Weekend Packs

Recent Weekend Pack (50-69L) Reviews

Klymit Motion 60

I really wanted to like this pack....but... This is my first poray into lighter weight bear. I was expecting to have design or performance concerns, but that's the reality. I tried this pack on several three-day weekend hikes and found it woefully small for my needs. I carried it on a winter one-nighter, and it still seems smaller than my other 60 L pack. The compression straps are way too long and skinny, and pulling them tight stresses the buckles. I broke one and had to secure the strap with… Full review

Zpacks Arc Zip Ultra 62L

An amazing pack in so many ways. First off, I want to say that overall, the design is brilliant in so many ways. I have used many packs over my lifetime and while this one is minimalist, it's more functional than many packs I have used. Just the fact you can use the zippers to get to any part of the pack you need without unpacking it is a game changer for me. The material on this feels like a heavy duty fabric and I have to admit it’s a little weird given how light the pack is. It makes your mind… Full review

Osprey Exos 58

Great pack (and it doesn't need hipbelt pockets). This is a high-quality product. It is comfortable. This is my first Osprey, so I had to learn how to wear it. Here's how: Put it on with everything loose. Buckle the hip belt first and tighten it on your hips. Then tighten the shoulder straps, BUT NOT TOO TIGHT. (It will not be comfortable on the shoulders if you crank down too much on the shoulder straps.) Then pull the load lifter straps all the way in nice and tight. Now you should have the weight… Full review

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