Backpacks | BLISTER Outdoor Media & Gear Reviews

Arc’teryx Alpha SK 32 Backpack

August 1, 2019August 1, 2019 by Sam Shaheen

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?

Noah Bodman reviews the Lab Austere Minimize Hydration Lumbar Pack, Trunk Roll Up Tool Kit, and Simplify Wallet for BLISTER

Lab Austere Hydration Pack, Tool Kit, & Wallet

June 17, 2019 by Noah Bodman

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.

Sam Shaheen reviews the Mammut Trion Spine 50 Pack for Blister

Mammut Trion Spine 50 Backpack

March 19, 2019March 18, 2019 by Sam Shaheen

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

October 21, 2018 by Noah Bodman

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

October 24, 2018October 18, 2018 by Luke Koppa

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.

David Steele reviews the Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ for Blister

Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ Pack

August 7, 2018 by David Steele

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

September 27, 2018August 1, 2018 by Sam Shaheen

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

July 22, 2018July 22, 2018 by Luke Koppa

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.

Cy Whitling reviews the Salomon Skin Pro 15 Set for Blister Gear Review.

Salomon Skin Pro 15 Set Pack

June 8, 2018June 6, 2018 by Cy Whitling

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

May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 by Noah Bodman

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

May 8, 2018 by Brian Lindahl

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

May 2, 2018 by Luke Koppa

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

July 15, 2018March 26, 2018 by Luke Koppa

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

July 15, 2018March 4, 2018 by Luke Koppa

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

December 14, 2017 by Noah Bodman

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

November 19, 2017 by Luke Koppa

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.

Xan Marshland reviews the Dakine Drafter 14L for Blister Review

Dakine Drafter 14L Pack

November 11, 2017 by Xan Marshland

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

October 28, 2017 by Cy Whitling

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

October 25, 2021September 9, 2017 by Nate Murray

After over a year and a half of daily use, the Seagull Commuter Sling has proven to be one of our favorite messenger bags.

Patagonia Refugio 28L Backpack

September 9, 2017September 2, 2017 by Sam Shaheen

The newly redesigned Patagonia Refugio is a well-built daypack with plenty of features that make it great for daily use, yet it isn’t out of place on the trail, either.

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