Outbound Canyon 55+10

Tough, light, and big enough for what I need.

Red pack on right

Closeup
I've been using the Outbound Canyon 55+10 for a few years now and I've been pleasantly surprised by its performance. For a less expensive backpack, this one has lasted a long time and done everything I needed it to do.

While I used to do more, I only do a few backpacking trips every year now, so I didn't want to spend a lot of money. Shopping around, I saw this one at the Canadian Tire store, and while it was pretty cheap, I figured it would work for a while. Over the years, I've managed to reduce what I carry to a manageable size, so the 65 litre available volume is enough to carry everything I need for up to three or four days. 

Both the top section and the main body have extra straps to attach things to and zip cord on the back makes a handy place to hang a jacket or wet clothes. There are parallel daisy chains as well if you want to clip doodads onto the outside of your pack. There are two loops for an ice axe or hiking poles, and enough compression straps to cinch down the whole load when you've got everything stowed away.

I was surprised by how much the side pockets can hold — a pleated expansion pocket lets them stretch right out, then the weight is held in by the compression straps. The main inside section is roomy, and is separated from the lower part by a full zipper if you want to combine the two. The top section has the little extras; a key clip inside an easy-access outer pocket, a larger inside pocket for things you might need more quickly like a first aid kit, and an attached rain cover for the whole pack. It can also lift up to compensate for a higher load or to be used to lash down something on the top of the pack.

The adjustable torso length is easy to change — you don't have to disassemble the whole pack or even unload it. The waistband and  the shoulder straps are strong, wide and comfortable, the sternum strap is in the right place, and the balance is good. At 4 lbs, this isn't very heavy for an internal frame backpack of that size, and I've been happy with how it all works.

The only gripe I have with the pack is that, while the top section can be taken off to use as a fanny-pack, it's a pain to get it off and even more of a nuisance to get back on. It's not really meant as a daypack, so there's no buckles or straps for that purpose, but it can be done if you don't mind spending a few minutes to figure it all out.

Would I recommend it to a friend? If you're just starting out, or if you only plan on doing one or two trips a year, I certainly would. Actually, I'm being unfair — this is a good pack, and I don't think I'll need anything bigger or more expensive. Solid pack, decent price, and it does what it's supposed to do.