Backpack Accessories

Recent Backpack Accessory Reviews

Nittany Mountain Works Cordura Ditty Bag

This little itty bitty Ditty Bag makes for a useful and sturdy extra pouch for organizing things. Two different sizes and a WIIIIIIIDE spectrum of color options (190 different possible options) meets the needs and desires of many. No frills, just a pouch made of strong materials and a burly zipper. Usage: I’ve used the Cordura Ditty Bag from Nittany Mountain Works for about a year now and find myself wanting (and soon getting) more of them. Initially used to store keys, phone, and wallet in one… Full review

Zpacks Passport Zip Pouch

There's not a whole lot to be said about a simple DCF zip pouch. But for the amount of use I've gotten from mine, it deserves a moment in the spotlight. My zip pouch has traveled the world with me, dutifully containing some of my most important items and documents. It's lightweight, durable, simple, and good at being the one place to put the small stuff I can't afford to lose. Background: Just before I traveled overseas to begin my thru-hike of New Zealand's Te Araroa, I decided to add a small Dyneema… Full review

M48 OPS Canvas Two-Pocket Ammo Pouch with Belt Loop

The M48 Ops Ammo Pouch, a knockoff of the military ammo pouches used by our armed forces, is a two-pocket pouch with waterproof linings inside the pockets. Great to store all of your smaller camping gear, can be used as a fanny pack, or a designated pack for first aid. Multiply pouches can be placed on thee same belt, or could be attached to an existing backpack for additional storage.   The M48 Ops Two-Pocket Ammo Bag    Dimensions:  8" High  6 1/2" Wide  2" Deep Weight: 5.8 oz. Material:… Full review

Eagle Creek ORV Wheeled Duffel International Carry On

This is a great International Carry On sized piece of luggage for the serious traveler. Mine had a minor failure, hence the three stars. If you get one with no issues, the design and function of this little pack could be excellent for business and pleasure. I’m a backpack man. From my first overnight at my grandparents to more recent adventures in Panama and Iceland, I packed a pack that went on my back, no wheeled luggage for me. One of the contributing reasons for my pack preference is a wildly… Full review

Gregory Alpaca Duffle

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. Full review

REI Durable Stuff Sack

Good basic stuff sack, great price, could use a flap and instructions. These are still on sale at REI as of November 4th, 2020. I bought two of the Durable ones and one of the Lightweight ones. The prices were: $7.93 for the 30 liter orange one, $6.93 for the 20 liter blue one, and $8.93 for the 15 liter lighter weight blue one. The main reason was to—finally—have a stuffsack with a handle on the bottom for my large 0 degree REI Volcano sleeping bag. Given how big the bag is and how tightly… Full review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Crampon Bag

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Crampon case is, as it sounds, a case designed to protect your stuff from the numerous sharp points inherent to a piece of gear designed to stick into ice. Made from DCF fabric and lined with a rigid foam this case is light (4.0 ounces), protective...and too small (I have tried both the Grivel G12 and the Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro with it). EASE OF USE Winter gear needs to be able to work consistently and easily, and if it doesn’t then it’s frustrating, or worse. Full review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Ice Screw Case

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) Prism Ice Screw case is as it sounds—a case designed to carry your ice screws. At 5.4 ounces it weighs half the weight, carries more screws (sleeves for 10 can carry more in the space between), and will set you back double the price of comparable carrying options. The reason the case is so light, and the price is so high, is that it is made out of HMG’s DCF (Dyneema Composite fabric). EASE OF USE There are a couple of major selling points in the design of this… Full review

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