Weekend Packs

Recent Weekend Pack (3,000 - 4,499 cu in) Reviews

Rivendell Mountain Works Jensen

Great design and great construction. Got one of Eric Hardee's current-version Jensens about four years ago. Stupendous pack for backcountry hut touring on skis. The weight stays close to the back (have not experienced a better pack in that regard), and capacity is perfect for about four nights out with no tent and with a light sleeping bag. I do have the optional snap-on side pockets and wouldn't be able to make those trips work without them. Full review

Rivendell Mountain Works Jensen

An aesthetically delightful and comfortable specialty pack for shorter trips in mild weather for the purists. Utterly miserable if pushed beyond its weight/capacity limits. Like the previous reviewer, I lusted after the Rivendell Jensen pack when I was a poor graduate student in the '70s. By the time I could afford that, it was long out of production. Fast forward 40 years, after a very long search I bought a 1970s Jensen pack on eBay. It is the original version with two zippers opening the top… Full review

ULA Equipment Circuit

This pack works for everything. It is the most comfortable pack I have ever used. It has good pockets on the waist belt, good pockets for water bottle that can be reached with the pack on, and an outside pocket for food items and a jacket. I rarely have to open the pack to get what I want from it. I used to carry packs to haul equipment, external frames for long overnight trips, ski packs, day packs, and a hunting pack. Now I just use the Circuit for everything. They come in different torso lengths… Full review

Osprey Atmos AG 50

A great pack, with a perfect suspension. Carries weight with ease. Mesh back panel dumps heat in warm and hot conditions. A great weekend pack, perfect for three days, two nights. Lots of storage and ease of access. A main compartment, a sleeping bag compartment, and for on-the-go access, it has two lid, two hip belt, one large stash, and two water bottle pockets.  The only complaint with my older version is a lack of sleeping bag compartment straps; they were added on the newer model. Materials… Full review

Hi-Tec Tioga 65

A large pack that carries three days or more of equipment. I used this $50 internal frame pack that I bought at Big 5 to train for a one-week outing. For a three-day dry run I carried 38 lbs and the pack was comfortable. However when I took it loaded on a trip to Hawaii the baggage handler broke a buckle. Still I was able to tie the strap and continue my outing with no problem. Best money I've ever spent! Full review

Osprey Aether 70

Starts off with too much weight. If you aren’t backpacking then it would probably be a good pack to travel with. From my experience it is too heavy. Full review

REI Men's Ruckpack 65 Travel Pack

A good travel/weekend hiking pack with the details you come to expect from a REI product. While relatively heavy at nearly 6 lbs for both the primary pack and daypack, there are enough pockets and comfortable straps to make this a weekend pack for the outdoorsy types. As an Active Cub Scout Cubmaster and ASM for a troop, I camp a lot. I also travel periodically for work and enjoy the occasional vacation with the family and spouse. This probably feeds my bag fetish.* I'm always in the market for… Full review

Arc'teryx Bora 65

Long range comfort and durability with one issue. Read that this pack is the shizzzz, but with one big issue. The pack's main body is made of two different nylon fabrics. There's rip-stop of the main color and plain weave nylon panels of the sides, back and bottom. Both were urethane coated for waterproofing, but only the rip-stop coating remains intact and looks clear and shiny as when new. The coating on the plain weave nylon that consists of half or more of the pack has yellowed and is sloughing… Full review

Klymit Motion 60

I bought this pack about a year ago to replace another ultra light pack I had worn out. (Wild Things AT pack, which I still like, but it is basically just a bag with straps on it). I was hesitant to buy this Klymit Motion 60, without trying it on first, but I took a chance, and I must say I have been absolutely pleased in every way possible. This pack is very light, super comfortable, and carries everything I need for a few days of wilderness travel. Excellent design! Well made pack. The price I… Full review