Cotopaxi, founded in 2009, does things a bit different than most outdoor gear brands, they sell exclusively online. This direct-to-customer model allows them to cut costs, use better materials, and extend the savings to the customers without the brick-and-mortar markup. Another unique thing about this company is they're one of, if not, the only outdoor gear bra…
Read moreWe had our gal Molly test out Osprey's Sirrus 36 pack, and in Hawaii of all places. (We are all more than a little jealous) A great pack if you are looking for an all day adventure, or fast and light overnights. Loaded with all the features and the quality and durability you'd expect from an Osprey bag, she was very impressed. Here are her thoughts...…
Read moreDeuter Traveler Packs : My wife and I recently had the opportunity to take a couple of these on a two-week trip to Ireland. Having done some research beforehand, I knew we would not want to use our airport-specific roller bags when we were hiking through centuries-old Irish towns. The Paddlejunkie spoke with a rep from Deuter for us, who suggested we try the Travele…
Read moreI am going cut to the chase on this one: the Meridian 22" Convertible Wheeled Pack from Osprey Packs can be used for just about every type of trip you can think of! Whether you are going international or domestic, business or pleasure, this will serve your purpose. I took this with me on a week-long trip to Sao Paulo Brazil , and a short stint to New Orlea…
Read moreMountainsmith has brought one of their most award winning lines of packs back from the dead with the rebirth of their Mountainlight series. Purpose built to be fast and light, these packs are loaded with features normally reserved for larger more robust long-haul gear. We had the chance to test out the Wraith 25, in my opinion an ideal day to light overnight pa…
Read moreWhen heading out into the wilderness there are many factors to take into consideration. We all worry about how to keep ourselves warm, dry and comfortable and rightfully so. One topic I overlooked for years was how to properly transport food into the woods. Wherever you may be headed, odds are that there are critters there that would love to share whatever you br…
Read moreBack in December I was introduced to a pack company with a nice mix of hiking and mountaineering packs. Mountainsmith makes packs ranging in size from 20 liter commuter packs to gear swallowing 90 liter expedition packs. Our first experience was with the incredibly versatile Approach 35. Blurring the line between overnight scrambler and universal traveler, this pa…
Read moreA trend to create the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere pack has been surfacing among the top manufacturers. Osprey Packs latest entry is the Escapist. We had the chance to bring it along to Hawaii for a couple of weeks and, man, do we like... We tested the larger of the two sizes, 20 & 30 liter. From heading to the beach to hiking the trails around the 7 sacr…
Read moreIf you are looking for a great weekend pack that is made by a GREAT company, than you must take a look at the Vintage Pack from Frost River in Duluth, MN. This is a pack that you can take on a day hike, carry your schoolbooks in (like I did this summer), or take on a short weekend trip. The Vintage Pack is made with waxed canvas and has a wonderful self-adjusting y…
Read moreWhen you are looking for gear that will stand the test of time, it often pays to look around and see what has survived from "the good ole days". Wooden paddles, cast iron cookware and canvas canoe packs have all been around for a LONG time, and odds are they will be in the future. If you want a pack your grand kids will use one day, Frost River makes som…
Read moreI am betting that there are a number of guys, and gals, out there that are in the same boat I am. Mother's Day is this Sunday and I have yet to get anything for the mothers in my life. Well, I have been doing a little research and I came up with a number of "can't miss" gift ideas. Osprey Packs - Sirrus 36 : This 36 liter pack is the perfect co…
Read moreNot all packs are created equal, and Granite Gear proves that once again. These guys just get it... I got my first taste of the new Air Current system integrated into several of their 2011 technical multi-day packs at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market back in January. I could not wait to get my hands on one. This next step in the evolution of the Vapor suspensio…
Read moreAny outdoor athlete or enthusiast will tell you that staying hydrated is more than just having a water bottle along for the journey. In most conditions your body burns through a max of about 1.5 liters of water per hour, in extreme (tropical) conditions that number skyrockets to an astounding 3.5 liters. So, when traveling away from reliable water sources in certai…
Read moreI have been using a canvas food pack for years, but last summer I decided to try the Traditional Food Pack by Granite Gear. To be honest, I was not expecting much, boy, was I wrong. This food pack is made out of 210D Nylon Cordura, which is very light, compared to traditional canvas. It also has padded shoulders straps and belt that make for a comfortable fit. I have…
Read moreCongratulations to Matt S. from Copenhagen Denmark. He is the proud new owner of the GoLite Pinnacle Pack. Don't lose hope... There are more Gear GiveAway's to come. Hey Matt, shoot us some pictures of you and the pack on your adventures. We look forward to seeing The Paddle Junkie nation represented "across the pond"...
Read moreHere is your chance to win an incredible pack. GoLite's Ultralight Backcountry Pinnacle pack. At a minuscule 2 pounds and a carrying capacity of 72 liters, this pack is ready to take you to the park for the afternoon or on a 4 day trek. Click here to read the full product description and don't forget to sign up for GoLite's Summer GiveAway Promotion …
Read moreCanoe packs have come a long way, and the newest rendition from Granite Gear resets the bar. The Immersion pack, their first truly waterproof canoe pack, is a work of art. This pack took everything we threw at it and it laughed at us… It wasn’t even breaking a sweat. After testing the pack in a somewhat controlled setting, this pack underwent a true trial by fire. …
Read moreThe Standard Food Pack by Duluth Pack Price: $170 Available at duluthpack.com I figured I would do a review about a food pack since last week I reviewed the #3 Heavy Duty Pack from Duluth Pack. If you’re going into canoe country you will need at least two packs. The two I bring are usually the #3 Heavy Duty or on occasions the #4 Heavy Duty and the Standard Food…
Read moreDuluth Pack #3 Heavy Duty Price $175 Available at Duluth Pack This pack is an 18-ounce canvas canoe pack with a double bottom. It has leather shoulder straps with rivets to add to the quality construction. The pack has one large compartment to fit all your camping supplies. You will also find a built in map pocket in the larger compartment. This pack is designed…
Read moreThe original BUGOUT GEAR® Bugout Bag is a universal 3-5 day expandable pack. With stowable shoulder straps for numerous carry and storage options, this pack's versatility is superior. With 3300 cubic inches of storage and a variety of pockets and organizers, the bugout bag will haul everything you need and keep it all neatly organized. MSRP: $65.99 - $115.99 va…
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