Everyday Backpack Roundup — 2019
Need a new everyday backpack? We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite options, with everything from clean, simple bags that are great for work or school to packs that can also work for casual hikes and travel.
Backpacks
Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack
This year Arc’teryx released a very minimalist backcountry ski / snowboard pack. So, how does the new Alpha SK 32 compare to more traditional options, and what do you gain and lose by going with this fast-and-light pack?
Lab Austere Hydration Pack, Tool Kit, & Wallet
Lab Austere is a new brand that’s aiming to make simple — and more importantly, very useful — MTB accessories. Check out our review of their Minimize Hydration Lumbar Pack, Trunk Roll Up Tool Kit, and Simplify Wallet.
Mammut Trion Spine 50 Backpack
Mammut just released a new line of packs with a unique suspension system designed to move with you, rather than against you. So how does the Trion Spine compare to packs with similar designs, and where does this all-purpose alpine pack excel? Check out our full review.
Gregory Endo 15 3D-Hydro
Gregory has been making all sorts of backpacks for years, but how do their new biking packs perform? Check out our review of the Gregory Endo 15 3D-Hydro.
Everyday Backpack Roundup — 2018
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite backpacks that we use for everything from early-morning trips to the gym, urban commutes, and long day hikes.
Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ Pack
The new Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ is one of the best climbing packs we’ve used. Check out our review, including comparisons to the Patagonia Ascensionist and Osprey Variant 37.
Mammut Ultralight Removable Airbag 3.0
Avalanche airbags can provide significant safety benefits, but they can also be prohibitively expensive or discouragingly heavy. But the Mammut Ultralight Removable Airbag 3.0 is one of the lightest and one of the least expensive airbag packs on the market, so is the problem finally solved?
Duffel Bag Roundup — 2018
Used to be that a duffel was a duffel was a duffel. Not anymore. These days, almost every outdoor brand is making one (or several), so we’ve rounded up some of the best duffel bags out there and compared them side-by-side.
Salomon Skin Pro 15 Set Pack
We’ve now put over 40 days in the Salomon Skin Pro 15 Set Pack, and have continued to find it to be a surprisingly versatile pack that works well for a variety of activities.
Henty Enduro Backpack
The Henty Enduro Backpack combines many of the best qualities of both fanny packs and backpacks, making it an excellent option for most bike rides. Check out our review.
BCA Float 27 Speed Avalanche Airbag
This year, BCA released an all-new lighter and more compact version of their Float airbag system, and we’ve been spending much of this season touring in the new Float 27 Speed pack. Check out our review.
Airborne Outfitters Bitterroot Dry Bag
The Airborne Outfitters Bitterroot Dry Bag combines 3 important backcountry tools — a dry bag, a water filter, and a mattress pump — into one compact system. Check out our initial review.
Scott Backcountry Guide AP 30 Kit
We’ve spent a good deal of time in Scott’s Backcountry Guide AP 30 airbag pack, and so far, we’re impressed. Check out our review.
Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak Pack
The Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak backpack does an excellent job of balancing the needs of a ski pack, and offers a few features we haven’t seen on any similar packs.
Evoc Trail Builder Pack
Trails need maintenance, and that requires a lot of gear. Evoc’s Trail Builder pack makes carrying all that gear a lot more comfortable, and it still rides well when loaded down.
Patagonia Black Hole 32L Backpack
With a water resistant, durable fabric and an easy-access design, Patagonia’s Black Hole 32L Backpack is a great option for an everyday daypack.
Dakine Drafter 14L Pack
The Dakine Drafter 14L is a breathable and comfortable solution for carrying gear on long bike rides (especially for riders who don’t generally like wearing a pack).
Patagonia Descensionist 40L Pack
Based on Patagonia’s mountaineering-oriented Ascensionist packs, the new Descensionist 40L features a similarly minimalist profile, some ski-specific features, and plenty of capacity in a lightweight package.
Seagull Commuter Sling
After over a year and a half of daily use, the Seagull Commuter Sling has proven to be one of our favorite messenger bags.