Excellent, grasshopper, you’re on the path to gear enlightenment; with no guidance from me whatsoever, you’ve hit on a pretty good combination. Osprey’s Aether 60 ($199; www.ospreypacks.com) is a well ...

Keeping a packable backpack on hand is a small yet mighty convenience when it comes to unexpected errands, hauling souvenirs, and spontaneous day trips. The best packable backpacks are lightweight, ...

Packable backpacks occupy a smart niche in everyday carry and travel gear—lightweight, compressible, and easy to stash until the moment they’re needed. Whether heading out on an impromptu day hike or ...

I’ve almost always been a backpack guy, even through that awkward stage between backpacks as bookbags and backpacks as giant world-traveler suitcase substitute. For years, my go-to backpack for longer ...