If you are looking for a heavy duty pack that can safely carry your camera gear, a laptop and extras while taking a beating, then look no further than the Mountainsmith Parallax Pro Daypack.  The pack allows for easy access to equipment quickly through the back, which is important if you need to be able to switch lenses or bodies on the move. The two front pockets and pockets on the waist belt are perfect for holding business cards, extra batteries, memory cards or anything else you need quick access too. A laminated mesh interior zippered pocket is easy to see through and is the perfect spot to hold memory cards, cleaning cloths etc. I put this pack through the works traveling overseas, through trade shows, day hikes and even through two moves. Through all that, it held up like a champ. The removeable rain cover came in handy when I got caught in a typical afternoon summer rain storm in Colorado.

The removeable padded fleece-lined interior padded adjustable dividers made it easy to use whatever camera body or lenses I needed to carry, even switching between both Nikon and Canon. It comfortably held one camera body with a battery pack, multiple lenses including a 80-200 zoom, flash, light meter and battery charger with additional accessories. I could carry multiple bodies if I chose to carry one less lens. There are multiple places to attach additional lens pouches if needed including the Descent AT with chest harness. The tripod/monopod mount on the front allowed for easy access and ease of carrying.

For travel, the pack still counts as a carry on as long as it isn’t packed to the max, which I liked because I like to keep my camera gear with me while traveling. It even has extra room for a magazine or two even when a 15 inch laptop is also loaded into it (note: The bag can support up to a 17″). The two mesh pockets on the sides come in handy for my always at my side water bottle I travel with.  The pack is easy to lift out of the overhead compartment of a a plane and the trunk or the back of a car/truck/SUV with the carry handles on the side and top. This was especially convenient when trying to get my camera loaded bag down from the overhead bin and when trying to work around a hitch mounted bike rack to grab the bag from the trunk.

I also love the easy adjustability of the pack. Being 5’3 I often have trouble finding packs that fit me comfrotably, especially in the camera gear/backpack department. The ergonomic compression shoulder straps (with additonal sternum strap) along with waist belt helped take the weight off shoulders and upper back that typically take the brunt of the beating from travel and shooting with heavy gear. The fact that the heavy gear is placed against the back because of the bag’s design is an added bonus. The pack stayed put even when running through the airport. The quick tightening and loosening of the straps came in handy when handing the pack over to my husband for use.

I even put the bag to test with some of my extra/old camera gear by putting it into a moving pod. It survived the trip from Colorado to California far better than some of my other belongings. My camera gear was all intact and the tough 100%recycled PET fabric with reinforcements and heavy duty zippers show no signs of wear even though the pack was not in the original location it was in when I packed it into the cube. The fact that you can pack away the compression straps and waist belt when not in use insured that I never have broken buckles.

Overall the Mountainsmith bag performed to my expectations and beyond. I still have a Mountainsmith Day pack I used over eleven years ago in college, and I can see the Parallax Pro Daypack remaining in my pack collection and being heavily used just as my Day pack continues to be.  Although it holds anything you would ever need for a camera bag, I found the bag to be a little cumbersome, especially when hiking with it. It sticks out even when tightened down, and it made it difficult to get it through tight places on the trail and in other situations where there isn’t much space. It also takes up a lot of room when storing. A good alternative for this issue is to look into other day packs offered by Mountainsmith including the Borealis AT and Quantum.

Specs:

Pack is sized for Nikon D90, D300 / Canon EOS 40D, 30D or similar
MSRP: $180
Weight 5 lbs. 6 oz.
Volume 1952 cu. in./ 32L
Internal Dimensions 17.25” x 10” x 14.25”/ 43.75 x 25.5 x 36.5 cm
Dimensions 18” x 11” x 15”/ 45.75 x 28 x 38 cm

The North Face Prophet 52

The Prophet 52 is a 54-58 liter technical pack with the climber and backpacker in mind.  It is part of the Summit Series which is not just another marketing label, but it means that it was athlete tested to make sure it can hold up to the high expectations of the most extreme outdoors people.  The fabric used in the North Face Prophet 52 is the Cordura Bombastic fabric.  If you aren’t aware of Cordura yet, it is one of the textile fabric’s that manufactures use when fabric durability is a must.  Cordura also makes fabrics for the U.S. Armed forces if that gives you some insight.  For added durability of the pack, the bottom of the Prophet 52 has two layers of fabric since this is one of the area’s that gets most abuse.  For me personally, the bottom of a pack takes the most abuse.

North Face Prophet 52

The Prophet 52 is very lightweight weighing in at 3 lbs 6oz. for a medium and 3lbs 8oz. for a large.  This is good when you’re on an ascent and trying to keep the weight down.  On the downside of lightweight, you don’t always get a cushy ride you get with a traditional pack.  The shoulder straps on the Prophet 52 don’t have a whole lot of padding, which over a 2-day 28 mile backpacking trip had me wanting a little more padding. The same goes for the hip belt.  Another area in which the Prophet 52 is able to cut weight is through the 2 removable aluminum stays in the back panel.  These stays are pretty easy to remove and put back into the pack if this is something you are interested in.

For pockets and storage, the Prophet 52 has everything you should need.  For the main compartment, I found there to be plenty of room for a 650 fill 15 degree sleeping back, a lightweight 2 person tent, an ultralight down jacket, a pair of pants, shorts, socks, backpacking stove and cooking equipment, and food.  I also was able to use the internal reservoir pocket for my 3 liter bladder.  On the outside of the pack, there are two larger side pockets near the waste, one on each side.  There is an elastic band that gives you some tension to keep water bottles and other gear in, but I would like to see a little more tension in the elastic for a more secure fit.  There is the standard outside pocket that goes down the center of the pack with a bungee attached to the outside of it.  This is perfect for items you want easy access to.  I usually store dog leashes, light jackets, and a little food in this area.  The top loading cover has 3 compartments to organize your goods in and is easily removable through two clips.

For other forms of outside storage, there are two compression straps on each side of the pack that are red and easily recognizable.  This can be good for storing a sleeping pad, tent, skis, etc.  There are also bungees near the top of the pack and gear loops at the bottom of the pack which I used for trekking pole storage, but they also could work great to storing climbing gear.  To help with visibility, there are reflective pieces on almost every side of the pack.  This could be good if you are in an emergency and need to be seen during the night. The Prophet 52 has a narrow fit, meaning it looks more tall and thin on your back verses short and wide.  I am ok with both styles, but if you prefer a more narrow fitting pack, this could be a good option.

The Photo Sport 200 AW backpack from Lowepro is a great bag for the landscape and nature photographer as well as the outdoor sports photographer, offering a novel camera carrying system in a well made daypack.  Lowepro offers a few different models in the Photo Sport line and I choose to go with the largest one available. The 200 is marketed towards professional photographers with larger sized camera bodies and professional grade lenses.  I have always disliked choosing between a good camera bag and a good backpack and the Photo Sport 200 is the best compromise I have encountered.  Lowepro has managed to make a backpack that can comfortably carry the essentials for a day hike or approach to a rock climbing route and also the basic professional photographer kit.  I can photograph almost all situations with just two lenses and a flash and I was able to fit all this in the Photo Sport 200.

My basic kit consists of a Nikon D700 camera body, a Nikon 24-70 2.8 mid range zoom lens, a Nikon 70-200 2.8 short to medium telephoto zoom lens, and a Nikon SB-900 flash.  The camera compartment in the Photo Sport 200 is able to securely fit my camera with the 24-70 lens attached (lens hood in the stored position), and the flash.  Unfortunately, the camera compartment is not large enough to store a professional telephoto lens like my 70-200 so I resorted to putting that in the main compartment in its own case.  A consumer level telephoto lens would most likely fit in the compartment where I stored my flash.  The beauty of the Photo Sport line of daypacks is the design of the camera compartment, offering easy access without having to empty out the contents of your pack.  The camera compartment is located in the bottom portion of the bag and has a side mounted access flap secured with two quick releasing zippers.  This keeps things nice and organized and allows quick retrieval of your camera.  The compartment is well padded and has a unique system for tightening down the inner storage flap to keep your gear from moving around.  I ran around with the pack fully loaded and experienced no bouncing of camera equipment.

As mentioned before, I’ve often had to chose between a good backpack and a good camera bag and it usually comes down to the manufacturers simply throwing backpack straps on a camera bag.  To design a good camera backpack requires knowledge of overall good backpack design and Lowepro has experience in this area that they applied to the Photo Sport 200.  The pack uses lightweight but decently padded straps in its suspension system and a reasonably wide hip belt to help distribute the weight.  A semi rigid plastic frame sheet provides good stability and weight distribution and keeps the camera compartment from jabbing you.  The back panel offers good padding and nice sized air channels to help keep your back cool.  I loaded up the Photo Sport 200 and did a 7 mile hike in the Mt Evans Wilderness and was nearly as comfortable as I am with my favorite daypack.

Feature Rundown:

• Zippered pockets on lid and waistbelt for sunglasses and small items
• Upper compartment with drawcord fits larger items
• Front stretch pocket is great for light jacket
• Side stretch pocket for water bottle or other quick grab item
• Compression straps on bottom for attaching extra gear
• Dedicated hydration pocket hold 70 oz/2 L hydration reservoir or can be used as an extra storage compartment
• Built-in All Weather AW Cover protects the entire bag from the elements

The Lowepro Photo Sport 200 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to carry a camera into the outdoors or even for a day out with the family.  It offers a novel and well designed camera carrying system and enough space for essentials.  The all weather cover make it a versatile option for any weather condition.  Find out more at http://www.lowepro.com

While hiking on a longer trip or where cold weather can be a factor, I like to have a pack that can carry a good sized load.  The BD Burn pack has 26 Liters for a size medium and 28 liters for a size large.  This translates into 1587 cubic inches for a medium and 1700 cubic inches for a size large.  I tested out a large and found the pack to carry all my gear on all my hikes without extra shirts, hats, etc.  exploding from my pack. The shape of the BD Burn is fairly narrow, meaning it fits more skinny and tall verses short and wide.  With this shape, it gives you a sense that you are wearing less of a pack and surprising to me allows for a good distribution of weight.

The shoulder straps on the Black Diamond Burn are made of a mesh and foam fabric allowing for comfort and breathability.  To get the best fit on the shoulders and back, BD added load lifters to the pack which helps form the straps to your shoulders allowing for you to get the best weight distribution.  This also lets you distribute the weight in different areas if your shoulders or back start to get sore.   On each shoulder strap, there is loop to put your reservoir hose through so it doesn’t go flapping around as you walk.  There is also an adjustable sternum strap on the shoulder straps which keeps the Burn pack more secure on your body and keeps it from going from side to side.  For safety, there is a whistle connected to the sternum strap buckle.  Something that is easy and inexpensive for manufactures to do, but you would be surprised at the number of packs that don’t have that little whistle.

To get a good weight distribution on the hips, the Burn has a good sized hip belt with cinch straps to pull the pack closer into your back once you have it on.  When I get a lower sore back on a long hike, I like to give these straps a tug and let them out at times.  The back of the BD Burn pack has a breathable mesh surface with a small amount of padding for comfort.  And while this mesh helps with breathability, I have never found the breathable mesh back panels to completely work.  Unfortunately, it is the nature of the beast for the time being in packs.

The Black Diamond Burn is top loading which some people like while others don’t.  I personally like both top loaders and normal style openings.  On the top, there is an outside pocket that is big enough for a little food, cell phone, camera and other small items you want to have easily accessible.  There is also a pocket on the inside of this flap that is smaller, good for keys and items you want to keep more secure.  There are two bladder sized pockets on the inside of the pack where you can store water or other items you want to keep separate from the rest of your gear.  For storage on the outside of the pack, there is a bungee style cord that can be cinched in if you run out of room or want to keep a jacket on the outside for quick access. One thing I would like to see is for the string to be elastic.  The model I tested had a non springy style string which doesn’t always keep the items snug against the pack.  If you hike with trekking poles or ice axes, there are two loops on the outside bottom of the pack for storage.  There are also two stretch mesh pockets for water bottles and other things you want to keep accessible.  I pick up trash on the trails when I hike, so usually trash goes in these pockets for me. There is also a small hip belt pocket which stores a cell phone, point and shoot camera, or energy bar.

In the end, this pack doesn’t have a million features that you don’t need, it seems to only have the features that you really need and use. For more information on the Black Diamond Burn pack, please visit BlackDiamondEquipment.com

Over the past few months, I’ve been testing out the Gregory Miwok 22 which is a 21 liter day-pack meant for different types of day trips and adventures. When I first started to test out this pack, I thought it looked a little small for a day pack.  After playing around with the Miwok 22 indoors to find out all its features and possible benefits, I found this pack to expand out and carry a significant load.  After exploring the pack indoors, I decided it was time to take it into the field and see how it performed.  My first test was to take it out hiking.  I took the pack on a number of day hikes in the Rocky Mountains with mileage ranging from 5-15 miles.  When I head out for a day hike, I like to bring along the following; rain jacket, food, small emergency kit, headlamp, water, camera, and dog treats.  With these items, a small hydration pack doesn’t always fit the bill.  I found the space in the Gregory Miwok 22 to have plenty of space for all my gear and then some while hiking.  Some of the pockets I used while hiking included the two hip belt zippered pockets.  I was able to store my energy bars and point and shoot camera’s in these pockets.  They also fit a smart phone.  When it got cloudy, I used the fleece lined sunglass pocket to store my shades.  For future models, I would like to see this pocket expanded as it was a tight squeeze for some of my sunglasses.  There are two large mesh pockets on the sides of the backpack that work great for wet clothes, water bottles, and anything else you might want separated from the rest of your gear.

Next, I took the Gregory Miwok 22 out on a 5 hour mountain biking ride.  And while this pack was not specifically designed for mountain biking, it worked out just fine.  I was able to get all my water in food as well and spare tubes and tools.  Since I like to have my gear work in a number of situations, I also have worn this pack as my everyday backpack that carries my 14″ laptop, my iPad2, lots of cords, water, and anything else that fits in the pack.

For storage and pockets, this pack has been one of my favorites.  It has a pocket for almost anything you need to stash.  When looking for a pack, I like compartments and pockets, but I don’t like it to be all zippers and no function.  For an outside stash compartment, there is an expandable outside compartment if you want to fit in bigger pieces of gear.  It also works great for stashing a rain jacket when you are in and out of wet weather. Next to that, there is a zippered compartment that can fit small to medium sized items.  The main compartment has plenty of room for your larger jackets and gear and also includes a slot for a reservoir.  One of the things that sets the Gregory Miwok 22 apart from other packs is the cinch cords.  There are two cords on each side of the outside of the pack that you can pull to cinch your load. This helps keep the Miwok 22 compact and keeps items from moving around a lot in your pack.  It also creates a snugger and more comfortable fit on your back.  The other features that help make this backpack fit well include an adjustable sternum strap, a mesh backpanel, and a mesh hip belt to keep the load even on your back and hips.

The Gregory Miwok 22 retails for $110 and comes in gray and red.  It weighs 1lb and 10 oz. and best fits torso lengths between 16-22. In our opinion, we really liked the performance of this backpack.  And while it is a little spendy, if you treat it well, it will last you 10 plus years and can be used for a number of different activities.  For more information, please visit GregoryPacks.com

Spring 2010 saw the entrance of Black Diamond into the world of backpacking. The Innova 50L, a women’s specific pack, was one of its’ first offerings. I have had the opportunity to test out the Innova over the course of the last 2 months while navigating the airports, using it as a carry on, to tackling a few short backpacking trips in California and Colorado. Here are a few of my initial impressions.

Getting a perfect fit out of a backpack can be a challenge for many women, myself included. I found that it was super easy to get a customized fit with the Innova. If you are unsure of sizing, please go to a Black Diamond fit expert because they will have you good to go for your next adventure. Or watch this great video to help yourself out at home:

With that said, the Innova comes in a size small and medium with each pack being able to your specific torso length. Which means, no more having to deal with a torso length that can be 2-3 inches off from your measurements, like some of BDs competitors. Rather, the torso length can be adjusted by removing a simple hex screw at the hip belt pivot point with a #4 hex and sliding the suspension vertically along a track and replacing the screw at the pivot point. Also, I’ve been told that you can swap out hip belts as well; let’s say you have a longer torso but smaller waist, get a medium pack but swap for a small hip belt. Viola, a more perfect fitting pack.

Hipbelt removed exposing pivot point and torso adjustment

The adjustments do not end with the hip belt or torso length. The pack straps are also narrower than your typical male pack. I have some pretty broad shoulders, so this generally is not an issue for me. The shoulder straps are super-comfy and are covered in breathable 3D mesh. When cinched down with a decent 35 lb load, I didn’t feel any pinching or rubbing when wearing a simple tee.

The small weighs 3 lb. 10 oz and the medium weighs 3 lb 12 oz. Both sizes weigh a tad more than their competitor due to the suspension system. So what is so special about the ergoACTIV suspension system? The ergoACTIV suspension system is built to move with you as you hike. The pivot point that I talked about earlier is along the waistbelt and rotates with your hips as you take a step on the trail; it not only moves up and down, but also moves like a ball and socket joint (which your hip is) and moves in a circular pattern as well. To keep from feeling like the bag is being tossed from side to side, the shoulder straps are connected via a stainless steel cable pulley system that allows your load to remain stable and in place. The added weight in the pack and suspension system pays off by making you feel like your load is lighter, which is awesome news.

Speaking of weight, the Innova 50L is designed to carry loads of around 35-45 lbs. With this kind of volume and weight carrying capacity, you are bound to find plenty of room for your gear on a 2-3 day outing. The Innova features a pretty bare bones design, which I like. It has one entry point, top loading, and a large internal main compartment. There are two stretchy pockets along the side that you can stuff with a water bottle or thermos even when your pack is stuffed inside. I love having a hip belt pocket for must get to items, ie sunscreen and lip balm.

Other features worth mentioning: hydration compatible with a simple velcro loop and bungee compartment to keep up to a 3L bladder in place. The water hose outlet is a touch tight for some of the beefier mouth valves out on the market, it can be a struggle at times to pull the tubing through. The kangaroo pocket adds cargo space and has been a great place to stash outer layers as you heat up throughout the day. There are also trekking pole loops along the rear of the pack and removable loops to attach your sleeping pad to outside of the pack if needed.

The photo below is of me, a happy hiker. The suspension technology and ability to get a precise fit were two features that I loved in the Innova. I look forward to seeing how the technology performs with added wear and tear. I have only one slight complaint so far, after 2 months I have started to get a squeaky bird sound coming from my hip belt aka the pivot point. Apparently, the folks at BD say that this is a pretty simple 15 minute fix. So far, the sound hasn’t annoyed me too much, rather it is kind of comical while on the trail. Happy Trails!

What sets Geigerrig hydration packs apart from the rest of the competition is the reservoir and how it distributes water to you.  The actual reservoir is made from Hydropak which makes a good quality reservoir, but the reservoir for Geigerrig has a twist.  There is an extra air sack within the reservoir that allows air to be pumped into it.  By air being pumped in, pressure is created on the reservoir with water in it.  When you go to drink from your bite valve, water comes out freely instead of having to suck water out of your bite valve.  By having water pushed into your mouth instead of sucking out of the bite valve, you drink more water and it is easier to focus on your activity than having to focus on sucking water in.  I decided to test out this pressure and found that the Geigerrig reservoir hose can spray in excess of 6 feet. Now you ask, how is all this pressure created?  There is a pump similar to that of a pump in a blood pressure gauge that pushes air into the reservoir.  If you have ever sat on your reservoir, you will notice that water comes shooting out because of that pressure created.  This is very similar to the air being pumped in to create pressure.

There are a number of benefits to having this pressurized spray outside of increased water flow to you. Since I am often hiking with my dogs, I have to supply them with water from time to time when the creeks run dry in the summer.  Having the pressurized spray allows me to give them water without getting dog slobber on my bite valve.  It also works nice to spray down there body to keep them cool.  If you find yourself getting super muddy or sweaty during an activity, you can easily spray the areas of interest and clean up very easily.  When hiking or running with a hydration pack, one of the more annoying things I find is when my water is sloshing around in my reservoir.  By adding pressure to the reservoir, you can avoid any sloshing.  Another thing that I do with other hydration packs and reservoirs is turn the reservoir upside down, and suck all the air out to eliminate any extra air.

As for the actual pack in the RIG 500, I found the pack to be somewhat equal when compared to other packs on the market.  The RIG 500 comes with a removable waist belt which helps distribute the weight on your back and shoulders.  There are 5 raised pads that lay on your back and allows for added ventilation to help keep you from overheating.  On hot days or long strenuous hikes, I still got a sweaty back though. There are two outside pockets that are big enough to store a cell phone, small camera, and other like sized items. The inside of the bag has two internal mesh pockets for when you want to keep things separate. When you fit in a full 70 oz. reservoir that comes with the RIG 500, there is a fair amount of room in the pack, but not a ton.  I find there to be enough room for a jacket/baselayer, a little bit of food, and a small emergency kit.  There are also 2 straps on the outside of the pack that you can use for strapping on extra gear if needed.  These I often use for a jacket or items that I would need in a hurry in case the weather turns on me.

For an add on to the pack, you can purchase a water filtration system that connects to the hose and you can then just fill up your reservoir in any stream or water source and be ok.  If you do that, just be sure to clean the reservoir and hose out thoroughly for the next time you use it without the filtration system.  I only used the filtration system when I knew I would need additional water.  The filtration system cost is $29.99 and the price for the pack including the reservoir is $110.  For more information on the Geigerrig RIG 500 (there is plenty!) please visit Geigerrig.com

If you are a purist ultra lighter, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider should be on your shortlist of backpacks, plain and simple.  Hyperlite Mountain Gear was able to squeeze a 40 liter capacity into a pack weighing a mere 1 lb. 9 oz.  Unlike some other ultralight packs, the Windrider has solid durability and weatherproofing and even some organization ability.  While it is definitely a barebones design, you get just enough comfort to carry about 30 pounds.

For most weekend trips, I like to carry close to 45 pounds worth of gear but I wanted to see if I could make a minimalist load to try out the suspension system on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider.  I packed the bare essentials for a weekend trip into the top loading packbag and weighed it to just under 30 pounds.  The only form of rigidity in the suspension system comes in the form of two thin, foam covered, aluminum vertical stays along the back side.   These provide that little bit of extra support needed for larger UL loads.  Obviously, with the lack of a rigid back plate, you have to be careful how you pack or else you will be getting poked as you hike.  Fortunately, Hyperlite Mountain Gear chose to use more than just mesh or webbing for the shoulder straps and hip belt.  For this kind of pack, the padding in the hip belt is very nice.  While a minimal design like this will never provide the load support or carrying comfort of a traditional pack, I was able to tolerate carrying the fully loaded Windrider on a hike.  I was able to get a decent percentage of the load to sit on my hips with some adjusting.  Overall, I’d say the Windrider has a solid suspension system for its ultralight design.

The key to the Windrider’s light weight is Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s choice of fabric for the pack bag.  The Windrider uses a nylon ripstop/ Cuben Fiber material that is normally used in competitive racing boat sails.  The fabric is totally waterproof and incredibly durable.  I threw around the pack and there were barely any scuffs on the material and no wear at all on any of the seams.  Because I lacked a rain storm, I tested the waterproofing by sticking a towel in the pack and spraying it down with a hose.  The roll top design and fully taped seams kept the towel perfectly dry.  Ultralighters are not going to want to carry an extra pack cover and the Windrider is totally weatherproof without one.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear obviously went the minimalist route on features but there are a few notable ones to talk about with the Windrider.  My favorite feature is the two large, waterproof hip belt pockets.   I love being able to stick my larger point and shoot camera in one of the pockets and not having to worry about packing it away in the bag if it starts raining.  The pockets also make a great spot for a snack bar or two. I absolutely love the big, mesh shove it pocket that wraps around the front of the bag and wish every bag had this.  You can quickly and easily put a heavy shell in the pocket without having to work to get it in there.  The two water bottle pockets hold a Nalgene without any trouble as well.  The only negative aspect is that the mesh is not very durable and I could see it ripping fairly easily if it got snagged on something.  Rounding out the features is a single  ice axe holder that runs down the front of the pack.

One thing I wanted to mention about the Windrider is that I found it to make a surprisingly great bike commuting backpack.  Because of the light weight, I was able to carry a larger load on my back than I normally would while biking.  I even carried my big and heavy yoga mat in the pack to bike to class, which was an accomplishment because it is not an easy thing to transport.  While I probably wouldn’t get the Windrider as a bike specific backpack, it shows the versatility that I like to see in all my gear.

As I said at the beginning of this review, I would definitely check out the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider if you are an ultra lighter or not overly concerned with comfort.    The extremely high tech pack bag fabric probably is responsible for the somewhat high $255 price tag but it’s the price you pay for quality and light-weight design.  The carrying comfort and great weather proofing set the Windrider apart in the ultralight category.  Find out more at: http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

Camelbak. We all know the name, we’ve seen people wearing it, and we know how it works. Essentially, you carry water like a camel – in a pack on your back. Granted, a camel can’t strap anything on and off (mainly due to a lack of opposable thumbs and a phobia of mesh webbing), but you get the picture. The main point being that once you’ve seen one camelbak, you’ve seen them all – or so we thought. The guys at CB have come up with yet another method of hydration transportation, and while it’s still the familiar CB stand by, it’s got some nice tweaks to make it feel like a brand new innovative product. Kudos to the R&D section at CB – you did your homework, and it shows.

Disclaimer – I don’t like hydration packs while trail running. I’ve always liked to set up camp or park at one location, and then range out from there, carrying all that I need in the form of a handheld water bottle. The drawback to that system is the fact that, while staying light (and feeling less constrained) you have minimized the territory you can cover in one run. I would typically run in on a bottle and cliff bar, purify some water (there are a ton of small easy to use devices that purify 25 oz. of water) if needed, and run back out. This gave me a comfortable maximum of approx. 4 hours or so of trail running. The camelback extends that system by quite a bit. Anymore than 12 hours, though, and I’m looking to camp. Just saying.

I don't know why I like PBJ's so much while trail running, but this thing definitely fits two with room to spare.

Let me work through the nitty gritty details, and then move on to the actual time spent in the product. When I say that it extends the run, I mean that you now have the option to complete some serious all day adventuring. The pack comes with some great storage in addition to the hydration bladder compartment. The upper compartment is approx. the size of a small Frisbee, and comfortably fits food and other misc items (sun screen, etc.). Then you have the smaller compartments on each side strap, shown below. Think of these in terms of medium sized digital cameras; I fit an older Panasonic Lumix in the right side, and a couple of cliff bars in the left side.  In the upper compartment, I carried a couple of sandwiches, some sunscreen, a tube of Chapstick, and a Leatherman multitool. On top of all of this, there is not only a cell phone pocket on the strap (everyone carries smart phones now, so I doubt this’ll get much use) but also two mesh compartments on the outside of the pack, which I only used to stuff my hat and shirt in when I got hot, and to see if the pack was comfortable on bare skin (more on that later).

Small digital camera, keys, cell phone, cliff bars - these are decent sized side pockets.

The issue became, of course, the fact that I was laden with a bunch of excess gear that I normally never carry to trail run – my fault entirely, but we at AGR take everything to the extreme just to see how it’ll do. The pack was admirably comfortable, even when the bladder was full to its listed 70 oz. capacity. It took some finagling to get all 70 oz. in there, but we finally managed to do it. The filler cap shown in the photo is huge, and we found it hard to fill to the brim unless two people did it. But to fill it to around 50 oz. was a breeze. Plus, the large opening makes it really easy to clean out and dry for storage. But did it actually hold up on the run? Well, the pack did it’s job, and carried all that extra gear. Did I like having all the stuff jingling around? Not at first, but I quickly got used to the idea of having it all back there, especially when I got hungry, and stopped for a break half-way through one of the testing runs.

The valve is really simple and easy to use - even while moving. Of course, it's a bit hard to take a picture of yourself while running...

So, how did it fare on actual runs, day in and day out? I vastly preferred running with the pack when I was only carrying water, a bit of food, and a camera or phone in the side pocket. While all the other storage was convenient for longer trail runs, it just felt like a bit too much when on shorter runs. I do like how it carries water; in fact, I like it enough to swap it with my other water bottles for longer trail runs. The tube is just long enough to comfortably drink from on the go (after a bit of work, I was able to comfortably get the tube out of it’s carrying clip without stopping), and the patented bite me valve is the same as all camelbak products.

Standard valve for all camelbaks - works great all the time, but you may wanna get your own - I wouldn't drink out of this if I had to share.

The LR in the name stands for lumbar reservoir, and it refers to the fact that the reservoir spreads out along the small of your back; this allows for the water to sit in the most stable area of your body during the run, and keeps it from jiggling around during times when the excursion gets a bit more exciting. The key is in the triangular shape of the bladder – the water wraps around the small of your back and out to the sides when worn. This was actually really comfortable during runs, and I think it’s key to the balance of the entire pack – this really kept it anchored in place, and I didn’t notice much pack shift until this was empty, but the rest of the pack was still full.

The bladder shape really is a nice touch, and is the key to the fit of this pack.

Speaking of pack shifts, I’m sure I’d be amiss if I didn’t comment on the strap set up. It’s fairly simple, including two shoulder straps as is standard on any backpack; what’s nice is the addition of two cross straps to anchor it in place while moving. One, it’s got a lower strap across the abdomen, which clips in the middle and has two adjustments (one in either direction); two, it has a chest strap which clips in the middle, and has one adjustment, pulling towards runner’s right. The clips for each of these are heavy plastic, and if past experience with CB products is any testament, these will be far less likely to break than you will be to buy a new pack just ‘cause you want one.

Yep, staying in place, thanks to the mesh straps.

Overall, the pack was a winner. The mesh on the underside of the straps was comfortable, and while I did sweat a bit (any pack will make you sweat), I felt it worked much better than traditional straps, especially on the back. I even ran a few miles shirtless just to see how it felt (I’ll spare you the picture); it was actually fairly comfortable, but be forewarned – strap placement when shirtless can lead to definite nipple damage if one isn’t careful. Due to the nature of trail running, you need this pack to stay in place, which doesn’t allow for a whole lot of room for breathability. The mesh runs all the way down the backside of this pack in addition to the straps, keeping the pack as cool and dry as you could expect – you’ll still sweat a ton, but this is mainly due to the level of exertion, not the pack. The bottom line? At the price point, you can’t find a better pack; it stays in place, carries a day’s worth of equipment, and keeps you hydrated. Check it out at www.camelbak.com.

A plus - even if you aren't the best trail runner, at least the pack looks cool!

After years of making quality tents, sleeping bags, and other quality outdoor products, Sierra Designs has added a new product line that helps complete your outdoor adventures.  The Revival 50 backpack is part of the Pinnacle Series and is intended for weekend trips with its 50 liter capacity (2950 in3).  At 3 lbs. 12 oz, the Revival 50 is in what used to be considered fast and light territory but has become the standard for all but heavy-duty mountaineering packs.  The best part of the pack is hands down the innovative suspension system that I will discuss in further detail.

For the average backpacker, the most important element of a pack is the load carrying comfort because this has the most impact on your body.  This is where Sierra Designs really upped the ante with the Revival 50.  The innovative suspension system uses two smaller framesheets connected by a single aluminum stay to provide only 4 points of contact to your back.  This combination allows great ventilation and carrying comfort by working with your body naturally.  The lower part of the stay enters a fulcrum that anchors the hipbelt wings and the well padded lumbar pad.  This directs the majority of the weight squarely onto your hips.  My test with backpacks for how well the weight is being distributed on my body is to load them up, buckle the hipbelt and then loosen up the shoulder straps.  This will tell you if the 80% or more of the weight is sitting on your hips like it should be.  Shoulder straps are mainly there to distribute some of the weight and keep the bag from falling backwards. The Revival 50 passed my test flawlessly and I was quite impressed with the suspension system’s ability to not flinch under a heavy load.  It is important to remember that not all bags work with all bodies.  I tested the Medium/Large size of the Revival 50 and I am 6’1” and found it to be a great fit.  One last note about the load carrying would be that there are two compression straps on either side of the pack and one top one that allows you to shrink your load down when necessary or for increased stability.

Another strong point of the Revival 50 is the organization ability.  I have found that I am someone who definitely prefers a little order in my packs as opposed to a straight cram and go system and Sierra Designs did a solid job with the Revival 50.  The detachable top lid contains two pockets to separate your toothbrush/etc. from your headlamp/etc.  The front pocket is a perfect place for undergarments and baselayers that are good to keep easily accessed.  There are also two mesh pockets on the inside of the front pocket that organize small items well.  A zippered panel separates the main compartment from the front pocket and can be unzipped to access the main compartment.  A well sized reservoir pocket along the backside of the main compartment allows you to put in your hydration system of choice.  Rounding out the pockets are two hipbelt pockets; one on each side.  I put my large point and shoot camera in one pocket and a snack in the other.

The packbag material on the Revival 50 is of good quality and seems resistant to wear.  I noticed minor scuffing in a few areas but I think the bag will last many years of use.  While the 150D Nylon Rain Dobby used to make the body is waterproof, the seems are not taped and therefore I would still recommend lining the inside with a trash bag if foul weather is expected.  The zippers are not waterproof either so a pack cover would be a smart investment as well.  Rounding out the features are solidly designed ice axe attachments and multiple attachment loops for accessories/ carabiners/ etc.

The areas that kept the bag from being a slam dunk for me all have to do with size; too small being the size issue.  I felt that every pocket except the lid could have been a tad larger.  The two biggest concerns for me were the water bottle pockets and the shove-it pocket on the front.  The water bottle pockets are a little small and tight and I couldn’t fit a Nalgene into them while the bag was packed.  The best bottle pockets in my opinion are ones that can swallow up a bunch of miscellaneous items while still being tight enough at the top to hold in a bottle.  The pockets are made in a tapered shape that limits their usefulness as I was not able to get my water bottle in and out of one of the pockets while hiking.  You will have to use the hydration sleeve unless you want to clip your bottle to the hipbelt.  As far as the shove-it pocket goes, I found it to be a little too small for my taste.  Again, it is tapered and I found it difficult to use the space that is available around it.  I was able to squeeze in a softshell but it was a tight fit and took more effort than it should.

Overall, there are a lot of things to love about the Sierra Designs Revival 50 but a few quibbles kept it from being my top choice.  I feel that with a few simple tweaks this bag could be one of the best.  My current recommendation would be to evaluate weather or not the small bottle and shove-it pockets I mentioned are a big deal to you before purchasing this pack.  If not, I fully recommend the Revival 50 because of the phenomenal suspension system and solid organization.  Find out more at: http://www.sierradesigns.com