backpack reviews

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ultralight backpack.

Review: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack

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Ultralight Backpack
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
$315, 60L/3,661 c.i., 1 lb. 14 oz./850.5g (medium pack with small hipbelt)
Sizes: unisex S-L for both pack and hipbelt
gossamergear.com

Certain items of gear rise to the status of “classic” based on their enduring popularity—especially with ultralight backpacking gear—and that rings true for the Mariposa 60. After hauling it on late-summer, multi-day hikes in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness, I’ve come to understand why I’ve seen this pack on the backs of so many ultralighters: It sports much of what you’d want in an ultralight backpack with hardly a flaw.

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The 10 Best Backpacking Packs

Review: Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65 Backpacks

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BackpackOsprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65$340, 65L/3,967 c.i., 4 lbs. 11 oz./2.1kg (men’s medium)Sizes: men’s S-L, women’s XS-MAtmos AG 65: ospreypacks.comAura AG 65: ospreypacks.com A backpack is a little like a relationship: It’s hard to tell what it’s going to be like when you first meet, and then you get to know each other much better over time. …

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The Osprey Archeon 70 backpack on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier.

Review: Osprey Archeon 70 and Archeon 65 Backpacks

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Backpack Osprey Archeon 70 and Archeon 65 $340, 68L/4,150 c.i., 5 lbs. 8 oz. (men’s S/M) Sizes: men’s S/M and L/XL, women’s XS/S and M/L backcountry.com Large backpacks may seem to some backpackers like the outdoor industry’s Ford Edsel—reflecting a style from a bygone era—and the clean, old-school, utilitarian look of Osprey’s Archeon series perhaps engenders that reaction. But don’t …

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The Gregory Paragon 58 backpack.

Review: Gregory Paragon 58 and Maven 55 Backpacks

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Backpack Gregory Paragon 58 and Maven 55 $260, 58L/3,539 c.i., 3 lbs. 8 oz./1.6kg (men’s SM/MD, without the included rain cover) Sizes: men’s Paragon S/M and M/L, women’s Maven XS/S and S/M backcountry.com The first two considerations when buying a backpack should always be 1. decide what type of trips you’ll use it for, and 2. how much carrying capacity …

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The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 ultralight backpack.

Review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider Ultralight Backpack

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BackpackHyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$349, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. 15 oz./879g (medium)Sizes: S (fits torsos 15-17 ins.), M (17-19 ins.), L (19-21 ins.), Tall (21+ ins.)hyperlitemountaingear.com When the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack—if I’d had no idea, I might have guessed it contained a small tent. It’s not …

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