I’ve used the same hiking backpack for three years now. Not because it’s perfect — honestly, it’s far from it — but because it’s the only one that hasn’t annoyed me enough to replace it.
Here’s my real, unfiltered take after countless PNW hikes.
What I love:
✓ The hip belt actually works
It carries weight on my hips, not my shoulders. Total game-changer.
✓ The pockets make sense
Two side pockets for bottles, a top pocket for snacks, and a big front pocket where I throw random things like gloves, receipts, or pinecones (don’t ask).
✓ It’s somehow survived rain, mud, and me
The fabric’s tough. I’ve scraped it on rocks, dropped it in puddles, and stuffed it under a car seat a hundred times.
What annoys me:
✗ The zippers are dramatic
Sometimes they get stuck for no reason, like the bag is offended.
✗ The chest strap squeaks
Only sometimes. Which is somehow worse.
✗ Slightly small for long trips
I can manage overnight hikes, but barely.
Would I buy it again?
Honestly? Yeah.
Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s dependable — and that matters more to me than fancy features.
