Our top made in the USA backpack brands are:

Inside Line Equipment
North St. Bags
Chrome Industries
Mission Workshop
Timbuk2
Velo Transit
Road Runner Bags
GORUCK
Triple Aught Design 
Kifaru
Stone Glacier
Mystery Ranch
McHale Packs
Hill People Gear
CiloGear
Alpine Luddites
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Zpacks
DSPTCH
The Brown Buffalo
DEFY
Recycled Firefighter
Rucksack Village
Colfax Design Works
Remote Equipment
Rickshaw Bagworks
BaileyWorks
Mafia Bags
Truce Designs
Bradley Mountain
Rivendell Mountain Works
Tannergoods
Kletterwerks
Frost River
Filson
Topo Designs
KILLSPENCER
Lotuff Leather
Outlier
Tom Bihn
Red Oxx

Bike Backpacks Made in the USA

Inside Line Equipment

One of California’s lesser-known bike carry brands, ILE are burly and bomber, and, in our book, deserve more cred. Founded in 2012 by Eric Fischer, it’s a brand that keeps it simple. Clean, no BS design, with a focus on easy functionality. Everything’s US-made, from the super tough Cordura to the threads that stitch it together, and built in-house to rigorous standards. If you want a rugged, made in USA backpack for commuting (and nowadays travel and camera gear), ILE are a local brand to check out.

Best backpacks by Inside Line Equipment:

Default, $240: ilequipment.com; velotastic.co.uk

ASNMNT, $260: ilequipment.com

Radius Mini, $160: ilequipment.com

North St. Bags

Lots of great things are coming out of Portland, Oregon, and North St. Bags are no exception. Founded in 2009 by Curtis Williams, their bags are simple and classic and made in-house, right on the store floor. In their early days, they drew acclaim for their ingenious Woodward backpack/pannier hybrid, and have now branched off into noteworthy collabs (recently with Kiriko Made) and experiments with technical fabrics like X-Pac sailcloth.

Their American made backpacks are built with mostly USA-made materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee. And if you fancy a little personalization to your pack, there are custom colorway options too.

Best backpacks by North St. Bags:

Belmont, $175: northstbags.com; 

Flanders, $235: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Davis, $145: northstbags.com; keus-store.com

Chrome Industries

SF’s infamous Chrome Industries have been carried on the shoulders of tattooed couriers since 1995 and it’s a brand that sparked a new movement into technical lifestyle cycling bags. Instantly recognizable with its Russian-star red hits and Pegasus logo, it’s a brand known for crazy tough bags built to take a beating – and all backed by a lifetime guarantee.  In their stable, you’ll find backpacks for travel, commuting, or hitting the blacktop on a bike, of course. Many of their bags are made in Chico, California. And if you’re local to one of their Chrome Hubs, we’d suggest rolling in and asking them to craft you a custom bag like no other.

Best backpacks by Chrome Industries:

Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30L, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

Barrage Cargo, $160: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com

BLCKCHRM 22X Bravo 3.0, $200: chromeindustries.com; amazon.com; rei.com

Mission Workshop

Few brands have had such influence on an entire category as Mission Workshop. From their very first pack, the Vandal (the first-ever expandable bike pack), to their Arkiv System, they’ve blazed a trail of innovation like no other. Designed in San Francisco, made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, theirs is some of the finest, burliest and aesthetically pleasing carry you’ll find, period. 

Best backpacks by Mission Workshop:

The Rhake, $380: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Rambler, $335: missionworkshop.com; urbankitsupply.com; condorcycles.com

The Sanction, $215: missionworkshop.com; amazon.com

Timbuk2

One of the original cycling carry brands, Timbuk2 has been going strong since 1989. Forever experimenting and playing with new forms, the San Francisco brand backs their bags with a lifetime warranty and crafts bike-friendly backpacks that embrace work, travel and play. Although, nowadays, if you’re after US-made, you’ll have to invest in one of their custom packs – their non-custom products are now all produced off-shore.

Velo Transit

While weather-resistant bags work for a lot of environments, sometimes you need more protection. And that’s what Velo Transit are dedicated to providing with their waterproof laptop and cycling bags. The bags are made by hand in Seattle and feature RF welded liners for 100% waterproof protection. Even better? They’re backed by a lifetime warranty too. And realizing that people aren’t built the same, Velo Transit also creates gender-specific bags and harnesses to suit different users. If you need a top-notch waterproof bag that organizes and protects your tech and gear no matter what the elements have in store, Velo Transit should definitely be on your carry radar.

Best backpacks by Velo Transit:

Edge Pro 40, $299.95: velotransit.com

Edge Molle 40, $259.95: velotransit.com

Road Runner Bags

Road Runner started with a dream for better bike carry and a tiny manufacturing studio in founder Brad Adams’s bedroom. Founded in 2010, the brand has subsequently flourished and is dedicated to crafting bags for a variety of cycling-related needs. Bike touring? Cycle commuting? Chilled weekend rides? Large loads? Just the essentials? Whatever you need, they’ve got a bag for you. The bags are handmade in Los Angeles using USA-made materials and hardware.

Best backpacks by Road Runner:

Large Anything Pack, $270: roadrunnerbags.us

Evil Mini, $130: roadrunnerbags.us

Large Roll Top Backpack, $255: roadrunnerbags.us

American-Made Tactical Backpacks

GORUCK

GORUCK have made a name for themselves by creating some of the toughest American-made backpacks around. Founded by a Green Beret and made with military-grade toughness in mind, their gear is built to take a beating and keep on performing. Backed by their Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you’ll find GORUCK bags embracing everything from GORUCK Challenges to everyday commutes and day hikes. Rugged 1000D Cordura is the material of choice for their bags, and legions of loyal fans will testify to the bags’ hard-wearing durability and adaptability.

Best backpacks by GORUCK:

Rucker 4.0, $215: goruck.com; huckberry.com

GR1, $335: goruck.com

GR2, $395: goruck.com

Triple Aught Design

Triple Aught Design build gear to help people live more adventurously. It’s reliable and adaptable gear that will get you through the task at hand, whether that’s scaling a summit or commuting to work. Based in Dogpatch, San Francisco, the brand has been one of constant progression. Experimenting with technical fabrics, modularity and expansion, their packs are some of the most exciting on the market. You’ll find packs with military-grade toughness for demanding travel and outdoor use, to sleeker offerings that employ stealthy aesthetics.

Best backpacks by Triple Aught Design:

Axiom 24, $425: tripleaughtdesign.com

FAST Pack EDC, $395: tripleaughtdesign.com

Azimuth Pack, $185: tripleaughtdesign.com

Kifaru

Kifaru is a brand that flies under the radar for most folks, with little spent on marketing and everything invested in crafting the best gear possible. And from that, they’ve built an incredible reputation in durable and reliable hunting and military backpacks. The brand was founded in 1997 by Patrick Smith (also the founder of Mountainsmith) and builds packs to order, focusing on comfort and functionality to ensure years of dependable use.

Best backpacks by Kifaru:

X-Ray, from $454.25: kifaru.net

Stryker XL, from $310.50: kifaru.net

Antero 2.0, from $415: kifaru.net

Stone Glacier

Stone Glacier focus on creating a range of made in USA backpack options that blend lightweight performance with durability and functionality for hunting and backcountry environments. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the brand offers over 15 years of experience refining US-made packs that will stand up to demanding use year after year.

Best backpacks by Stone Glacier:

Kiowa 3200, $329: stoneglacier.com; mountain-archery.com

Avail 2200, $289: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Serac 1700, $239: stoneglacier.com; scheels.com; blackovis.com

Outdoor Backpacks Made in the USA

Mystery Ranch

If you haven’t heard of Mystery Ranch, then you haven’t been reading Carryology.com for very long. Whether they’re making for the military, fire department, or taking those learnings to their everyday line, their packs have a following at cult level. Revered throughout the carry world for their laser-like attention to detail, bomber builds, and comfort when carrying loads, they’re some of the very best packs in the world, bar none.

Note, while many of their packs are now made in the Philippines, Mystery Ranch does build some of their outdoor packs, tactical and fire packs in the USA.

Best backpacks by Mystery Ranch:

3DAP CL, $450: mysteryranch.com

ASAP, $300: mysteryranch.com

Komodo Dragon, $435: mysteryranch.com

McHale Packs

Most might not have heard of McHale Packs. But if you scratch away at the backpacking world (and its burrow-like forums), you’ll discover the army of Dan McHale disciples who swear they’re the greatest UL packs around.

And the best part: they’re reportedly built in his garage. All by hand, using Dyneema and Cordura. Completely custom-built to each individual’s precise measurements. No two are alike. A word of warning, you’ll need to navigate your way through his archaic website to make contact, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Best backpacks by McHale Packs:

All custom

Hill People Gear

Hill People Gear knows that when you’re in the backcountry you need dependable gear that won’t let you down. That’s why they prioritize efficiency in their designs, creating gear for backcountry travelers that focuses on functionality, effective load carriage, flexibility, and long-lasting durability. While they are aware that the do-it-all pack is likely never achievable, they do believe in crafting gear that adapts to a wide variety of needs. In addition to making gear in the USA, they also use American suppliers and are dedicated to maintaining American manufacturing.

Best backpacks by Hill People Gear:

Tarahumara Pack, $150: hillpeoplegear.com

Ute Backpack V2, $377: hillpeoplegear.com

Umlindi Pack V2, $297: hillpeoplegear.com

CiloGear

CiloGear crafts their American-made backpacks in Portland, Oregon on a built-when-ordered process. For them ,‘In Stock’ means they have all of the sub assemblies of the pack. Then they build it for you. Lean and mean, and we like that. While their focus is on crafting lightweight alpine climbing and hiking packs, you’ll find UL urban commuter packs in the mix too, and they’re darn great! 

Best backpacks by CiloGear:

30L Commuter II, $219: cilogear.com

20L WorkSack, $79: cilogear.com

Ski Pack, $299: cilogear.com

Alpine Luddites

John Campbell is Alpine Luddites… quite literally. AL’s a one-person operation. Every pack or bike bag is built to order by him, with his famed attention to detail and quality. John’s waiting list can bounce from 6 to even 12 weeks at times, but you’re getting something special when you wait, especially if you go the custom route, so we recommend you roll into his Colorado workshop with a little patience, and a big plan for your perfect pack.

Best backpacks by Alpine Luddites:

White Light / White Heat, $385: alpineluddites.com

Alpine Machine, $750: alpineluddites.com

Pinnacle Rucksack, $250: alpineluddites.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

If you’ve ever been passed by a hot white pack hammering up the trail, it’s most likely come from the Maine workshop of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Building for alpinists, backpackers, thru-hikers, and other adventurers, their made in USA backpack offerings are stripped back and minimal, ultralight, and dialed to increase speed, distance, and efficiency. One of our favorite UL brands. And well worth a closer look.

Best backpacks by Hyperlite Mountain Gear:

2400 Ice Pack, $359: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Daybreak, $229: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Summit Pack, $199: hyperlitemountaingear.com

Zpacks

Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, a man who knows all about long-distance thru-hikes and the gear needed to conquer them. The brand builds ultralight backpacking gear that finds that tricky balance of shedding grams while remaining comfortable and durable enough for extensive use. Their designs cater to day hikes, short trips and long-distance hikes, with optional modular accessories and a choice of sizes to tailor them to specific users. The bags are made in West Melbourne, Florida.

Best backpacks by Zpacks:

Arc Blast

Arc Scout

Nero

American-Made Backpacks for Urban / Everyday

DSPTCH

DSPTCH is a great example of humble beginnings to global success story. Beginning life in an apartment, their first product (a camera strap) was launched in 2010. They’ve come a long way, with stores in San Francisco, New York and Tokyo and a solid offering of gear that caters to EDC, work, travel, photography and workout carry needs. Products are cut and sewn entirely in the USA, mostly in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Built to be durable, timeless and functional, their gear mixes military inspiration with urban styling and functionality and comes with a lifetime guarantee too.

Best backpacks by DSPTCH:

Daypack

Ruckpack

Bookpack

The Brown Buffalo

The Brown Buffalo is a carry brand based in California, crafting seriously slick and considered pieces. Founded by our good friend and master designer Douglas Davidson (whose extensive experience includes Burton and The North Face), the brand creates quality, functional pieces for urban everyday and travel needs. The USA-made ConcealPack is a fine example of understated aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship and practical design that reliably handles work, travel and play requirements.

Best backpacks by The Brown Buffalo:

ConcealPack

DEFY MFG. Co.

DEFY is a brand built on, well, defying expectations. Founder Chris Tag defied remaining in a “safe” but soulless corporate job in favor of venturing into the unknown with the aim of creating a top-notch American manufacturing company. And he’s done just that. The brand defies fast fashion in favor of what they like to call “slow manufacturing” and an appreciation of enduring quality, building their gear by hand in Chicago. Overbuilt to take years of demanding use and keep on thriving, their backpacks feature rugged materials such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas, M35 Military Truck Tarpaulin, and 1000D Ballistic Nylon. Ruggedly suave style, excellent durability and straightforward functionality lets their packs adapt easily to diverse urban settings and needs.

Best backpacks by DEFY:

VerBockel Rolltop 2.0

Bucktown

Menace Backpack 2.0

Recycled Firefighter

Dig into the history behind Recycled Firefighter and you’ll find a pretty darn inspiring story. It was founded by full-time firefighter Jake Starr who wanted additional part-time work he could do from home to support his family. He taught himself to sew and went through hundreds of failed products and prototypes before getting his big break in the carry community through a wallet made from decommissioned fire hose. Countless hours of work month after month (and learning from plenty of mistakes along the way) allowed him to grow the brand. Now Recycled Firefighter offers a range of bags and wallets, made by hand in the USA. The packs are crafted with 1000D Cordura, USA-made hardware and reinforced stitching in high-stress areas. Designed for everyday use and short trips, these tough packs offer an appealing mix of functionality and dependable durability you can count on for years to come.

Best backpacks by Recycled Firefighter:

24hr Battalion

12hr Battalion 

Battalion Duffelpack

Rucksack Village

Rucksack Village is a custom carry brand founded by James Kamo. Bags are designed based on a thorough understanding of each user’s carry needs as well as influences from their personalities and preferences. Though James is super busy and the packs are a side project now, there’s still a chance to get your own (just be prepared to wait for the carry goodness).

Best backpacks by Rucksack Village:

All custom

Colfax Design Works

Military inspiration meets everyday versatility with Colfax Design Works’ gear. Made with adaptability and durability in mind, CDW bags feature technical fabrics and mil-spec components. All brought together in functional designs that don’t shy away from demanding EDC and travel needs. Their gear is made in small batches, giving nods to modularity and multifunctionality so it’s ready to tackle present and future carry needs equally well.

Best backpacks by Colfax Design Works:

Project T.O.A.D.

Recon Pack

Remote Equipment

Remote Equipment was founded with the goal of creating adaptable gear for urban mobility needs. Gear that could handle active commutes and weekend adventures, embrace the elements, and carry comfortably throughout the day. All while celebrating simplicity and functionality. And while they’re a young brand, it was founded by a designer with over ten years of industry experience. And it shows in their first offering. The Alpha 31 was successfully launched through Kickstarter and is a fine example of technical design honed for everyday use. An impressive debut that has us keen to see future creations by this up-and-coming brand.

Best backpacks by Remote Equipment:

Alpha 31

Bravo 18

Charlie 25

Rickshaw Bagworks

Rickshaw Bagworks are a customizable bag manufacturer based in San Francisco. Founded by Mark Dwight in 2007, Rickshaw Bagworks was born from an appreciation and passion for the maker culture and interaction with customers. But it’s also a brand fully aware that accountability falls on them, driving them to create quality bags and a good employee working environment. Bags are crafted with urban mobility, simple functionality and enduring quality in mind.

Best backpacks by Rickshaw Bagworks:

Sutro Backpack

Potrero Backpack

Medium Velo Backpack

BaileyWorks

BaileyWorks have been in the business of making tough, utilitarian bags since 1993. The brand was inspired by California’s bike messenger culture and their need for rugged, functional bags that could take a beating and keep on performing. Turns out, that kind of bag had widespread appeal beyond bike messengers. So BaileyWorks set out to deliver simple, practical and durable bags for a range of urban carry needs. Over two decades later, you’ll find those design principles haven’t changed. Each bag is made by hand in Newmarket, New Hampshire, and can be customized to suit your particular style and requirements.

Best backpacks by BaileyWorks:

The Nomad

Citi Pack

Upcycled Backpacks Made in the USA

Mafia Bags

Mafia Bags got its start in 2012 in Buenos Aires, founded by brother-and-sister team Marcos and Paz Mafia. As a former professional kitesurfer, Marcos came across piles of sails in storage and knew they could be put to new use. The brand expanded to San Francisco in 2014, now their HQ, and has an in-house production facility. Mafia Bags has a strong commitment to sustainability and uses upcycled sails to make their bags, guaranteeing gear with a lifetime warranty. The certified B Corp offers a variety of unique bags for urban carry requirements, including backpacks, duffels, messengers, and totes.

Best backpacks by Mafia Bags:

Discover

Deep Blue Bag

W-Pack

Truce Designs

Truce was founded by Luke Mathers, who learned to sew industrial-grade fabrics while crafting boat covers and repairing sails at North Sails Oregon. In 2016 Truce Designs joined the TREW family, an Oregon-based outdoor company. Truce still holds true to its commitment to environmentally responsible design and manufacturing, using reclaimed materials such as sailcloths and drysuit fabrics to create unique bags. Made in Portland, Oregon, and designed to offer high-performance functionality, Truce bags are also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Truce Designs:

Drop Liner Backpack

20L SL Backpack

American-Made Heritage Backpacks

Bradley Mountain

Heritage-inspired carry has enjoyed a huge resurgence during the past few years. But while plenty of brands jumped on the bandwagon of heritage aesthetics, many toppled off hitting functionality and quality stumbling blocks. Not so with Bradley Mountain. Founded in 2012, the brand aims to inspire adventure not just through travels but in everyday life, crafting gear that embraces whatever the day brings. Bags are designed with a considered mix of functionality and durability in addition to handsome heritage aesthetics. Their bags are made by hand in San Diego, California, and where many other brands have fallen short Bradley Mountain keeps going strong, backing their commitment to long-lasting quality by offering free repairs too.

Best backpacks by Bradley Mountain:

The Wilder

The Biographer

Muir Pack

Rivendell Mountain Works

One of the original cottage industry carry brands, RMW was founded in 1971 and has influenced numerous designers and brands within the outdoor industry. While it dropped off the radar in the ’80s, RMW has enjoyed a brand resurgence over the past decade. Staying true to their heritage roots, the brand makes gear by hand through what they like to call a “village” manufacturing process. In addition to the iconic Jensen Pack (a true game changer in the carry industry), RMW offers a variety of backpacks to handle outdoor and urban environments alike.

Best backpacks by Rivendell Mountain Works:

Jensen Pack

Mariposa

Larkspur

Tanner Goods

Based in Portland, Oregon, Tanner Goods was founded on the principle of crafting gear that’s worth holding onto. They do this through gear that fuses heritage styling, modern-day functionality, and long-lasting construction that will have you sighing in appreciation. Made for day-to-day and travel needs, the carry range features quality materials such as waxed 18 oz. filter twill canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, brought together in practical and durable designs built to last for years to come.

Best backpacks by Tanner Goods:

Voyager Daypack

Koru Rucksack

Kletterwerks

Kletterwerks was founded by the legendary Dana Gleason in 1975, his first endeavour in pack design and manufacturing. Though the brand stepped off the carry stage for many years, it was resurrected as part of the Mystery Ranch family. While the enduring, simple designs merited a resurrection, there have been new additions (such as padded laptop sleeves) to set these bags up for modern-day use while still retaining their heritage charm.

Best backpacks by Kletterwerks:

Flip

Drei Zip

Frost River

Born from the need to traverse the terrain of the Northern Wilderness, Frost River builds its gear to withstand just about anything. Handmade in Duluth, Minnesota, their bags are crafted with care and precision, using American-sourced materials, such as Martexin Original Wax Canvas and leather from the SB Foot Tannery. And, the fun part, you’ll never have trouble spotting one from afar. See that brown waxed canvas, chestnut leather and solid brass combo above? That’s the signature vibe, and they darn well stick to it.

Best backpacks by Frost River:

Summit Expedition Pack

Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs

Arrowhead Trail Rolltop

Filson

When you think of heritage-style carry, Filson’s name always crops up. Not surprising when you consider they’ve been creating quality gear for demanding outdoor use since 1897. The brand has a manufacturing facility in their Seattle HQ and backs its gear with a lifetime guarantee. Pore over their packs and you’ll find hard-wearing, functional pieces that accommodate work, travel, outdoor and everyday needs.

Best backpacks by Filson:

Journeyman

Rugged Twill Rucksack

Tin Cloth Backpack

Topo Designs

Founded in 2008, Topo Designs was born in a basement in Fort Collins (and continues to make a lot of bags in Colorado) but now enjoys a global fan base. They set themselves apart in the industry by finding that sweet spot between urban and outdoor functionality. Rather than making you choose the city or the wilderness Topo gear embraces both, balancing heritage style with fun and modern practicality. You’ll find designs catering for everything from day hikes to work commutes to weekend getaways, all backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best backpacks by Topo Designs:

Klettersack

Daypack

Rover Pack

Luxury Backpacks Made in the USA

KILLSPENCER

Founded by Spencer Nikosey, KILLSPENCER have been crafting covet-worthy carry since 2009. A suave mix of clean styling, premium materials and excellent construction ensures low-key luxury in every piece. But the Los Angeles brand puts a focus on utility too, so their California-made pieces don’t just look good but perform reliably day in and day out. Their range of fashion-friendly yet functional packs are well suited to work and everyday use in urban settings, featuring chic silhouettes and quality materials such as premium full-grain leather, waxed canvas, and fire retardant and weatherproof nylon.

Best backpacks by KILLSPENCER:

Special Ops Backpack 3.0

Daypack

Utility Daypack

Lotuff Leather

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff Leather crafts uber-luxurious leather carry pieces by hand. Many of the team members are artists who create Lotuff’s meticulously crafted pieces – pieces that nail that appealing balance of luxe style and everyday functionality. Each piece is backed by a lifetime guarantee and features premium vegetable-tanned leather.

Best backpacks by Lotuff Leather:

Leather Zipper Backpack

Leather Knapsack

Leather Backpack

Outlier

Brooklyn-based Outlier stand out from the crowd through their commitment to innovative, technical apparel and fabric experimentation, but check out their carry offerings and you’ll find them impressive too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Dufflepack, Ultrahigh Duffle and Ultrahigh Backpack have delivered eye-catching modern aesthetics with premium technical fabrics. Made in small batches, their bags sell out fast, so keep an eye out. One better, sign up to their newsletter to be one of the first to know.

Best backpacks by Outlier:

Ultrahigh Backpack

Ultrahigh Dufflepack

American-Made Travel Backpacks

Tom Bihn

Tom Bihn combines over three decades of design experience (four if you consider the founder has been making bags since 1972) with a dedication to eco-conscious production and a rad company philosophy (that they actually genuinely follow). Their gear is known for its functionality and durability and is made in their Seattle factory. Tom Bihn’s travel backpacks handle diverse needs and trips, from outdoor excursions to urban carry-on use. But they also make a variety of other packs that handle work and EDC needs. All backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Best backpacks by Tom Bihn:

Synapse 25, $235: tombihn.com

Aeronaut 45, $320: tombihn.com

Synik 30, $320: tombihn.com

Red Oxx

Red Oxx makes some of the burliest travel bags out there, backed by their legendary “No Bull” lifetime warranty. The bags exude a military level of toughness and dependability (not surprising since the founder and current CEO both have military backgrounds). Wherever you’re going, these bags will get there and back again, multiple times over. Their bags are made by hand in Billings, Montana, using trusty 1000D Cordura, rugged #10 YKK zippers and reinforced stitching for dependable durability.

Best backpacks by Red Oxx:

Sky Train

Tres Hombres

C-ruck Carry-on Rucksack

Originally published in September 2018 and recently updated

The post The Best ‘Made in the USA’ Backpack Brands of 2022 appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hyperlite Mountain Gear prides itself on finding the right balance between minimalism and functionality. Unnecessary features are stripped away, while still maintaining high-performance designs that can endure a variety of demanding environments. The brand uses a range of fabrics such as Dyneema® Composite Fabrics to achieve lightweight durability and protection from the elements. Gear is handmade in the USA in Maine, with carry pieces ranging from backpacks to totes and stuff sacks.

Zpacks

Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Joe Valesko, whose extensive thru-hiking experience is put to good use in designing and testing the brand’s gear. Zpacks gear is crafted in the USA, with carry ranging from packs to pouches and dry bags. A range of accessories allow you to customize packs to your specific needs, with options for shorter and taller users alike.

Outlier

Founded in Brooklyn in 2008, Outlier first set itself apart through its innovative approach to urban apparel with multifunctional designs and technical fabrics. However, the brand’s dedication to creating quality gear spread to encompass carry too. Pieces such as the Ultrahigh Quadzip, Ultrahigh Dufflepack, and Ultrahigh Waterfall System feature lightweight Ultrahigh Dyneema Composite fabric to keep weight down while maintaining durability.

SDR Traveller

There’s no denying SDR Traveller’s premium price tags, but you get a lot of dependable discretion for your investment. The brand’s gear is designed to be strong, lightweight and discreet in order to fly under the radar in challenging environments. All their gear is made in the USA, with quality materials such as Dyneema composite fabric and X-Pac. And with offerings ranging from a duffel and messenger to pouches, you’ve got options to suit a variety of settings and carry needs.

Mountain Laurel Designs

MLD gear is handcrafted in Roanoke, Virginia, with materials such as Dyneema Composite Fabric, Dyneema X, and Pro SilNylon. Founded in 2002 by Ron Bell, a Yosemite Search and Rescue climber, the brand’s carry gear includes a range of backpacks, pouches, and pockets. Designed for streamlined efficiency and simplicity, MLD gear suits diverse outdoor carry needs, from thru-hiking to skiing and cycling.

ULA Equipment 

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) was founded in 2001 by Pacific Crest Trail hiker Brian Frankle. Built with thru-hikers in mind, ULA gear finds a careful balance of comfort, durability, functionality and light weight. Crafted in Utah, the brand’s carry gear includes a range of backpacks, pockets and stuff sacks, with most of the packs made using ULA 210 Robic fabric.

ZimmerBuilt

Founded in 2010 by Christopher Zimmer, ZimmerBuilt offers ultralight packs and pockets sewn by hand in Ohio. In addition to standard pack designs, ZimmerBuilt also creates custom packs tailored to meet your specific needs.

CiloGear

CiloGear crafts their gear by hand in Portland, using US-sourced materials. A lean manufacturer, the brand makes its gear to order and uses a variety of materials to achieve a solid blend of light weight, durability and protection from the elements. And with bags for activities ranging from alpine climbing to skiing and urban commuting, you’re well covered whatever the day’s carry needs entail.

Gossamer Gear

Founded in 1998, Gossamer Gear has spent the past two decades creating lightweight hiking gear to help people carry less and enjoy their time on the trails more. The brand uses custom-made and custom-designed fabrics, and offers a range of multi-day backpacks, daypacks, stuff sacks, pockets, and liners to cater to diverse outdoor explorations.

The post Our Favorite Ultralight Bag Brands appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

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

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Andy Fallshaw (Ando)

Every Day

Mystery Ranch ASAP

ZPacks Stuff Sacks and Belt Pouch. These are so light and useful.

Bellroy Card Pocket. Sometimes it’s my daily wallet. Sometimes it holds extra cards in my bag.

IKEA bags. I still live out of these some weeks. Shopping, car trips, works samples, anything.

Travel

CamelBak Tri-Zip. This bag is even better than the Mystery Rancg 3DAP because of the pocketing. It looks too tactical for work trips, but dang it’s good for other travel.

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Samsonite Lite-Cube 82cm spinner (or Firelite). This is a workhorse for luggage that lets me load stuff on top for trolley-free travel with my family. I wish the casters held even heavier loads.

Outlier Ultrahigh Backpack. This pack is just so light and robust, two words not typically put together. It gets used as a travel daypack and on adventure excursions.

Bellroy Passport Sleeve. Leave it loaded with a passport, pen and frequent flyer cards. Then simply grab and go.

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Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack. Really light, and epic for laundry, wet boardshorts, leaking sunscreen, or random protection.

Brian Park

Archival Work Bag — I’m not sure they even make this anymore. Heritage carry isn’t my vibe at all, but for some reason this bag gets pulled out all the time.

Kifaru X-Ray — I have lighter bags and more purpose-built bags for most things I do, but I grab this thing more often than not if I’m heading out for whatever.

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Bellroy Travel Wallet — I will never travel without this (or something like it) ever again.

Various neoprene stash pockets (I like Tom Bihn) to protect and organize electronic gear.

Timbuk2 Copilot rolling luggage — I absolutely love this. It has skate wheels, is semi-structured, offers good organization, and has held up well over the past couple of years of travel.

David Vo

Work backpack – Incase ICON: This pack isn’t perfect but it’s pretty darned nice. I do rotations every six months or so but before that I was carrying some form of messenger, usually the Crafted Goods Carrera.

Weekender duffel – Everlane Weekender

Carry-on luggage – An old beat up Samsonite. I really need a new roller. I’m not a fan of carrying duffels on a plane.

Travel organization – Eagle Creek cubes. I swear by these.

Electronics organization – A set of Tom Bihn zippered cases for USB cables, chargers, etc.

Toiletry bag – Briggs & Riley. I’ve had this for probably 15 years. It won’t die. I want a new dopp/toiletry bag desperately though.

Wallet – Original OG Note Sleeve. I have a Slim Sleeve too. Both are beat to hell but still holding up.

Beach/picnic tote – Jack Spade. This is my go-to when I need to throw in a towel, some sunscreen, my Kindle, etc. for a trip to the park or sand.

Frank Sedlar

Every Day

Incase Tensaerlite ICON Sleeve for MBP

Bellroy Slim Sleeve

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Whatever pack I’m testing for Carryology – sadly I have yet to find an everyday backpack that clicks for me. I guess writing for Carryology has made me too particular.

Defy Defender Workcase – I use this if the day requires something more formal than a backpack.

Travel

Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle 75L – This thing swallows anything.

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Boreas Tsum Trek 55L – For hiking/backpacking trips.

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A few MUJI packing cubes and an unhealthy supply of ziplocks.

Mr Zing

For daily carry I rotate through:

Joshu+Vela Zip Briefcase

Mixed Works Swift Backpack

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GORUCK GR0 and GR1

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Arc’teryx Granville

Bellroy Elements Sleeve: It’s awesome, the leather is really elastic. Before that I used the Bellroy Slim Sleeve, awesome as well.

Weekends and holidays:

Tumi Alpha boarding bag

Bergans Trollhetta 75

Accessories:

Tumi pouch

Tech:

MacBook Pro 13″
Bose QC25s
The Roost Stand
Apple keyboard and mouse
iPhone 5

Mike Weiss

Work backpack – DSPTCH Ruckpack: Between work, play and the gym in the mornings, I never run out of room in this bag. Tom Bihn’s Brain Bag was my go-to for 10 years before I found the Ruckpack.

Weekender – Now it’s the Octovo Weekender but before that it was the Amos Bag (now the company is called Alpine Modern). My girlfriend actually stole this one from me and won’t give it back.

Toiletry bag – Topo Designs Dopp Kit

Wallet – My new addition is the Octovo Purist. Before that it was DODOcase’s leather wallet.

Electronics organization – I don’t really have one but I am quickly becoming obsessed with Cord Tacos. These are a game changer for my headphones (and miscellaneous cables).

Travel bag – Osprey Farpoint

Messenger/Miscellaneous bags I throw in rotation: YNOT’s Viken (still one of my favorite “duffels” but I treat it more like a messenger. I use this in lieu of the DSPTCH depending on my needs). Timbuk2 Classic XS when I just need the essentials, or to bring a cold six-pack to a party.

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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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Weight

First, think about the weight. It’s tempting to go for a pouch that looks like it will survive the Apocalypse, but it doesn’t take many 600D Cordura pouches with PALS and PE stiffener before you’ve doubled the weight of your bag. Abrasion-resistant fabrics are needed on pouches you keep on the outside of your pack, but if these are living inside a bag, they can be much lighter weight.

Nesting

Next, consider nesting. If your pouch opens wide and then relies on internal pockets to keep things secure, you often end up with crush zones in the centre and voids at the sides. It’s hard to get this nesting nailed.

Visibility

Also not to be overlooked is how visible the contents are. Where the heck did I leave that blade/pen/USB stick…? Too many opaque pouches can leave you searching. Mesh pouches or transparent materials can help with this. Or fewer pouches that display their internals better when opened.

Condor Pocket Pouch (from $10.95)

Tom Bihn Double Organizer Pouch ($15-19)

Two pockets to organize your items, a urethane window for assessing contents at a glance, plus a choice of three sizes. This handy pouch is a great way to bring order to the contents of your bag, whether you need to carry smaller or larger items.

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Great for: sidestepping carry chaos and lost items in your bag and easily swapping your gear between different bags…

ZPacks Backpack Belt Pouch ($29)

Aer Cable Kit ($45)

Hill People Gear General Purpose Pocket Medium ($47)

Bellroy Classic Pouch ($49)

Kifaru 500D Organizer Pocket (from $55)

Peak Design Tech Pouch ($59.95)

The clean aesthetics of the Peak Design Tech Pouch allow this piece to slip easily into work, travel or EDC setups. And with its origami-inspired organization you can keep a wide range of items tidy and within easy reach on the go. Add in its convenient handles and wide opening and you’re all set for quick access to essentials on the go.

Great for: users who appreciate clean style paired with thoughtful organization to keep items easily accessible and avoid a jumbled mess on the move…

Skinth Solutions Milky Way ($50) and Trail Blazer ($65)

GORUCK GR1 Padded Field Pocket ($75)

Triple Aught Design OP1 ($75)

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The OP1 has a number of useful features to make your daily carry that little bit easier, including a clamshell opening for easy access to the contents, an assortment of pockets and loops for organization, plus a choice of attachment options for using the pouch with a bag or belt.

Boundary Supply X-Pac Port Kitt ($79.99)

This Is Ground Tech Dopp Kit 2 ($229-289)

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check these out too:

Our Favorite Organization Pouches for EDC Right Now

How To Stay Organized: Pouches and Packing Cubes

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