Category Archives: Backpacks

Gear Review: Granite Gear Athabasca 24

Written by Matthew Timothy Bradley
Published on
Lightweight day hike and urban backpack

Granite Gear’s new Athabasca 24 is envisioned as a lightweight, dual use pack. It functions as a commuter bag during the work/school week, with the sleeve in the main compartment holding your laptop and … Continue reading →

Gear Review: Deuter Freerider Pro 28 SL Backpack

Written by Matthew Timothy Bradley
Published on
This feature-rich back- and side-country ski pack includes a convenient front carry option for strapping down snowshoes.

The Hydration Gamble: Review of the Hydrapak E-Lite Vest from an Ultrarunner’s Perspective

Written by Molly Cochran
Published on

Every ultrarunner knows that the secret to survivin’

is knowin’ when to eat something and knowing when to drink.

Cause every race’s a winner and every race’s a loser,

And the best that you can hope for is to finish … Continue reading →

Gear Review: CamelBak Mil Tac H.A.W.G.

Written by Matthew Timothy Bradley
Published on
The 2013 tactical version of the HAWG works well as a half day winter pack.

What is Blue or Gold and Light All Over?

Written by Molly Cochran
Published on
The Sequel and the Avila

The answer is Hydrapak Hydration Packs. If any gear within the athletic world has seen an exponential explosion of options, it would be the hydration systems. Although I don’t know who or what specifically to credit with this latest surge … Continue reading →

HydraPak’s Tamarack: Tangerine is the Smack

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

No better buddy-for-the-back exists for a feather-light rack holding 100-ounces of your favorite stack than the Tamarack. What better name for a snowshoe backpack than Tamarack with its origins tracing back to Native American languages for the wood used in … Continue reading →

Osprey Aura 65 Backpack: Carry Your Dreams

Written by Allison Leking
Published on

If you are looking for a hiking or travel backpack that is comfortable, breathable and overflowing with innovative design features, you’ve found it in the Osprey Aura 65. I like to say that with this pack, you can carry your … Continue reading →

Gear Review: Looptworks Noll Messenger Bag

Written by Tim Sprinkle
Published on

So what makes a messenger bag special? It has to offer plenty of storage space for your daily essentials. It has to have plenty of pockets, to keep all of that gear organized. It has to be durable, to stand … Continue reading →

From Trails to Shakespeare, Osprey Escapist Multi-Sport Pack Will Take You There

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

An Osprey Escapist 30 allows a user to soar on trails, making way to destinations unknown with newfound maneuverability. Hovering and diving like the bird, one covers distance on foot or two wheels, continuously going forward with all cares temporarily … Continue reading →

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market: Part II

Written by Cathleen Calkins
Published on

Day two at Outdoor Retailer (OR) was more about getting a look at new products that are launching. Taking aim at getting us outdoors or making it more comfortable when we do venture out and a few definitely stood out.… Continue reading →

Columbia Takes a Smart Approach to Shouldering a Pack

Written by Cathleen Calkins
Published on

Vixen 22 and Treadlite 22

I continue to be impressed with Columbia Sportswear’s new gear offerings. I know I have said this before, but Columbia is no longer, in my opinion, that second-tier outdoor company that takes aim only at … Continue reading →

The North Face Snowshoe Combo: Jacket, Pants, Boots and Backpack

Written by Ryan Alford
Published on

In this video, Snowshoe Magazine reviews The North Face snowshoeing combo: Perception Jacket, Mountain Pants, Snow Beast Boots and the Patrol 34 Backpack.

For more information:

The North Face Perception Jacket – http://bit.ly/sbGH84

The North Face Mountain Pants – http://bit.ly/uiJLGU… Continue reading →