Backpack Accessories

Recent Backpack Accessory Reviews

LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Phone Case

When new, the case offers admirable protection. Unfortunately, the case suffers from premature wear and allows debris/dust to collect between the screen and screen protector. I purchased this case at clearance for about $50 for my iPhone6+ around the time the iPhone 7 was released after previously using a LifeProof NÜD case with the same phone. The Nud did not adequately prevent bending of the phone resulting in "touch disease" (search it) and also blocked touch access to the edges of the screen. Full review

LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Phone Case

This slim profile case protected my phone admirably, the waterproofing especially held up well, even while kayaking. Regrettably, after one year the case "bowed" and the control buttons for volume, on/off and Bixby no longer work as they don't match up with the phone's buttons. For this reason, I don't recommend buying this case. For the first year I've owned this case, it's performed admirably for my activities: daily work commute, hiking and kayaking. And the sound quality for the speaker and… Full review

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Sack

Quality bag and durable without too much weight. Just back from an 11-day trip into the Tundra North of Brooks Range, Alaska, and with rain days of 9 out of 11 these bags worked great. I used two 35L bags for my clothes and food and even the tents were soaked inside and we used a pan to bail them out every day; my stuff stayed dry. This size was perfect for the fly in a floatplane and even fit into the floatplane's floats. Not all gear impresses me, but these did their job well. They maybe even… Full review

Six Moon Designs Pack Pod

Six Moon Designs Pack Pods are lightweight, rectangular pouches designed to make maximum use of pack space. Zip lid allows easy access to contents for eyes and hands. Great for organizing and controlling all sorts of gear. A simple product that makes a lot of sense, the SMD Pack Pod is intended to match the shape of your pack, letting you make full use of limited space. It provides some water resistance, but isn't meant to be a dry bag. Specs: Measures 12" x 8" x 4" (30x20x10cm) Weight 1oz/28g claimed,… Full review

Big Agnes Pumphouse Ultra

A very effective inflation system for BA mattresses that doubles as a roomy dry bag. Requires good technique, especially inside a tent. Not really compatible with other mattress brands. Big Agnes’ demo video of the Pumphouse Ultra makes using it look easy-peasy, of course, and I suppose it is if you have your mattress laid out on a table with all the room in the world to do your business. Ditto any of the several friendly review videos of the Pumphouse, typically conducted with the mattress on… Full review

Nylofume Pack Liner Bags

Ultra light pack liner is just a plastic bag. What makes it special is how long it keeps being a plastic bag. Used and abused, yet still able to keep the important stuff dry, this plastic bag has replaced my old contractor bag, saving me some weight. I purchased three of these Nylofume bags from the Garage Grown Gear site over the winter to use as pack liners. They didn't make any mention of the fact that these bags are made for wrapping stuff up when having your house fumigated, but once I found… Full review

Gossamer Gear Lightrek Pack Bungee Attachment

Light little loops of stretchable cord with an easy to use, one-handed line lock with built-in hook. Made to attach hiking poles, but lots of other potential uses. Easy to use, but easy to lose if you don't keep them under control. Specs: Length = 6" unstretched Weight = 4.25g avg claimed / 4g on my scale Use: These are meant to be looped through a daisy chain or similar attachment point to hold trekking poles. As someone who never stops using his poles I looked at them and saw a lot of other potential… Full review

ULA Equipment Pack Cover

A well-fitting and extremely light pack cover for my favorite pack (ULA Ohm 2.0). It works as well as most pack covers keeping rain off your gear, but not as well as a pack liner. A lack of durability in the stitching and slight issues with pooling at the bottom in heavy wind and rain (like many pack covers) make this an average purchase for me and only used in combination with a pack liner for really wet trips when I have stuff on the outside I would prefer to be dry. While I always carry a pack… Full review

Gossamer Gear Hipster

This is one tough fanny pack. It can withstand heavy use and abuse, and your sunscreen, camera, keys, or snacks etc. are easy to access. The Hipster is great for hiking and backpacking, whenever you're looking for a little more easily accessible pocket space. Ease of use: The Hipster is simple to use. You just strap it on as desired, under or over the hip belt of your pack, and off you go. The zipper never gets caught when opening and closing and the pocket can fit a phone, camera, bar(s), keys,… Full review