Outdoor Week :: 5 Best Outdoor Backpacks

Hey, we’re starting a little something different: Carryology theme weeks. Basically, we’ll be running a week’s worth of curated content,  zeroed in on one particular tribe – and since Winter Outdoor Retailer has just wrapped up, we thought it fitting to kick off with Outdoor Week! So from here on (or at least the next week) we’ll be bringing you outdoor-only goodness. We hope you dig it!

First up, Top 5 Outdoor Backpacks…

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So what makes a great outdoor backpack?

1) It has to suit the activity you’re in the outdoors to do, which typically means carrying gear for that activity, as well as for any emergency or significant change in the weather.

2) Weight is never an advantage, but sometimes durability is, so it needs to find the appropriate balance between those.

3) And it needs to let you forget about the pack, and get on with your activity, so no annoying niggles or foibles please.

4) Oh, and if it’s versatile for beyond just the activity it was designed for, then that’s a big bonus.

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Black Diamond Jetforce – The first fan forced avalanche airbag, which makes all others feel obsolete.

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Aarn Mountain Magic – One of the most innovative pack makers on this planet. Balanced load = awesome comfort.

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Mystery Ranch Snapdragon – Incredible load access. Excellent comfort. Good all-round versatility.

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Camelbak M.U.L.E – A classic that keeps getting refined. If you need hydration, this works.

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Cilo Gear W/NWD 30L WorkSack – Made from the future. Stripped back to the past. Pure utility.