Thule Capstone 40L

Mesh back panel is amazing for those hot weather climates where you need ventilation. Having an adjustable MicroAdjust Suspension system, this is perfect for those that always seem to have trouble finding the right size pack to fit their body. Great for day trips that require a lot of gear, or relaxed weekend trips where not many clothes are needed.

For my trip to Costa Rica, I began using the Capstone as a carry-on to take more luggage with me abroad. It may not be the right shape, but the dimensions work for airline carry-on restrictions. It came in handy later for day trips but where it really won me over was its usefulness for getting groceries in an unpredictably rainy ecosystem.

That's right, grocery shopping. Hiking two miles to the bus stop to go into town to buy groceries, then hiking back with two weeks work of food on your back is pretty heavy lifting, but the Capstone was the perfect tool for the job.

I fell in love with the rain cover that's stowed underneath the pack. This may be common enough, but this was the first bag I've owned that had the feature and I found it invaluable, protecting my electronics and other items I didn't want to get soaked (wallet, passport, etc.) from the random downpours that can catch others unprepared.

I've taken it through forests, backwater towns, urban sprawls, and across multiple borders. Maybe one day I'll have the chance to take it camping.