3 New Daypacks
Get geared up! Here are three new packs for day-trippers — custom-designed for stand-up paddleboarders, kayakers and minimalist climbers:
SUP Saturator: Camelbak Baja LR — $160
Is it possible Camelbak thought of everything? This sweet little pack is an essential for long-distance stand-up paddleboard trips. The three-litre horizontal bladder sits over the lower back, leaving shoulders free for rotation and as it empties cinch straps keep it snug, reducing sloshing. There are pockets galore, including handy ones on the front harness system for phones, GPS, gels, etc. as well as two Velcro pockets on the hip belt. And, importantly, the pack is super-soft where ever it touches skin. CamelBack
Climbing Minimalist: Mountain Hardwear Summit Rocket 40 — $200
Packs don’t get much simpler than this: a 40-litre top-load main pocket with a roll top closure. That’s it — no zippers, no pouches, no compartments and the hip belt is strippable to cut weight further. We missed not having a valuables’ pocket but otherwise it swallows all your climbing gear or a light overnight’s worth of stuff. The removable foam back padding unfolds, perfect for a minimalist sleeping pad, rest stops and gear sorting. Mountain Hardwear
Paddling Multi-tasker: Outdoor Research Dry Peak Bagger — $65
On first glance, this dry bag backpack looks ideal as a carryall for paddling trips. And it is, effectively sealing out full submersions with a few twists of the roll top, but we found its utility extended to the trail, too. As its name suggests it was actually designed as a summit sack; use it as a stuff-sack on the approach then shoulder it for day trips from base camp. Either way, weighing half-a-pound, its key word is versatility. Outdoor Research