts rapid access front and center with a rip-open design to quickly get to your gear. And if you don’t want to fully open the bags, no problem. The zippers can be opened from either side to reach specific items. The series features the Delta Backpack, Delta Shoulder Bag and Delta Waist Bag, each combining water-resistant and lightweight builds with eye-catching street style. Great for day-to-day urban use, the bags also include a choice of pockets for keeping your EDC organized and within easy reach.

nunc Traveler’s Backpack

Launched in A/W 2017, nunc is a new Japanese brand focused on designing around the concept of “what is needed now”. nunc designs functional bags for modern-day use, including pieces such as the Traveler’s Backpack. The pack is inspired by origami and features multiple pockets for organizing travel essentials, with a durable 840D nylon construction to embrace the demands of an on-the-go lifestyle.

Chrome Industries Treadwell Travel Collection

Looking for travel bags that combine tough functionality with low-key aesthetics for business or leisure use? Meet the Treadwell Travel Collection, constructed with a hard-wearing 1680D ballistic nylon to endure demanding travel use. The collection features the Juno Travel Tote, Vega Transit Brief, Hightower Transit Backpack and Kilo Dopp Kit. With multiple pockets to organize your tech and travel items, plus a range of carry options to adapt to changing settings, these pieces deliver practical style for a variety of travel needs.

Roark Revival Missing Link 25L Wet/Dry Backpack

Worried about unexpected downpours soaking your gear on your travels? Or maybe you’re looking for a carry option to keep the water in, somewhere to stash your wet towel and swimwear away from dry items? The Roark Revival Missing Link 25L Wet/Dry Backpack is up for either challenge, featuring a waterproof tarpaulin body that keeps water out or in depending on your needs. A weatherproof side pocket comes in handy for valuables such as your wallet and phone, while the side mesh pocket is a handy place to store items that don’t need protection from the elements. And with a front bungee you can easily secure bulkier items for easy access on the go.

Patagonia Black Hole MLC

Adaptability is key when traveling, and the Patagonia Black Hole MLC is designed to provide the flexibility to adapt to a host of travel needs and environments. The soft-sided suitcase can be carried as a shoulder bag, backpack or briefcase-style, and also includes a luggage passthrough sleeve for attaching it to wheeled luggage. The clamshell opening enables fast and easy access to gear, with plenty of pockets on hand to tidily store your travel essentials within easy reach. The 45L bag is made from a weatherproof polyester ripstop and suits maximum carry-on use.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack – Black

Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack delivers great functionality for everyday use, from its customizable organization to its expandability and convenient access to gear throughout the bag. But one thing that was missing was the ultimate EDC colorway option. Until now. Peak Design have introduced a sleek, all-black colorway available for the 20L Everyday Backpack. Understated and stylish, the black colorway makes it even easier to move between work and play with just one bag.

Lasso Backpack

Making a bag can be challenging. But with the Lasso Backpack you can still get hands-on, minus the frustration and time-consuming effort involved in crafting from scratch. The pack is made in France from a single piece of weatherproof wool-felt. However, the self-assembly design lets you get involved in the creative process, with a choice of color options available to suit your tastes. Sleek and minimalist, the Lasso Pack looks equally good during the commute or on downtime adventures, and includes three interior pockets that will fit up to a 15″ laptop and smaller work or EDC accessories.

Mystery Ranch Slick Pack and Crest Mountain Pack

Mystery Ranch are known for their tough and reliable carry gear, and the Slick and Crest Mountain Packs are no exception. Designed for users who want durable, everyday functionality, the packs are crafted with 500D Cordura and water-resistant YKK zippers for hard-wearing reliability. The 23L Slick daypack offers a clean design with a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and a wide-opening main compartment. The 23L Crest Mountain Pack on the other hand is inspired by Mystery Ranch’s military packs, and features a range of exterior organization options including MOLLE webbing, pockets and a front “Stick-It” panel to secure additional gear as required. Additionally, the Crest’s telescoping yoke allows for a custom fit for improved comfort on the move.

Timbuk2 Lug Collection

Built for the city, Timbuk’s new Lug Collection combines urban-friendly styling with rugged construction that takes the daily commute and weekend adventures in its stride. Available in Fall 2017, the collection features two packs and a tote, each crafted from tough and water-resistant sail cloth fabric. The 14L Lug Knapsack features two exterior pockets and a central daisy chain for quick access to frequently used items. The 12L Lug Recruit Pack combines a slim profile with multiple exterior pockets to keep EDC and work tools tidy and at the ready. Rounding the collection off is the 24L Lug Tote, with its versatile design that suits daily or overnight use and choice of shoulder strap or top carry handles for flexible portability.

Red Oxx Lil Hombre

Inspired by the Tres Hombres but intended for smaller loads, the Red Oxx Lil Hombre offers a versatile multi-carry design handmade in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty. The 40L bag can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag or by the top grab handles and features exterior compression straps to help cinch the load. A choice of three compartments help keep your travel gear neat and accessible, and the burly build will stand up to years of demanding use.

G-RO Office, Backpack XV, Backpack Light and Check-In Bag

G-RO’s innovative approach to carry-on luggage with axle-less wheels earned them great crowdfunding success. Now they’re back with four new offerings to conquer a variety of travel and day-to-day carry needs. The Check-In and Office both feature G-RO’s axle-less wheels. The Office doubles as an everyday commuter bag and carry-on bag, while the Check-In offers a clamshell main compartment that’s also expandable. The Backpack XV is an expandable backpack for everyday and short travel use. And if you’re after slim functionality for minimalist loads, look to the Backpack Light with its compact design and multiple pockets for organization.

Black Diamond Creek Transit 32L

The Creek Transit Bag from Black Diamond combines the toughness of climbing haul bags with practical features for everyday urban needs. A weatherproof shell helps protect the contents from the elements, and the exterior padded compartment keeps up to 15″ tech devices easily accessible. The pack’s bottom compartment provides useful separate storage for the likes of shoes or gym clothes, while an interior organizer pocket stores smaller items within easy reach.

NSB X Kiriko and Kiriko x Red Clouds Collective

Functionality in a bag is important. But carry with character is valuable too. And with two collaborations from Japanese textile experts Kiriko, you get both. Kiriko teamed up with North St. Bags to create the attractive and practical NSB X Kiriko Davis Daypack and Pittock Travel Pouches. Useful for everyday and travel needs, these pieces deliver eye-catching style without sacrificing functional design. Additionally, Kiriko has collaborated with Red Clouds Collective on a backpack and duffel, crafted in Portland with a handsome combination of durable cotton canvas, Japanese Sashiko, and vegetable-tanned leather.

EDC

Bellroy Made for Google

Expensive tech deserves reliable protection. And if you can carry it in elegant style, even better. So Bellroy and Google teamed up to deliver both. The Bellroy Made for Google collection features simple, stylish and protective carry pieces for the Pixel 2 and Pixelbook. The Leather Pixel Case combines flex polymer and premium leather to create a case that’s chic, slim and functional. The Pixelbook Sleeve combines water-resistant woven fabric with leather detailing to create a handsome sleeve for your Pixelbook and Pixelbook Pen. Additionally, the sleeve doubles as a stand to make using your tech easier wherever the day or night takes you.

Romeo Power Saber

There are a lot of portable power packs on the market. But the Romeo Power Saber aims to push the capability of portable chargers, in a shockproof and water-resistant design that moves easily from urban to outdoor environments. The Saber includes universal AC output and USB ports and can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, the Saber charges fully in two hours and features short circuit, overcharging and over-discharging protection.

Dango Products P01 Pioneer Bifold Wallet, Pen and Notebook

Wallet, pen and paper. All useful everyday items to have at the ready. But carrying multiple items can start to complicate your EDC. The Dango Products P01 Pioneer Bifold Wallet, Pen and Notebook offer a compact solution. The wallet’s thoughtful design not only holds cards and cash but also provides dedicated space for a Dango notebook and durable pen crafted from 6061 aerospace grade aluminum. The pen works in extreme temperatures and at any angle, so you can capture those important ideas and to-do tasks at any time throughout the day. Even better, the all-in-one carry solution lets you easily slip the wallet into your pocket for convenient access while avoiding unsightly pocket bulge.

GNARBOX

GNARBOX is a portable backup and editing system designed to give you greater freedom while using your camera outdoors and on the go. The system allows you to edit 4K video and RAW photos without a laptop. Simply plug in the camera’s memory card, connect your phone to the GNARBOX WiFi hotspot and open the associated app to start editing. Media can then be uploaded and shared via your phone. The GNARBOX is water-resistant, shockproof and dustproof and comes in 128GB and 256GB options, with a rechargeable 4000mAh battery that lasts around 4-6 hours.

Tile Pro Series

It’s easy to misplace small items like your keys or wallet, but with the Tile Pro Series you can quickly locate them through your phone. But what about if you’ve misplaced your phone? Simply double tap a button on the Tile to make your phone ring even if it’s on silent. The Pro Series Tiles are twice as loud as other Tiles, waterproof up to 1.5 meters for an hour, and feature a range up to 200 feet. And with Sport and Style options you can pick and choose to suit your tastes.

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Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2017 :: Recap Part I

David Vo — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:21:53 +0000

It was a bittersweet moment as I flew into the valley, knowing this would be the last Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City. And that was what the rest of the week felt like; a mixture of excitement with a little bit of disappointment stirred in. This time, Carryology brought a dynamic duo, plus we had some industry friends along for the ride. We saw lots of activism, some real innovation, loads of quirkiness, and plenty of low-ABV beer. Read on as we lead you through what the top carry brands had to show.

BioLite

While not a bag company, BioLite has branched out tremendously from the CampStove that put them on the map. They are still focused on bringing lighting and power to off-grid scenarios and whether that means a village in Africa or #vanlife nomads, they had all the bases covered.

The star of the show was the SolarHome 620, which includes a solar panel, three lights, and a control panel that provides an MP3-compatible stereo, charging for mobile devices. The lights are all energy-efficient LEDs with dedicated on/off switches and one of the three even has a motion sensor. Again, this would be great in any scenario where light is just needed for an evening and can charge during the day.

In addition, we also got to see their new NanoGrid series which consists of a base station, hanging string lights that can be infinitely expanded, and the PowerLight Mini which has really cool edge lighting, taking a cue from fiber optics. Lastly, they put their own spin on portable battery packs, producing three sizes with quite a unique look.

Black Diamond

A raucous party was going on in the Black Diamond booth, complete with a live band featuring an upright bass, when I had my appointment. This made it difficult to check out the bags in person, but luckily BD is only introducing six new trail packs for Spring 2018. Actually, for next year, they are revamping their whole day trek series to make things more cohesive.

Starting off with the most full featured of the bunch, the Nitro comes in both 22 and 26 liter sizes. This is the high end of their day trek packs and comes with water bottle straps, swing warm hipbelts, and ice axe compatibility. The 26L will be priced at $150.

The Bolt comes in just the 24L volume size and it is the little brother to the Nitro. It shares many of the same features, but at a lower price point.

The Magnum will be available in both 16L and 20L, for shorter trips, and has a simple belt, as opposed to the beefier ones we saw with the Nitro and Bolt. Lastly, the runt of the group, the Bbee 11 is made for fast runs and quick ascents. It’s priced at $50 and represents the entry level pack.

All packs are hydration compatible but do not include bladders. They all use Black Diamond’s open-air, high flow back panels and are constructed out of BD’s own version of Dyneema.

Cotopaxi

The big story for Salt Lake City locals Cotopaxi is their wildly successful Allpa travel pack which raised over $1M on Indiegogo. The pack comes in two colorways, black and blue, and is 35L. The exterior is a TPU-coated 1000D, with 1680D ballistic paneling. The bag is carry-on compatible and has carry handles on all sides, and all the straps can pack away to avoid any snagging during transport.

The bag has a butterfly splay open feature for easy packing and unpacking, with a mesh panel interior on one side and a large main cavity on the other. The mesh side allows you to see all the contents while offering separation.

“The big story for Salt Lake City locals Cotopaxi is their wildly successful Allpa travel pack which raised over $1M on Indiegogo.”

Compression straps on both sides keep things nice and compact. The back panel has an air mesh material to keep things cool and can support a 15″ laptop in the compartment. What’s great is the bags also come with the Batac 16L daypack in Cotopaxi’s Del Dia colorway, which is to say, every bag is different. This packs flat so it’ll serve as your city/daypack while the Allpa is your base camp.

I’m personally really excited to try this system out. While the weight might be a little higher than comparable one-bag solutions out there, I think the system as a whole and the size is really attractive.

Deuter

The 119-year-old German backpack brand introduced four full lines of completely new bags, or at least revamps of existing bags.

The Futura series uses the new Sensic Back System which provides maximum ventilation while transferring up to 70% of the weight to the hip fins. The Futura Vario feature the VariFit slide for easy one-touch adjustment. The bags are all hydration compatible and come in 17 sizes including women-specific and extra long models. They range in price from $120 to $230.

The Aircontact Lite bags are designed for long treks. They feature an open-cell foam back for ventilation, and an adjustable X-frame to transfer weight to the hip belt. Speaking of the hip belt, it’s a dual density hip belt that is stiffer on top to promote weight on top of the hip, and softer on the bottom for comfort. There are plenty of external straps for axes and poles and of course they are hydration compatible. The Aircontact Lite bags come in 6 sizes and are priced $190 to $220.

The Speed Lite series light/fast packs were revamped for 2018. They are lightweight with the largest size (32L) weighing just 870 grams (under 2 lbs) and it’s meant for multi-day trips. Nine sizes are available ranging from 12L to the aforementioned 32L and are priced reasonably at $60 to $140.

Last but not least is the Race and Race Air series of bags. They offer maximum ventilation and comfort, thanks to the Aircomfort Flexlite suspended mesh back system. There’s lots of practical features like loops for bike lights, sunglasses attachment loop on the front strap for easy access during a ride, detachable rain cover, and 3M reflective elements. They are priced at $105 to $135.

Eagle Creek

The company that has kept my travel luggage organized for as long as I could remember has a few new interesting products for Spring 2018.

Things start off with the Morphus International Carry-On. The Morphus has been in the line for a while but what’s new is the size is now international carry-on compatible (just 0.5 inch difference). They also took everything they learned from the first release to improve this new iteration. The concept is from one bag, comes two. The front bag zips off the framed roller and essentially becomes two carry-on bags. If you don’t pack the front bag fully, it’ll even fit under the front seat on your flight. It’ll retail for $329.

The new special edition Cargo Hauler is made with X-Pac sailcloth. The fabric also has Kevlar embedded for increased tensile strength as well as reinforced handles. There is a new pocket on the inside of the lid and the bag can be carried as a backpack. It only comes in one size, 60L, and will be $199.

The Global Companion Travel Pack which tries to improve on the 40 years of Eagle Creek Travel Packs. The problem they were trying to solve with this one is access. Usually you have to get in top load or front load, which makes it hard to get stuff at the bottom. This new pack has a full butterfly opening. It’s available in a 40L carry and 60L checked size. The 40L comes with a separate shoe compartment with water-resistant fabric, organization, a stash pocket for a jacket, sunglasses pocket on top, storm flap on the bottom to prevent water from leaking in, and a 17-inch laptop compartment with pass-through access to the main compartment. The 40L also comes with an attached rainfly, while the 60L comes with a separate “check-in” rainfly that basically self-contains the whole bag and straps into a clean package. They are $159 and $229 respectively.

Finally, the Packables line was redesigned with a new lightweight fabric. The line includes a day pack, duffel, and tote and now packs down smaller and lighter.

Fjällräven

If you’ve been to Outdoor Retailer recently, you’ll know that the Swedish brand Fjällräven has one of the sweetest booth setups around. This year was no different and we were invited to go through their new bag releases, high up above the Salt Palace convention hall floor, in their crow’s nest. It was one of the few reviews where we were seated and had relative privacy. We were shown a new tote that comes in two sizes as well as three bags celebrating the company’s history with Greenland.

Totepack No. 4 comes in both wide and tall sizes and is a great everyday bag to haul groceries, baby gear, a yoga mat and clothes, or your laptop and documents for work. It is made with Fjällräven’s famous G-1000 material and can be waxed for waterproofness. Both models are 19L and can be carried in either tote or backpack style.

Fjällräven was part of the Greenland expedition and to celebrate the 50th anniversary, they released a line of apparel and bags. The first bag we’ll cover is the Greenland Top. It comes in two sizes, large (38L) and small (28L). Again, it’s made with G-1000 and features metal hardware, a top drawstring closure, laptop compatibility, and a quick-access front compartment. They’ll retail for $120 and $150.

Next up is the Greenland Zip Backpack which is a little smaller than the Greenland Top. It also comes in two sizes, 16L and 23L, and will be priced $90 and $100. Pretty straightforward features here – padded laptop sleeve, double top carry handles, and padded shoulder straps for comfort.

Last but not least, now what’s a Fjällräven celebration without the classic Kånken. The Greenland Kånken just improves on a good thing with a leather logo, Scandinavian handle and burlier design. The 16L pack will retail for $100 and will come in a variety of colorways.

Hydro Flask

One of the biggest showings this show, for me, was Hydro Flask with their Unbound Series of soft coolers. Traditionally known for their insulated water bottles, Hydro Flask is entering the soft goods world and while the apparel is mildly interesting, what really caught everyone’s attention are the two new soft coolers. The 22L Soft Cooler Pack and 24L Soft Cooler Tote feature their new TempShield Soft insulation and Advanced Thermal Mapping to keep food and drinks chilled for 24 hours.

“One of the biggest showings this show, for me, was Hydro Flask with their Unbound Series of soft coolers.”

The coolers have thick insulation on the top and bottom where they found that the most cold is lost, while keeping things light and comfortable in the middle portions. Welded Aquaseal zippers mean no leaks in or out of the coolers. Both styles feature dry storage areas, tear and abrasion resistance, and can free-stand on their base. They will retail for $275.

Leatherman

This American knife company from Oregon has some of the most loyal customers and like most EDC’s, they want to carry their multitools with them anywhere. By now, you’ve probably heard of the story of how Leatherman president Ben Rivera tried to bring his Wave into Disneyland but security wouldn’t let him. This led him to creating the Tread. It’s been a great seller for Leatherman but customers were clamoring for two changes – first they wanted a smaller and narrower Tread. Second, for those wearing wrist watches, they hated having two bracelets on their wrist. They asked Leatherman to combine the two.

Leatherman came through with a small unit, called the Tread LT. It’s 20% lighter than the standard version, still comes with nine different tools, and is still TSA approved. It’s priced at $175.

The second request, the watch, was a lot harder to accomplish. You can’t simply hook up a Tread to a watch because the torque that’s applied when using the Tread tools often resulted in damage or failure of the watch component. They were finally able to overcome the obstacles with the Tread Tempo. It mates a Tread bracelet with a Swiss-made timepiece, utilizing a Quartz movement. It comes in two colors (silver and black) and both come with a sapphire crystal watch face for hard wear. It’ll retail for $575.

Osprey

A lot of buzz had already formed around the Osprey booth before OR even started. They were coming off a high from their European trade show, so the Outdoor Retailer attendees knew what to expect.

Kicking things off are the new Levity/Lumia packs. Osprey has always had Ultralight packs but now with the help of their own lightweight fabric called NanoFly, they have entered the Super Ultralight category. They come in two sizes, 45L and 60L, and weigh 1.76 and 1.83 pounds respectively. Think about the bags out there that weigh under 2 lbs and what that feels like to carry a load in, for long distances. What do you have to give up in terms of features and comfort? From what we saw, Osprey answered: not much. The pack has an actual (ultralight Airspeed) suspension, uses an Exoform harness, and a lumbar that pushes into your back and wraps around your waist for support. It’s made from Osprey’s proprietary fabric called NanoFly, which is like their version of Spectre or Dyneema, and it’s mated to a 30D silnylon underneath. It includes a top lid and side pockets. There is a men’s and women’s specific version in two colorways and two sizes, costing $250 and $270 and dropping in January 2018.

Besides that, there were some updates to existing bags. For example, the Exos was the last bag in Osprey’s backpacking line to not have a women’s specific version. They are finally fixing that with the Eja. Adjustments were also made to the hipbelt to make things easier to adjust and repair in the field. The lumbar rack was also taken from what they learned developing the Levity. This is a pack for someone who wants to carry 25-35 lb loads.

“Osprey has always had Ultralight packs but now with the help of their own lightweight fabric called NanoFly, they have entered the Super Ultralight category.”

Lastly, the Aether/Aerial line was updated with AG tech on top of the custom-molded hipbelt. And a removable day lid was added to round things off.

Pacsafe

The company best known for keeping your belongings safe is back with a new line that keeps your things safe while you play in the water. The mission of Pacsafe has always been to allow customers to enjoy their travel but not be encumbered by worrying about security. With the popularity of dry bags and water activities, Pacsafe saw an opportunity to combine the two and came up with the Dry Series. The bags are constructed with high-frequency heat welding and fitted with high-frequency sealed seams and YKK water-repellent zippers.

The most heavy-duty of the bunch is the Dry 15L Travel Safe. It has a rolltop closure, and can convert to a backpack. It comes with a custom designed marine lock which is a combination lock that is stainless steel and water resistant. It’s been water tested to IPX6. Next up is the 25L backpack featuring Pacsafe’s Roobar locking system, with a wet/dry separation on the inside.

Then there is the 36L beach bag/tote which seems perfect for carrying all your gear to the beach for a surf outing. Again, you’ll find the Pacsafe locking system and wet/dry separation inside. Lastly, a small 4L Dry Stash Pack is perfect for a tote or just carrying your hotel key card, wallet, and phone for a trip down to the pool. You can secure it around the lounge furniture while you take a dip.

Pelican

Initially Pelican’s philosophy was to design tough cases and the customer could decide what to put in them. Now, they’ve changed their mindset and are taking a more prescriptive approach to things, creating cases that are designed for particular uses. Pelican had backpacks before, but they were really just the hard cases with straps tied to them. For Spring ’18, they partnered with a design firm to come up with the Pelican Mobile Protect series. For the series, Pelican wanted to focus on the extreme traveler, someone who is on the road often and is hard on their gear. They wanted to preserve the brand ethos of protection, but also address comfort and organization.

First up – the backpacks. They feature 1000D nylon canvas that has been DWR coated, YKK PU-coated zippers, a suspended laptop sleeve, and one-piece EVA back panel and shoulder straps. Pelican believes that by reducing stitch points, they eliminate a source for wear and tear. What makes it a Pelican case is the ballistic nylon coated EVA pods on the bottom and corners, to protect against impact. It comes in 20L, 25L, and 35L and has a lifetime guarantee.

In addition, the MBP (Mobile Protect Duffel) line comes in 40L and 100L sizes and features shoulder straps for backpack carry, heavy reinforced bartacking for strength, a weather flap instead of coated zippers, and laptop support.

Both bags will be dropping early 2018.

Topo Designs

New for Topo Designs Spring ’18 is the Core Pack. It is a great starter pack for their line, with expandable water bottle pockets, easy access to organization pockets and a U-shaped opening. There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve, and it comes in red charcoal, khaki, black, and olive. It’ll retail for $119 and will be available in March. The Mountain Pack is also refreshed. It’s gotten quite a bit bigger. The side water bottle pockets were updated to be more streamlined. It was also given a larger flap pocket.

There are lots of new colorways in the Rover. The Y-Pack ($79) is also getting new colors but also new water bottle holders and padded straps. The story with the Y-Pack and Core Pack, as well as a few others, is Topo is moving some production to Vietnam. This allows them to add more features to the bags and reduce costs, which is passed on to the consumer as savings. Most of the packs will still be made in Colorado.

The Mountain Duffel has been available in the 60L size but now they are introducing a 40L size as well, which will be available in the Fall. The Classic Duffel will now be available in X-Pac as well. Speaking of X-Pac, expect to see a lot more use of the material across their lines. The Klettersack will be available in black X-Pac in the Spring.

Lastly, a new collaboration with Danner featuring a black Horween leather lower and a matching boot. Both will have co-branded labeling.

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Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2017 Recap

Carry HQ — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 10:41:16 +0000

If you’re an outdoor brand, Outdoor Retailer is the one trade show you don’t want to miss. Experienced industry giants and up-and-coming brands alike vie for the attention of thousands of attendees. And those attendees in turn are eager to get an insider peek at new products and trends to look forward to. OR’s Winter Market 2017 recently took place from 10th to 12th January, and our team of Brad Meyer, John Pangilinan and Melisine got stuck into the action scoping out great gear on the carry front…

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Millican

Millican has a new line of lightweight, weatherproof, camera-friendly travel packs that will help simplify your life. The Marsden Camera pack has all the space you need for a long weekend and convenient access to all your gear. Also part of the line is the Bowden Camera messenger pack with a slick rolltop opening. To complete this well-designed series is the M330 Camera insert that works well as an on-the-go camera bag but also fits inside the Marsden pack.

In addition to the larger bags they have added a few accessories for making travel easier, including the M332 Miles Wash Bag, M336 Smith Utility Pouch and M333 Travel Wallet. Plus you can expect to see updated colorways for their Fall 2017 line.

The Miles the Duffel stood out too. The bag offers versatile carrying options as both a traditional duffel and as a pack, with internal compression straps, internal pockets, a laptop sleeve, and travel document pocket. It comes in two sizes, 28L and 40L.

MiiR

There are no new bags from MiiR, but they have introduced updates to their tumblers including a 6 and 8 ounce option with double wall vacuum insulation. They’ve also introduced “wide mouth” bottles. The new hydration products will easily win people over thanks to super clean aesthetics and basic colorways. These bottles will also be a part of their Product to Project fund that gives back to people in need with clean water projects and educational resources.

Lander

This is a rising brand that is bringing a clean outdoor look and functionality to expedition-inspired accessories. With a design team that has heaps of experience in the outdoors, you know they have some great product coming out.

The Nebo iPhone case is designed with crush zones for active users, thermoline isolation technology for cold weather and a detachable lanyard that helps with the fearless selfies. The Cascade power bank has a burly feel and plenty of juice to charge any device, and the Neve lightning USB cord includes a reflective weave to avoid it getting easily lost in your dark tent.

Gregory

With the first view of the booth you see the new Alpinisto pack in a very powerful bright green, and it’s not just for show. When you’re high up in the snowy alpine you need to be seen. The new design has been minimized to reduce weight but still keeps a burly construction. Also the new molded diamond back panel sheds snow and ventilates with ease.

The Baltoro has also been upgraded to 95L to form part of their pro series designed for burly Norwegians.

New additions to the Avenues series include the Boon Overnight Rucksack that has more room and access for weekend trips around the city or on the trail. The Explore series has new colors and a daypack with a simple box shape and water-resistant construction with coated fabrics and water-resistant zippers.

Filson

New from Filson is the addition of a classic rucksack, dopp kit and duffels to their popular Nylon series. Also from the Original series they have added rolling duffels with all the traditional leather features.

The Lost Explorer

These bags were seen at the Schoeller fabrics booth showing off their new Cork Shell material. The Daypack and Traveler bag have a perfect blend of premium materials, hardware and simple design that will make any designer stop for a second look.

The North Face

TNF offers considered additions to the ski and running scene, including some ultralight trail runner packs and carry features such as quick-access skin pockets, ski carry, a harness bottle pocket and soft trico accessory pockets. Sizes vary from 20L to 30L and 50L and the fabric is 70D to help keep you fast and on track. They’ve also added the Skiddlyskatscoot, a sidecountry ski pack for those who keep it chill on the mountain and like long witty names.

Black Diamond

With success from their Crag series BD have added the Creek Transit 22 and 32 to the line with more of a commute focus for a fun day of work and play. Features include a padded laptop sleeve accessible from the back panel, a bottom pocket for shoes/clothes, and a large top pocket for quick-access items. Also for cyclists they have added a reflective webbing daisy chain on the front. This is a fully featured bag that will kick ass in the city and on rock.

In addition, they have introduced the Blitz 20 and 28 designed for the minimalist climber who needs a light summit pack, with the same features and materials as the Cirque series but miniaturized for maximum efficiency.

PIEPS has taken BD’s airbag pack and given it a slight facelift with new colors and some wild graphics for those who want more flash on the mountain.

Mountain Hardwear

The Bandwidth 30 is a convertible duffel backpack that forms part of the OutDry line, and is new for Fall ’17. The bag’s shoulder straps can tuck away to allow more versatile carry, and a removable padded laptop sleeve helps you adapt to different needs. The bag has a waterproof exterior (it’s not submersible though) and can also double as a climbing rope bag.

Vibram

Most of the time when you think of ways to stay upright on ice you go straight to gluing metal spikes on the bottom of your shoes. But Vibram have come up with a much better solution. This year they have introduced an Arctic Grip sole technology that grips slick wet ice, as well as thermochromatic lugs, which sense when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and change color in cold conditions. Look forward to keeping your ass off the ice.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi continue to embrace bold color-blocking with their custom Philippines material program on all the technical products. This series works with each sewer at their factory in the Philippines to let them choose whatever fabric and color inspires them for each bag. They have also added a few new styles to their classic outdoor lifestyle series including a messenger and flapped daypack.

Poler

Stepping it up a bit from previous offerings, Poler have released the Orange Label series with more technical focus features for the trail like Dyneema ripstop fabric, trekking pole attachments and water-resistant zippers. But they still retain features like a padded laptop sleeve and soft trico accessory pocket to keep things casual and versatile for everyday travel.

Patagonia

Daypacks have been a staple for Patagonia for years and they have given a facelift to the entire line, giving these packs a more modern look. They have also paid special attention to women’s fit by adjusting the torso height and harness shape to better fit women’s body shapes.

More fashionable additions to the Black Hole series include a tote bag and mini summit style pack, while the popular Ascensionist series has been updated to improve features and now has a more bold ripstop nylon paired with fun colorways.

Fjällräven

Fjällräven have a wide range of daypacks on offer. The new Kiruna Backpack is a very modern design with its darted construction and very clean lines. The Raven 28, 20 and Mini add a bit more organization with dedicated laptop compartments, side bottle pockets and soft trico pockets. The High Coast daypack hits the summit pack trend with its wide mouth cinch opening and minimalist pocketing, and makes for a great day hiking pack.

Their Split pack duffel is a travel bag for the minimalist, with a large capacity and center split access with separation for your gear. You can store ski boots on one side and clothes in the other.

Another offering is a travel pack equipped with all the pockets and comfort you will need for day or weekend trips. Also new are travel accessories that vary from passport-size pockets to small shoulder bags for day-to-day needs.

ARVA .

Staying safe on the slopes is key, and ARVA aims to help you do that with the REACTOR Airbag System. In avalanche terrain, knowing this pack has your back can provide some much needed peace of mind, and potentially life-saving benefits if disaster strikes.

Osprey

Osprey had lots of great gear on display, including the lightweight and durable Farpoint (Men’s) and Fairview (Women’s). The bags include a stowaway harness and hipbelt, as well as a zip-off daypack. The Porter includes straight jacket compression and a stowaway harness and hipbelt. The Gearkit is versatile and stores away easily, and the Transporter offers ample space and durable protection from the elements.

The Trillium offers versatile carry options from over the shoulder to in-hand carry, and the Palea has feet to stand upright. There were also a range of travel accessories including a boot bag, toiletry bag, and packing cubes.

Pacsafe

Pacsafe are delivering on the security front with gear such as the Intasafe backpack, which offers a bit more of a sleek and urban feel than their previous designs. It features the same security you expect from Pacsafe such as zipper locks, an exoskeleton, and RFID protection. The brand also has a new super thin wallet.

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OtterBox

OtterBox have a new iPhone 6/7 and 6/7 Plus case system, and what makes it unique is that rather than trying to be the case company that does it all they relied on partners to provide the extra accessory depending on what is needed. Each case is the same, but you can attach accessories to it from SanDisk for easy file transfer (like a thumbdrive), a Wagner of Switzerland card holder / wallet, and from PolarPro for additional battery juice.

The Drybox returns with the 3250 Series. Waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 minutes, it has an interior foam layer for added protection, and 55 cubic inches of storage space to fit a smartphone, wallet, keys, and other everyday carry.

The Tenkara Rod Co.

The Tenkara Rod Co. delivers everyday carry for fishermen with easily portable fishing rods that can fit in your pocket.

Mountainsmith

At the Mountainsmith booth we spotted their collaboration with Chris Burkard, and some cooler bags aimed towards the festival crowd.

Snow Peak

Snow Peak introduced a new pack collection, with clean designs and various options for travel accessories. Packable bag options included a tote, pack, and duffel, which always come in handy. The toiletry bag was also nice, and you can never go wrong with your own travel chopsticks.

Rumpl

Rumpl’s packable blankets are similar to a sleeping bag, but in a very portable blanket form. Rumpl have a new double size for two people, and they also introduced a couple of options with new artwork.

Sportube

This bag is designed for skiers and heats boots/a helmet with power via a car charger. The bag also has a changing pad to avoid wet feet while changing.

Leatherman

At Leatherman’s booth we scoped out the Skeletool KBx, a “naked knife” and multi-tool that is extremely small and lightweight. Also on display was the Juice CS4 multi-tool, which is small and compact and good for everyday carry or to store in your car or travel kit.

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Waterproof vs Water Resistant. What Do I Need?

Cory Zanoni — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 22:00:36 +0000

There are few things more frustrating than arriving somewhere and realizing your gear is soaked through. That’s why choosing the right bag is super important. But finding that right bag can be trickier than we think: some bags say they’re waterproof, others say they’re water resistant, and you might not know what either term really means, let alone what you need.

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Packing List :: 7-Day Thru-Hike of the John Muir Trail

Martijn Linden — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 13:51:13 +0000

A few weeks ago I started off from Whitney portal trailhead, just outside of Lone Pine in California on a trip I had been anticipating for the last seven years. I came to the US in 2007

The post Packing List :: 7-Day Thru-Hike of the John Muir Trail appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Packing for the Appalachian Trail

Carry HQ — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:06:18 +0000

We’ll say it straight – thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is gnarly. Beckoning the intrepid adventurer is 2189 miles (3523km) of beautiful, frustrating, exhausting and ultimately unforgettable trail. That equates to months of hiking…six months and ten days to be precise for Pie. In 2015 he successfully completed this demanding but rewarding thru-hike, contending with changing seasons along the way and nothing but the gear on his back to see him through several days until his next resupply opportunity. Discover his approach to packing for the Appalachian Trail below…

I grew up in a small town on the outskirts of London where something on the scale of the Appalachian Trail was unimaginable.

Straight out of school I settled into the steady routine of the rat race, heading into London to work a job I hated. Four years after starting down this path I had to take a break, I had to escape. I’d always thought of myself as an adventurous person but realised I’d not done anything big; I’d got stuck in a rut.

I got a second job and saved hard for six months. I applied to work at a summer camp in New York State and in May of 2010 off I went.

It was on a two-night hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) with my group of unenthusiastic kids that I realised that one day I would return and attempt to walk the entire length of the trail.

From 2010 onwards I’ve lived a life of work and travel, travel and work. Coming home between trips to gather together enough funds to head off again. In this time I met the girl of my dreams and moved to her native hometown of Helsinki, Finland.

In the summer of 2015 she had plans to do a semester studying abroad and I realised this would be perfect timing for me to conquer the Appalachian Trail.

Being the gear geek that I am I started reading and researching everything I could find about ultralight hiking and the gear needed for the Appalachian Trail.

I knew that gear selection for a thru-hike of the AT would dramatically affect the overall experience and the final outcome of the trip.

Some of the main factors I had to consider when selecting my gear included:

Weight Vs. Durability – The benefits of having a lightweight pack on a 2189-mile, six-month hike are almost endless. For me, having a lightweight pack was my biggest priority when choosing my gear. Durability was also important, as I didn’t want to have to replace gear on the trail.

However, lighter gear tends to be less durable so I tried to find a happy medium between the two. My base weight was around 18lbs, not the lightest on the trail but definitely at the lower end of the scale.

“For me, having a lightweight pack was my biggest priority when choosing my gear. Durability was also important, as I didn’t want to have to replace gear on the trail. However, lighter gear tends to be less durable so I tried to find a happy medium between the two.”

Climate – You need to be prepared for every kind of weather when thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I started March 5th and so was prepared for some snow and temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer we were dealing with temperatures in the high nineties with a lot of humidity. Oh and don’t forget the rain, we got our fair share of that too.

Self-Sufficiency – The AT crosses a major road every three to four days and most people head into town to resupply on food, take a shower etc. With that being said you need to be self-sufficient on the trail. You need to carry your own shelter, have enough food for a few days and have a way to stay warm and dry.

“You need to be prepared for every kind of weather when thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.“

Cost – I had to purchase some new gear before the trip. I also had to get my flights to the US and fund the trip itself so I couldn’t afford to blow my entire budget on gear.

With all these factors in mind, let’s dive into the gear that I took on the trail.

“…you need to be self-sufficient on the trail. You need to carry your own shelter, have enough food for a few days and have a way to stay warm and dry.“

Packing

For my pack I used the excellent Ohm 2.0 from Ultralight Adventure Equipment. Weighing in at around one pound it has a minimal frame and is made with a mixture of Dyneema Ripstop and Silnylon. The design of the pack makes it extremely functional but also hard-wearing and lightweight. Although it shows signs of wear the pack is still going strong and I’ll continue to use it on all my backpacking adventures.

Attached to the shoulder straps were two Backpack Shoulder Pouches from ZPacks. These proved extremely useful, allowing me to access items such as my phone and snacks without having to take my pack off. I used a number of accessories from ZPacks, a backpacking company known for their ultralight Cuben Fiber gear.

To waterproof the pack I used a trash compactor bag to line the inside of the pack. I stuffed all my camp clothes and sleeping gear into it and rolled it down. I never had an issue with my gear getting wet.

I also used a silnylon pack cover from Sea to Summit to keep all the gear in the outside mesh pocket dry and prevent the pack itself from becoming saturated.

“Attached to the shoulder straps were two Backpack Shoulder Pouches from ZPacks. These proved extremely useful, allowing me to access items such as my phone and snacks without having to take my pack off.“

The Roll Top Blast Food Bag from ZPacks held my food. Its rectangular shape is designed to fit vertically inside smaller, ultralight packs. Its shape means it also has a larger opening than most stuff sacks, making is easier to organise your food and find what you’re looking for.

A silnylon stuff sack from Sea to Summit held my cooking gear and all the small stuff, keeping it organised and further protecting it from the elements.

“To waterproof the pack I used a trash compactor bag to line the inside of the pack.“

Worn Clothing

I used Altra Trail running shoes and Darn Tough socks on the trail. This combo let me hike long days with minimal foot pain and zero blisters the entire trail. I’m a big proponent of zero drop footwear and I’ve yet to find a shoe company that offers a better shoe than Altra.

Dirty Girl Gaiters stopped trail debris getting in my shoe. They’re a stretchy breathable gaiter that can attach to any running shoe.

For camp shoes I used a pair of Bedrock Sandals – they’re my favourite barefoot running sandal and made for great camp shoes. Unfortunately I lost one of the Bedrocks in a lake in Maine and had to switch to a pair of Crocs; they did their job well and are the camp shoe of choice for most thru-hikers.

“The Roll Top Blast Food Bag from ZPacks held my food. Its rectangular shape is designed to fit vertically inside smaller, ultralight packs.“

I think it’s worth spending the extra money on good underwear. Under Armour and ExOfficio boxers breathe well, are tight-fitting to prevent chafing and dry quickly.

Cheap running shorts are all you really need for the AT. Many people preferred “short shorts” but I seemed to do well with any length.

I used an Icebreaker merino wool t-shirt for the first half of the trail. It wicked sweat well and didn’t stink after a few days like synthetic shirts would. I eventually switched to this sweet synthetic Captain America jersey when the Icebreaker gave out and it made it all the way to Katahdin.

A baseball cap from Headsweats in conjunction with a wool Buff and a pack towel helped manage perspiration. It was nice to have a peaked cap to keep the sun out of my eyes; I didn’t feel the need to have sunglasses out on the trail though.

If the rain got bad or the temperatures dropped I threw on my Marmot Gore-Tex rain jacket. I’m not a big fan of Gore-Tex but it did its job well enough.

Thin fleece gloves from RAB kept my hands warm and Gore-Tex rain mitts from Extremities kept the fleece gloves from getting soaked.

Packed Clothing

My main insulating layer was the Rab Xenon X Hoodie. This synthetic puffy never failed to keep me warm and was one of my favorite pieces of gear.

I carried a SmartWool long underwear top and bottom during the colder months for sleeping in with a pair of sleeping socks and a fleece beanie.

Compression socks helped calf/foot fatigue and were a “luxury” item worth carrying.

“My main insulating layer was the Rab Xenon X Hoodie. This synthetic puffy never failed to keep me warm and was one of my favorite pieces of gear.”

Sleeping

My Exped SynMat UL 7 and Air Pillow meant sleeping on uneven surfaces was a non-issue. I prefer rectangular sleeping pads that let me stretch out. Once you’ve used a proper inflatable pillow you’ll never switch back to a rolled-up jacket.

My biggest gear purchase was my Enlightened Equipment Revelation X Quilt. It’s rated down to twenty degrees and paired with all my clothes kept me warm on the coldest of nights. It has no hood and a “backless” design to save on weight. The Revelation packs down extremely small and weighs 1.3 lbs. It wasn’t cheap but I feel it was a wise investment.

“Compression socks helped calf/foot fatigue and were a “luxury” item worth carrying.“

Shelter

I think it’s vital to bring your own tent or tarp on a thru-hike of the AT. I chose to go really minimal and used a Wild Oasis Tarp by Six Moon Designs. The single walled, floorless design won’t be for everyone but it was really lightweight and disappeared into the side pocket of my backpack. I carried a piece of Tyvek as a groundsheet and seven stakes; the tent uses a single trekking pole in the center.

If I were to do it over again I’d probably look at a similar style tent but something that had a bathtub floor.

“I chose to go really minimal and used a Wild Oasis Tarp by Six Moon Designs. The single walled, floorless design won’t be for everyone but it was really lightweight and disappeared into the side pocket of my backpack.”

Cook Kit & Water

I used my old faithful PocketRocket stove from MSR. I’ve had it for years and it’s never let me down. I found a thin stainless steel pot for five euros and couldn’t justify spending the money on a titanium pot to save just a few grams. A long-handled titanium spoon, pot grabber and a pot cozy for freezer bag cooking rounded out the cook kit.

“I used my old faithful PocketRocket stove from MSR. I’ve had it for years and it’s never let me down.”

Water is prevalent on the Appalachian Trail so it’s not usually necessary to carry more than a litre at most.

I used one large Smart water bottle with my Sawyer filter permanently attached. The flow rate of the Sawyer can be pretty bad but it’s much better than the Sawyer Mini. I’m looking forward to seeing what innovations arise with water filtration as I think it’s definitely something that can be improved upon.

“Water is prevalent on the Appalachian Trail so it’s not usually necessary to carry more than a litre at most.“

I also carried a 500ml Nalgene to make coffee in and a Platypus water bag was great for collecting water in camp.

Electronics

My iPhone 6 was an absolute workhorse out on the trail. I used it as my only camera; I used the Kindle app to check the guidebook and listened to podcasts to get through the dull hiking sections. A LifeProof case saved it from the rain and I went through a couple of pairs of cheap headphones.

A small Anker external battery charged my phone two and a half times which was more than enough to get me from town to town.

My Kindle Paperwhite was definitely a luxury item but so worth it. It has a backlight with adjustable brightness so I didn’t need to use my headlamp to read and the battery life is phenomenal.

I recommend having a headlamp with a red light so as not to disturb people should you need to move around in the night. Using lights that take AA or AAA batteries makes it easy to find batteries wherever you go.

“I recommend having a headlamp with a red light so as not to disturb people should you need to move around in the night.“

The Small Stuff

A section of closed cell foam to sit on insulates you from the ground and gives you a dry and clean place to sit down.

A small stuff sack as a rock bag and some paracord made for a lightweight bear hang kit.

Mosquito Head Net – I used it just once or twice but nice to have.

A StickPic helped me to get some different shots when filming video for YouTube.

Knife – Spyderco Dragonfly 2 – Small and lightweight, all you really need on the AT.

Minimal Toiletries – Toothbrush and paste, travel deodorant, earplugs and poop kit.

Small First Aid Kit – Band-Aids and blister care, ibuprofen, emergency water purification tablets and an Ace bandage.

Vaseline – I applied a coating of Vaseline to my feet every morning to prevent blisters and applied it to “sensitive” areas to help prevent chafing.

Black Diamond Trekking Poles – I recommend poles that use a flick lock system, as they seem to be less prone to failure. Stay away from Carbon Fiber poles, they shatter easily.

I used a Wallet Zip Pouch and the Passport Zip Pouch from ZPacks to keep my Passport protected inside my pack. I loved the wallet so much it’s now part of my EDC.

A mini tripod and phone clamp helped with some iPhone time lapses.

Spare batteries for the headlamp

Two knee braces – These combined with plenty of ibuprofen kept knee pain to a minimum.

“Using lights that take AA or AAA batteries makes it easy to find batteries wherever you go.”

A few words of wisdom for the Appalachian Trail

Avoid Gore-Tex – Despite the claims, Gore-Tex just doesn’t breathe well. Even in the coldest temperatures you will sweat when hiking and that moisture will stay trapped, making your clothes wet. Save Gore-Tex for less active pursuits.

If you’re on a tight budget avoid towns. The AT can be done on an extremely low budget if you stay away from the allure of burgers and beers whenever you head into town. That being said, I saved hard for my trip and thoroughly enjoyed the burgers and beers.

Practice some “trail dishes” before you leave home. You’ll get sick of trail food whatever happens but it’s good to figure out a few dishes that you like to eat before heading out on the trail. There are many good backpacking recipes online for you to try.

Do not mail yourself food boxes out on the trail. Resupplying on food in town is way less hassle and you can find whatever you need in almost every town.

“Practice some “trail dishes” before you leave home.“

Think about what luxuries YOU need. A few people brought a guitar and it was great for group morale, others brought camera gear to capture their trip, others Magic the Gathering cards. Figure out what’s going to make your hike more bearable and bring it, just don’t bring it all.

I discovered freezer bag cooking when researching the AT and adopted it straightaway. It’s easier to cook your meals and saves having to clean up after yourself. You can also buy items in bulk and separate it out for each meal.

There are many different styles of hiking the AT. I’d advise the average Joe to take it easy, take it slow. Of course if you’re trying to set a speed record then go for it. Otherwise, why would you rush? When it’s all over with, you’ll wish it wasn’t.

The Appalachian Trail was a wonderful experience. I learnt a lot about myself and what I’m capable of and encourage anyone to go and do the same.

Thanks for checking out my post. For some more in-depth reviews come visit me at www.pieonthetrail.com

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Packing for the Appalachian Trail

Packing

Worn Clothing

Packed Clothing

Sleeping

Shelter

Cook Kit & Water

Electronics

The Small Stuff

A few words of wisdom for the Appalachian Trail