Backpack Accessories

Featured review by Bheiser1

The Sea to Summit pack cover is a lightweight and weather resistant pack cover that does a good job in keeping the pack dry. My main use of this item so far has been on a 30-day through-hike on the John Muir Trail where I experienced rain on 10 of the 30 days. The cover got a good amount of use on this trip with lots of "putting it on, taking it off" each time I stopped. Even so, it did its job well and stood up to the rigors of the trail.

There is some disagreement about whether a pack cover is worthwhile or necessary. Some prefer to use trash bags or other waterproof materials to wrap around their packs to keep them dry in inclement weather. While there are advantages to that approach, there is something to be said for using a purpose-built piece of gear. Some advantages of using the Sea to Summit pack cover in lieu of a plastic bag or other material include: more durable than a plastic bag or other light material includes an elasticized trip around the edges to hold the cover on the pack includes a snap straps to go around the pack includes its own micro stuff sack for compact storage On the flip side: it's heavier than some of the alternatives at 4.6 oz (including the attached...

Read more: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover reviews (4)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

Dry bags (also called dry sacks if lightweight parts of packing system) are valued pieces of gear in our outdoor equipment arsenal. We use them primarily for canoe camping, but also for winter cabin camping and car camping. It is said “you can never have too many dry bags” when canoe camping, and since we follow that mantra, we always pack lots of them. My primary expectation is that such a bag will keep my gear dry in any conditions. This bag from SealLine certainly meets that challenge, and the compression feature is an added bonus. This bag is lightweight, sturdy, waterproof, and can ease space issues by compressing soft contents to a smaller size. This review is for the 10 liter size, and based on its performance over the past two seasons, I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers, and paddlers.

The BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack comes in three size choices—5L, 10L and 20L—each of which is suited for different uses. This review is for the 10L sack, available in a nice bright green, which I used for clothing and for small sleeping bags. When canoe camping, my smaller bags (such as 10L size) are packed within a waterproof portage bag, and for winter cabin camping and car camping, the bags are used within a larger pack, or hauled in a pulk.                                         Website photo: available in 5, 10, 20 Liter sizes The 10L bag is 16 inches (40cm) deep with the top rolled (22cm) and 8 inches (20cm) x 4 inches (10 cm) wide at the rectangular base.

Read more: SealLine BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack review (1)

Reviewed by Sheila Bergin Goss

This dry sack has become an integral part of our canoe camping equipment. Though we use it primarily for canoe camping, it has also proven worthy for winter cabin camping and car camping. This 30L size is large, but its compression feature allows us to pack an XXL sleeping bag into a compact size, reducing space demands in the canoe and/or kayak. This sack is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and is a bright orange, high visibility color. I can highly recommend this dry bag for campers, backpackers, or paddlers.

Product Description: SealLine describes this dry sack as packing system sack; the design is promoted as a means to efficiently pack multiple dry sacks within a larger packing system. When I use the bag for canoe camping, it is packed within a large waterproof portage bag. That is also how it is packed when we pull it on a pulk for winter cabin camping. The compression feature definitely results in a saving of space, allowing for an increase in the number of other items that we can pack in the larger bag.

Read more: SealLine Blocker Compression Dry Sack review (1)

Featured review by Snigjs

Patagonia's Black Hole Duffel line has 4 sizes, 45L, 60L, 90L and 120L. All are made from a durable water resistant fabric which can take a beating. I have the 60L size which is perfect for hauling around a ton of gear while still being carry-on size.

Likes Size/Shape: The 60L duffel is just within carry-on size limits. With a little coaxing, I've gotten it to fit into even the smaller overhead compartments. For carrying gear on a plane, a duffel bag has advantages over a backpack in that it doesn't have any hard panels that can't be compressed. Also, a rectangular shape can hold more volume than a backpack which is generally taller and skinner with a rounded top. Finally, the rectangular shape is easily stacked versus a cylindrical shape like the North Face Base Camp Duffel.

Read more: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

My size small base camp duffel is a favorite for short work trips and toting small amounts of extra gear to and from a trailhead. It is built to withstand harsh punishment, easy to carry, and easy to access the interior contents. Cost is the only negative.

Available from carry-on size to trek-swallowing massive, the base camp duffel might be the most indestructible and comfortable way to get your stuff from one place to the other. Mine is a size small, and I use it primarily for air travel, national and international, and for storing extra stuff to toss into the back of the car for a hiking trip. Mine is about five years old. What makes this such a great bag? MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION The bag itself is pretty simple—one D shaped zipper opening, super durable handles, straps and materials, very usable shoulder straps for getting this through airports or carrying to a remote bus stop.

Read more: The North Face Base Camp Duffel reviews (5)

Featured review by Vladimir Gorbunov

A necessary accessory for any down sleeping bag, combining water resistance with good compression. A bit heavyweight, but it’s definitely lighter than a pound of water inside your sleeping bag. Quite durable and very convenient to use.

Fully compressed XS bag with 3-season sleeping bag inside (compared to 450ml Toaks mug) Before purchasing a pair of such bags in 2013 I traveled a lot with synthetic sleeping bag packed into a regular fabric compression sack. In bicycle trips sometimes we have to ride under a week-long rains, so a good protection against water exposure (especially in case of sensitive equipment, such as sleeping bag) is a must for us. We know that the water will always find a way under any rain cover. Traditionally we packed our gear to plastic bags from nearby shop (or carried a roll of durable trash bags in long trips), and in really bad weather we doubled the bags for ultimate protection.

Read more: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack reviews (11)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

Quick to spot, this easily identifiable dry bag is an ideal way to store one’s First Aid Kit. This waterproof bag is available in 1L and 3L sizes- ideal for the minimalist, groups, or a first responder with a larger First Aid Kit. Being waterproof (not submergible), this bag is ideal for virtually anyone on the go- not just for hikers and water sports.

SUP'ing at Saltpeter Creek near the Chesapeake Bay   In the ever-growing field of outdoor recreation, few innovative products catch the eye of the ‘Outdoor Industry’. Born in Australia in 1983, Sea to Summit continues to modernize the outdoor world with the First Aid Lightweight Dry Bag. Although simple, the idea of a high visibility First Aid Kit seems to be a ‘no brainer’…   3L version next to a standard 32oz. Nalgene bottle for reference High visibility is important for locating important items, like a First Aid Kit  This dry bag (First Aid Kit not included) has an easy to use roll-top style closure, with a D-Ring.

Read more: Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid review (1)

Reviewed by DLK37086

This great little product may seem unnecessary, but it will grow on you! I recommend the Hiker Wallet to anyone that goes into the backcountry that doesn't want to carry their big heavy wallet!

Okay, I admit it—this was an impulse buy! But I am happy that I bought it! This is a great little product from Granite Gear that I have been using for several years now. It's one of those things that isn't really necessary, but you'll be glad you have it. After I purchased it, I thought "Well this is silly. I don't really need this." But over the years, I've realized its worth, and it has become one of those items that goes with me on every backpacking trip. Face it—the wallets we all use everyday are full of stuff that just isn't needed (or wanted) in the backcountry.

Read more: Granite Gear Hiker Wallet review (1)

Featured review by RTG Inc.

One of the best backpack / keychain accessories available. The flexibility and practical nature of the S-Biner allows for countless applications. Usage ranges from securing keys to a belt loop to hanging a lantern or water bottle from my pack.

Usage: The S-Biner is a straightforward piece of gear. The dual hook nature allows a user to latch objects to other objects. The spring clip makes this task super easy, and keeps the attached item secure.  Features:  Due to the simplicity of the S-biner, there isn't much to talk about. The device is composed of two hooks in an "S" shape. A metal wire acts as the clasp, and is mounted in such a way that it springs closed. The clasp is very easy to open and close.  Durability: The S-Biner can take the abuse within reason.

Read more: Nite Ize S-Biner reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

This is a review of the largest (120 liter) Alpaca, whose primary role will be long trips and transporting my big backpack and gear. Durable fabrics and features mean the bag will last a very long time. It has comfortable shoulder straps and multiple handles for getting around. Top opening is big, a plus for packing. If there is a downside, the removable shoulder straps lack a quick release—takes some work.

  BASIC INFO Shows how the shoulder straps attach at the top. Dog and starfish not included.   The Alpaca 120 is a big bag, no way around it. Capacity is 120 liters, or about 7,300 cubic inches. It weighs about 4 pounds, empty. [for the sake of comparison, the extra large LL Bean Adventure Duffel that the Alpaca replaced holds 139 liters and weighs a little less than 3 1/2 pounds]. The main pack is made of 900 denier polyester ripstop with a TPU coating on the outside, making it effectively waterproof in the rain unless there is a concentrated stream of water hitting the zipper and avoiding the overlapping cover—very unlikely.

Read more: Gregory Alpaca Duffle reviews (2)