Weekend Packs

Reviewed by G00se

The ExoTi 50 is Vargo’s second generation titanium frame pack. This 50-liter pack is certain to appeal to those who love the external frame backpack. Incredibly comfortable and significantly improved over its predecessor, the ExoTi 50 is a pack worthy of serious consideration.

I’m cheating on my backpack... In Spring 2014, I tested Vargo’s Ti-Arc. I instantly fell in love with that pack, and it has been my go-to backpack for more than three years. As much as I love the Ti-Arc, it does have its drawbacks, and my review listed a number of suggestions to take that unit from great to amazing. Now, Vargo has captured my affections with its ExoTi 50, and I’m not sure how to break the news to the Ti-Arc. Look, I’m not suggesting Vargo stole any of my ideas from that 2014 review. I’m stating categorically they stole all of my ideas and put them into the ExoTi 50. And I couldn’t be happier about it! The subsequent improvements with the ExoTi 50 are just what was needed.

Read more: Vargo ExoTi 50 review (1)

Featured review by Amy

Even on a small frame like mine, this large pack is an excellent choice for a longer hike!

First, I have to admit that I haven't actually been on a hike with this yet. I am training for a larger hike in May on a treadmill, but seeing as how this is my first pack ever (aside from childhood backpacks for school), I am extremely pleased! Osprey has a killer pack here. Here are the details: The "floating" back. I mean, there is wonderful mesh that allows for airflow between your back and the pack, no matter what you have inside it. The "floating waist belt" is a little strange at first, but once you learn the best way for you to put it on (there is no "one" way to do it...find what works best for you), it's simple and a very wonderful invention.

Read more: Osprey Aura 65 reviews (7)

Featured review by Donald Copp

A fantastic pack for overnight or the long weekend away, the Lariat has all the features you can use without all the add-ons you don't need. Easy to carry, it puts everything right where you need it with a simple zipper.

I started looking for a new pack about three years ago to replace my tried and trusted Lowe Alpine Contour which had been my companion across the U.S. for years. I wanted a lighter pack with good suspension. I studied and compared, I tried on a lot of different styles and makes of backpacks. I even almost bought a couple because I thought they were "The One." I visited forums, I went to REI, I talked to buddies about their packs, I searched and tried and then ran across the Mountainsmith Lariat online.

Read more: Mountainsmith Lariat 65 reviews (3)

Featured review by Daniel Gourley

Extremely durable bag. The main compartment is large enough to hold all your gear for a multi-day hike. It weighs only 3.9lbs empty. Lots of pockets for extra gear. Straps are well padded and will work for broader shoulders. Hip belt is well padded and extends to larger sizes as well

Overall a very nice pack. I found the price point to be in-line with the market. I have trouble finding pack packs because I am tall and broad. (6'2" tall and 74" over shoulders, Yes, I am broad as I am tall). That being said I needed a pack with a more flexible load configuration. Kelty was the ideal fit. The shoulder pads are slightly tight under my arms, but the adjustable torso makes it easier to fix the problems I normally have.  The hip belt actually absorbs a lot of the weight and fits my 40" waist with room to spare.

Read more: Kelty Redwing 50 reviews (6)

Featured review by Andrew F.

This is a load-hauler for a backpack of this size. It has proved to be not only comfortable but also very durable. Plethora of features is nice. Customer service from Gregory is outstanding.

I had done a preliminary review of this backpack shortly after purchase. Nearly 18 months later, I like the backpack more than I thought I would.  A few observations from use: The shoulder and hipbelt padding is fairly firm on this pack out when it is brand new.  it became more forgiving as I used it.  otherwise, the adjustments to fit the pack and get the suspension comfortable are excellent.  I really like the way it supports weight comfortably. A mouse ate through a hipbelt pocket not long after i got the backpack; i had left a clif bar in the pocket overnight.  i tried to buy a replacement hip belt pad from Gregory; they refused, and instead sent me a set of hip belt pads for the cost of shipping only.  extremely impressive.

Read more: Gregory Baltoro 65 reviews (16)

Featured review by Bob Withrow

Four continents and counting. It's (almost) a backpack!

This Osprey has been with me for over 10 years. It's been on 4 continents and served its designed purpose very well. Like many of Osprey's packs, the Porter is designed for travel and ease of carry through airports, on trains, and even short walks to lodging or nearby camping. But it is not a backpack. I would not want to carry it much more than a mile if it was packed full. It holds seemingly more than the 65 liter capacity would suggest.  It comes with a hidden harness. Shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away in a panel on the bottom.

Read more: Osprey Porter 65 reviews (3)

Featured review by FromSagetoSnow

Mountaineers, alpine climbers, and one-backpack-to-do-it-all types should seriously consider the updated Gregory Alpinisto 50 pack. (2020 UPDATE AT BOTTOM)

Short Answer:  This pack will do so many things so well that it may cause some of the other packs in your gear cave to shed tears of loneliness. Its durability and versatility make it a fantastic choice for backpackers and alpinists alike. I'd easily take this pack up Mt. Rainier. Trips it is NOT suited for would be single-day, smash and grab alpine climbs and UL backpacking trips. Feel free to toss it off a cliff to make down-climbing easier. It can take it. It's Gregory; this isn’t their first backpack.  Finally out of the wind on the leeward side of the mountain Testing Conditions: I don’t always carry a hatchet, Microspikes, a gallon of water, and a four-pound Duraflame log, but when I do, it’s because I need a heavy load to give...

Read more: Gregory Alpinisto 50 reviews (2)

Featured review by BigRed

Superb design, build, and features with enough volume for a week of "comfort light" backpacking. The easily adjusted, trampoline-style suspension system is about as comfortable as 16 kg/35 lbs + can get.

  Mudhopping in Sweden My 10 year-old Atmos 50 was looking a little worse for wear and tear -- ditto for my wife’s Aura. Both packs were veterans of 25 days on the John Muir Trail, a 10-day hike in the Wind Rivers, a pair of week-long hikes in Iceland, and numerous shorter outings in Arizona, Utah, and Norway. The abrasive rock on some of those trips had taken its toll on the fabric covering the hard bend in the frame at my hips (repaired once under Osprey’s warranty), and the zippers on the hip pockets and the vertical pockets on the back of the pack (2014 version) were starting to go.

Read more: Osprey Exos 58 reviews (26)

Featured review by Rob White

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 packs and now three Mystery Ranch, I'm leaning towards Mystery Ranch these days.

Read more: Mystery Ranch Glacier reviews (3)

Featured review by Emilie Sidelinger

Great pack! Super comfortable, many pockets, and it is adjustable to you. I took it on a weekender trip, and even without the brain had more than enough room for all my gear.

I love this pack!! All the pockets make it so easy to stay organized on the trail. There is a zipper on the bottom, with a fabric shelf that separates it from the main compartment. I'm considering cutting that out to have more usable space. It rests very comfortably on the hips so it never causes any pain. It also rests away from the back which allows for awesome airflow. I can be pretty rough on my gear but Osprey will repair or replace anything damaged on the pack, which was a major bonus for me.

Read more: Osprey Aura AG 65 reviews (4)