10% Off Gear Purchase + Versatile Day Pack + Hydration Compatible + Plenty of Storage Space + Secure Electronics Pocket
Get 10% Off Your Next Gear Purchase From Outdoor Products Quest
Use code TOQ10 to get 10% off of your next gear purchase from outdoor products quest. This versatile day pack is hydration compatible with 2 or 3 liter hydration reservoirs (not included). The 29 liter main compartment offers plenty of storage space and the top soft-lined pocket keeps your electronics secure. Multiple MOLLE attachment straps allow for additional gear to be carried with ease.
Backpacks
Backpacks are one of the most popular bags for outdoor activities. A basic backpack is simply a bag attached to two shoulder straps, but the most sophisticated backpacks have a frame and padded backs. Some also have waist straps, sternum straps and extra pockets for security or to keep electronics.
The most common backpacks are day packs that range from 10-30 liters in size and are designed for one-day trips. These are perfect for hikers and walkers who need to carry food, water and a jacket. They’ll usually be hydration compatible so you can attach a 2 or 3 liter hydration bladder to the back of the pack.
Some backpacks have a zipped opening and some have grab handles for carrying the bag by hand. Other features include compression straps that reduce the size of a full pack when not fully packed and gear loops (small elastic or corded loops on the front face of the pack that are used to lash in equipment like trekking poles, axes or picks). Some backpacks also have pass-through / eyelet / hydration ports that allow you to run a tube through the fabric for easy access to your water bladder.
Packs & Packing Cubes
Whether you’re traveling with a backpack or travel case, packing cubes are an investment that keep your clothes organized. Choose a set with multiple sizes, depending on how many items you’re packing, and use them to sort your clothing by activity or day-to-day needs, such as putting swimsuits and beach towels in one large cube, hiking gear in another, and daily clothing like tops and bottoms in the smaller cubes.
Some packers use a rolling method to save space and limit wrinkles, while others opt for folding shirts and pants into their cubes. Some packing cubes are made with waterproof or water-resistant materials, which can be helpful if you’re likely to pack liquids or will be hauling your bag around a rainy destination.
Other packing cubes have a transparent window, which can help you identify the contents without opening up your whole suitcase. These are especially useful for keeping a separate stash of clean laundry.
Water Bottles
Whether you’re at work, in the gym or on an outdoor adventure, having a high-quality water bottle is essential. The best ones are lightweight, easy to clean and insulated for the temperatures you drink in.
Plastic bottles are affordable and often BPA-free, but they can leach chemicals into your beverage, and glass bottles have a sleek design, but don’t provide insulation. Stainless steel offers the best combination of durability, insulation and safety but may have a higher upfront cost.
GH staffers love the versatile hydration options of the Owala FreeSip Insulated Bottle, which has a flip lid and a spout opening for sipping upright or tilting back to chug. You can also customize the spout for a straw-free experience or remove the lid altogether to use as a cup. The bottle also comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
Duffel Bags
A durable duffel is great if you want to keep your gear organized and secure while you’re on the move. These large bags typically fit a lot and carry well, thanks to backpack straps or bale handles you can lash onto your transportation. If you’re planning to haul climbing or ski equipment or scuba gear, look for a duffel that is in the 125 to 150-liter range.
Outdoor brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Osprey offer these types of bags. They typically feature rugged fabrics, DWR coatings and water-resistant zippers or storm flaps to prevent soaking when you set the bag on the ground or in a locker. Look for other features that make a duffel easier to use on the road, like multiple carrying options and organizational pockets. Some are designed to work with a companion backpack for a two-bag travel system that keeps your clothes and camping gear separate from your daily essentials.
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