Patagonia Crosstown

The Patagonia Crosstown backpack is a great pack for the daily commuter or the traveler on the go. With space for a large collection of papers, magazines, or books, it seems to be the perfect size for the daily grind or a day hike. A smaller section for items that you need quick access to rounds out the mass storage areas, although the advertised office organizer leaves something to be desired.  The Crosstown sports numerous small pockets providing a place for loose change, cell phones or any other small item you can think of.  From the obvious pocket on the top, to the one on the side, to the obscure pocket on the inside of the outer pouch, there are surely enough pockets to lose something in. The top pocket came in particularly handy while removing all the metal objects from my pockets while standing in the security line at the airport.  It does however, lack an earphone hole for those that like to keep and iPod in there. That said, the greatest feature is the laptop pouch on the backside of the large pouch. It’s big enough to accommodate a laptop up to 17″ and keep it well secured. The laptop pouch is suspended to keep your laptop from touching the ground when you set the pack down and is sufficiently padded for extra protection.  The pack does have outside mesh water bottle pockets but these never seem to work out as good as the designers intended.  I like to use the outside pouch for items I need quick access to, but I’m selective in doing so as there is no security to keep prying hands out, a problem for those commuting in high density areas.  The crosstown is also coated with a DWR (durable water repellent) to keep your wares dry when caught in an unexpected shower.

Quick Info

Design: Commuter Backpack
Capacity: 26l (1,597 cu/in)
Weight: 1lb. 11oz.
Retail: $100 (Buy)

Why it’s hot:

• Laptop pouch
• Lots of pockets
• Great size
• DWR

Why it’s not:

• No security on outside pouch
• No earphone jack
• Mesh pocket doesn’t work so well

http://www.patagonia.com

Ruff Wear Approach Pack

Anytime Nixon sees his Approach pack from Ruff Wear he becomes instantly excited.  That’s because he knows we’re off to the trails.  The pack is made of reinforced Nylon that doesn’t hold shape that well, but does not seem to reduce the durability.  The only wear showing on the pack is from where Nixon tried to extricate some food from the closed pack.  Otherwise it has held up great to his wild wondering against rocks, trees, and whatever else may be in his way.  The pack fits great by using a yoke harness that holds the bags very steady while on the move.  The straps can be a little bit of a challenge to buckle, especially on a good sized, very excited dog.  The fleece padding covers on the straps can hide the buckles, adding to the challenge, but they keep Nixon comfortable mile after mile.  If you are looking to get your K-9 on the trail this year make sure he’s got something to pack his own food and the Ruff Wear Approach Pack is great for just that.

[UPDATE - April 2009] - It appears Ruff Wear has upgraded the Approach Pack.  It now includes hydration bladders and appears to address the relatively small quips I have with the pack.  I will take a look and update when I have more information.

Osprey Talon 44

The Osprey Talon 44 ended my search for a new pack.  I had gone through about three others in the span of about a month when I tried the Talon 44.  From my very first day on the trail the Talon 44 promised to be my go to pack and solidified that fact on the second day.  Reinforced lightweight materials allows the pack to be light while offering an acceptable level of durability.

The Talon 44 is constructed from lightweight 70×100 Denier nylon with the bottom and side seams reinforced with 160×330 Denier Nylon, which helps keep the total pack weight to 2lb. 6.5oz, which does sacrifice some durability.  The Talon 44 features a few other weight savers as well.  The trampoline style mesh backpanel allows for superior ventilation and a hydration pocket is located between the backpanel and the body.  Shoulder and hip straps feature perforated foam to reduce weight while increasing ventilation.  The shoulder straps have a small stretch pocket on each side and the hip belts have two small zipper pockets that are actually big enough to fit items in them.  The stretch pockets on the side of the body fit a Nalgene, but are almost useless because the compression straps sit directly on top of them.  Another stretch pocket on the back allows for a snow shovel or odds and ends you don’t want with the rest of your gear.  A floating top pocket allows you to ‘overpack’ the Talon and an internal top compression strap allows you to carry a rope. You can also lose the top pocket altogether to reduce weight.  A sleeping bag zipper allows access to the bottom of the pack as well, although there are no internal dividers.  I use this to place my tent under the rest of my gear that is inside a waterproof liner.  The ice axe loops and bungee retainers perform as advertised.  I am quite fond of the strap retainers that keep loose ends of straps from flapping freely.  With all that it’s funny that quite possibly my favorite feature is the whistle built into the sternum strap.  Why did it take so long to figure this out?

All in all, Osprey has hit one out of the park with the Talon 44.  With great weight saving feature, well thought out design, and great sizes (albeit with loud colors).  This pack is now my go to pack for almost all outdoor ventures.  It is very obvious that Osprey is making packs for backpacking, not as fashion accessories.  Osprey also makes the Talon 33, Talon 22, and Talon 11 with 33, 22, and 11 liters of capacity, respectively.

Quick Info

Design: Ultralight 44 liter backpack
Capacity: 44l (2,685 cu/in)
Weight: 2lb. 6.5oz. (M/L)
Retail:

• Talon 44: $159 (Buy)
• Talon 33: $129 (Buy)
• Talon 22: $99 (Buy)
• Talon 11: $79 (Buy)

Why it’s hot:

• Weight
• Great size
• Adjustable torso size
• Whistle on sternum strap
• Strap retainers

Why it’s not:

• Compression strap placement

http://www.ospreypacks.com