Backpack Accessories

Featured review by Bheiser1

The Sea to Summit pack cover is a lightweight and weather resistant pack cover that does a good job in keeping the pack dry. My main use of this item so far has been on a 30-day through-hike on the John Muir Trail where I experienced rain on 10 of the 30 days. The cover got a good amount of use on this trip with lots of "putting it on, taking it off" each time I stopped. Even so, it did its job well and stood up to the rigors of the trail.

There is some disagreement about whether a pack cover is worthwhile or necessary. Some prefer to use trash bags or other waterproof materials to wrap around their packs to keep them dry in inclement weather. While there are advantages to that approach, there is something to be said for using a purpose-built piece of gear. Some advantages of using the Sea to Summit pack cover in lieu of a plastic bag or other material include: more durable than a plastic bag or other light material includes an elasticized trip around the edges to hold the cover on the pack includes a snap straps to go around the pack includes its own micro stuff sack for compact storage On the flip side: it's heavier than some of the alternatives at 4.6 oz (including the attached...

Read more: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover reviews (4)

Featured review by Snigjs

Patagonia's Black Hole Duffel line has 4 sizes, 45L, 60L, 90L and 120L. All are made from a durable water resistant fabric which can take a beating. I have the 60L size which is perfect for hauling around a ton of gear while still being carry-on size.

Likes Size/Shape: The 60L duffel is just within carry-on size limits. With a little coaxing, I've gotten it to fit into even the smaller overhead compartments. For carrying gear on a plane, a duffel bag has advantages over a backpack in that it doesn't have any hard panels that can't be compressed. Also, a rectangular shape can hold more volume than a backpack which is generally taller and skinner with a rounded top. Finally, the rectangular shape is easily stacked versus a cylindrical shape like the North Face Base Camp Duffel.

Read more: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

My size small base camp duffel is a favorite for short work trips and toting small amounts of extra gear to and from a trailhead. It is built to withstand harsh punishment, easy to carry, and easy to access the interior contents. Cost is the only negative.

Available from carry-on size to trek-swallowing massive, the base camp duffel might be the most indestructible and comfortable way to get your stuff from one place to the other. Mine is a size small, and I use it primarily for air travel, national and international, and for storing extra stuff to toss into the back of the car for a hiking trip. Mine is about five years old. What makes this such a great bag? MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION The bag itself is pretty simple—one D shaped zipper opening, super durable handles, straps and materials, very usable shoulder straps for getting this through airports or carrying to a remote bus stop.

Read more: The North Face Base Camp Duffel reviews (5)

Reviewed by DLK37086

This great little product may seem unnecessary, but it will grow on you! I recommend the Hiker Wallet to anyone that goes into the backcountry that doesn't want to carry their big heavy wallet!

Okay, I admit it—this was an impulse buy! But I am happy that I bought it! This is a great little product from Granite Gear that I have been using for several years now. It's one of those things that isn't really necessary, but you'll be glad you have it. After I purchased it, I thought "Well this is silly. I don't really need this." But over the years, I've realized its worth, and it has become one of those items that goes with me on every backpacking trip. Face it—the wallets we all use everyday are full of stuff that just isn't needed (or wanted) in the backcountry.

Read more: Granite Gear Hiker Wallet review (1)

Reviewed by TJ1984

A great lightweight, well though out organizer for hiking, backpacking, or general travel needs. Features loads of internal compartments, waterproof zippers, and quality construction from thin but durable nylon. This review is of the medium sized option, or #2.

From the manufacturer: The Backcountry Organizers have a multitude of pockets and compartments designed to hold small items. They're the perfect place to start if you're building a DIY dopp kit or first aid kit. Fabric 100% nylon,70D with TPU lamination // 100% siliconized nylon 30D DIMENSIONS / 1: 7" x 5" x 2"/ 18 cm x 13 cm x 5 cm 2: 9" x 51/2" x 21/2" / 23 cm x 14 cm x 6 cm 3: 91/2" x 5" x 4" / 24 cm x 13 cm x 10 cm #1: #35111 #2: #35116 #3: #35121 AVG. WEIGHT / 2.9 oz / 82 g 3.4 oz / 98 g 3.4 oz / 96 g Avg.

Read more: Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizers review (1)

Featured review by RTG Inc.

One of the best backpack / keychain accessories available. The flexibility and practical nature of the S-Biner allows for countless applications. Usage ranges from securing keys to a belt loop to hanging a lantern or water bottle from my pack.

Usage: The S-Biner is a straightforward piece of gear. The dual hook nature allows a user to latch objects to other objects. The spring clip makes this task super easy, and keeps the attached item secure.  Features:  Due to the simplicity of the S-biner, there isn't much to talk about. The device is composed of two hooks in an "S" shape. A metal wire acts as the clasp, and is mounted in such a way that it springs closed. The clasp is very easy to open and close.  Durability: The S-Biner can take the abuse within reason.

Read more: Nite Ize S-Biner reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

This is a review of the largest (120 liter) Alpaca, whose primary role will be long trips and transporting my big backpack and gear. Durable fabrics and features mean the bag will last a very long time. It has comfortable shoulder straps and multiple handles for getting around. Top opening is big, a plus for packing. If there is a downside, the removable shoulder straps lack a quick release—takes some work.

  BASIC INFO Shows how the shoulder straps attach at the top. Dog and starfish not included.   The Alpaca 120 is a big bag, no way around it. Capacity is 120 liters, or about 7,300 cubic inches. It weighs about 4 pounds, empty. [for the sake of comparison, the extra large LL Bean Adventure Duffel that the Alpaca replaced holds 139 liters and weighs a little less than 3 1/2 pounds]. The main pack is made of 900 denier polyester ripstop with a TPU coating on the outside, making it effectively waterproof in the rain unless there is a concentrated stream of water hitting the zipper and avoiding the overlapping cover—very unlikely.

Read more: Gregory Alpaca Duffle reviews (2)

Reviewed by Charles Polidano

Protective cover for medium size rucksacks when travelling by air. Packs down to a compact size.

Hiking rucksacks tend to have plenty of dangling straps that can get caught in airport luggage conveyor belts, risking damage if they are checked in as hold luggage. The Osprey Airporter is a protective cover that completely encases your rucksack, eliminating this problem. The Airporter packs into its own pocket, so you can keep it in your rucksack till it's time for your flight back home.  The Airporter comes in different sizes. The small is rated for rucksacks of up to 50 litres in volume.

Read more: Osprey Airporter Small review (1)

Featured review by Bentbrook

Just the right size (.6L) for the little odds and ends you want to keep in one place when hiking, camping, backpacking, or any other outdoor activity. Well-made bags in high visibility colors, great for small first aid kits, fire starting kits, snacks, electronics, and more. A perfect way to bring some order to your backcountry existence.

Multi-use Organization for the Outdoor Enthusiast As any outdoor enthusiast knows, organization can save time, prevent loss, and bring peace of mind to one's outdoor experiences. Pieces of kit lost in the depths of a pack or scattered in the pack's "brain" only bring frustration. Where is the other battery? Where did my pocket knife go? Didn't I have another Clif bar? These are questions I've asked myself many a time. Despite knowing the value of organization, I have at times hesitated to purchase gear for organization, relying instead on plastic bags or skipping it altogether in the name of saving weight or spending my money on other, more essential items.

Read more: Granite Gear Air Zippditty reviews (2)

Featured review by Andrew F.

lightweight, durable, effective. couldn't ask for anything more in a compression stuff sack.  I have used one for several years for sleeping bags and loose clothing on trips. the top and bottom are fairly robust nylon, the body of the bag is a crinkly lightweight ripstop. this has been squashed into backpacks a lot, yanked tight, and it is as good as new — not a hint of stitching failure anywhere, no abrasions on the nylon bag.   

Read more: Granite Gear Round Rock Solid Compression reviews (4)