It鈥檚 easy to get caught up in gadgetry. I should know. I鈥檝e been reviewing outdoor gear for more than a decade, and it doesn鈥檛 take much to have me geeking out about midsoles and membranes. But in a previous life, I was your typical dirtbag paddling guide. I used to think shiny new gear was for poseurs; wearing my dad鈥檚 old wool sweaters instead of fancy new fleece gave me pride. Which is probably why I鈥檓 so enamored with . While highly engineered packs undoubtedly have their place (technical peaks, heavy loads, long distances), they can be overkill. For knocking around local trails, an old-fashioned top-loader like the Klettersack is all you need. The Cordura fabric takes a beating, the heavy-duty plastic buckles are easily replaceable, and it cinches down to a tidy bundle when half-full. The only real concession to the times: an integrated laptop sleeve. But hey, a guy鈥檚 gotta work. ($170)
(Photo: Courtesy of Topo Designs)
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