Weekend Packs

Recent Weekend Pack (50-69L) Reviews

Field & Stream Mountain Scout 65L

While initially a comfortable, huge pack, the Mountain Scout failed in short order. Padding breakdown, broken components, failed stitching...we had it all. Dick's Sporting Goods had these packs on sale for Father's Day 7 or 8 years ago. I bought them for my son and I. These 65L packs offer lots of storage options, and include a generously-sized "brain" and a rain cover. The pack has a separate bottom pocket accessible from the front and main cargo area accessible from the top. Initial impressions… Full review

Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2

Six Moon Designs updated their 2018 Minimalist pack last year with an entirely new version that kept the good parts of the original while resolving some of that pack's issues. Still configurable with removable hip belt and internal stay and sold with optional shoulder harness or vest the V2 is best for light/UL packers looking for day after day comfort carrying lighter loads. If you've read my review of the 2018 Minimalist you know that I really liked that pack, especially for distance hiking. After… Full review

ULA Circuit

Very comfortable pack with up to 35 pounds. Easy to modify to make the pack lighter Bought last year before an AT section hike. I took the shock cord off and the water hydration pocket  and wallet pocket to reduce weight. It holds all my winter gear comfortably. Love the stretch pocket. It holds all my essentials plus any wet gear I might have. You can really dial in the comfort with all the adjustments. This year I bought the shoulder water bottle pocket because I had trouble putting my water… Full review

Teton Sports Scout 3400

Great backpack for anyone. Have been using for years. I have had this pack for a number of years and used it on hiking trips and backpacking trips of up to seven days. It carries gear comfortably and is easy to organize and pack—lots of loops and straps to attach things to the outside and an ample included rainfly keeps everything dry. Full review

Klymit Motion 60

Very poor durabiltiy I bought this pack and used it on 4 overnight trips. After the last trip, there are three straps that have come apart from the pack and one of the main shoulder straps is about to come apart completely. When contacted Klymit declined to cover it under their lifetime warranty, and said it was normal wear and tear, after only four trips and less than 60 miles. I give it 1 star for durability and poor customer relations. Full review

Gregory Katmai 55

A backpack designed for weekend or longer trips with up to 45 lbs / 20.4 kg of gear. Top, side, and bottom access facilitates rapid gear retrieval and stowage, while seven pockets offer ample organization. The Katmai adjusts to its user’s body and movements, allowing the user to carry a full load comfortably and securely. Better stuff your gear in a pack liner, though, as the Katmai does not come with a pack cover. Gregory Katmai 55 The men’s Katmai 55 is part of a new pack line from Gregory… Full review

Mystery Ranch Glacier

Designed For The Long Haul. Being a gear junkie you end up going through a lot of different backpacks. After owning and using many styles and brands, I found that the most durable and comfortable packs are typically in the hunting and tactical series. That being said, most of these companies do have an expedition line such as Eberlestock and Mystery Ranch. Kifaru, Kuiu, Exo, Badlands and others make some excellent packs, but in Canada, price and availability create a problem. Having owned six Eberlestock… Full review

Osprey Exos 58

Light enough, big enough, comfy enough—SO durable. I've had this pack for years now. It's definitely not Ultralight, but it's close. It travels well on the trail, even with a heavy load. It's been a great urban travel pack, and also has been a great air travel pack (I hate suitcases). The tensioned mesh keeps my back cool and less sweaty. This pack fit me well, as designed. Lots of adjustment and tensioning options to settle the load well. I'm tall and lanky, and I have always been happy with… Full review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Windrider

Impossibly light, too big for the limited weight capacity. The obvious: this bag is impossibly light for the volume. I personally love a bare bones pack that is essentially a stuff sack on straps. If I were to buy again, I would go with Hyperlite, but I would go smaller. I got this pack because you can roll down the excess space not being used. The fact of the matter: 70 liters of gear weighs too much for the straps and dyneema to handle. Unless you are stuffing feathers in here, go for the smaller… Full review