I own an Osprey Aether (no longer made) at 1 pound, nine ounces and an Osprey Atmos 35 (discontinued) at 2 pounds, 4 ounces and love both. The Atmos 35 is really solid with a frame, mesh net at your back and really stretchy pockets all around. You can go for a week or more [...]
U.S. award-winning outdoor writer, columnist and TV personality Tom Steinstra is writing an eight-part series in the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper about a 70-mile backpacking trek through Sequoia National Park, starting at Siberian Ridge and ending at Mineral King, which takes in Mt. Whitney, one of highest points in North America. Steinstra says in this [...]
I’m a member of and frequent shopper at REI. They have a good selection of goods and for the most part knowledgeable folks working there. I can walk around for hours touching, poking, feeling, examining and exploring. It’s actually a treat to spend two hours there even if I don’t buy something since I live [...]
A light daypack is an essential piece of equipment for the light backpacker. I’ve taken many, many three-day loop trips that involve two overnights and 8-10 miles of day hiking wearing your pack. That’s great except for one thing: you’re wearing your pack the whole time. Even an ultralight pack is still a weight on [...]
Most of you have probably heard of zero-based budgeting. It’s a simple concept: your budget starts at zero and builds. This differs from annual budgeting that merely looks at the previous year’s budget and adds or subtracts an amount. With spring on us and snow melting fast, you’re probably anxious to hit the trail. But [...]
Annual Gear Guide with backpacks, tents, boots and more
Bungee backpack lightens your load
Backpacking Gear List Series, focusing on ways to achieve the lightest possible pack.
Backpacking Gear List Series – Base Pack
My first rule of shopping for a lightweight backpack is to eliminate all of those 3 pounds or heavier. However, if you’re really serious about being lightweight, you should probably set you upper limit at 2 pounds. There are many, many choices out there in this range, including the GoLite Race Pack. Don't be put [...]
