Friday, October 4, 2013 - Blog on a Log

The Best Backpack for your Travel Style


The Best Multi-Feature Bag

The Asolo Navigator

If you like a bag with all the features, the Asolo navigator is the way to go.  This rugged bag design has stood the test of time, with everything you need to traverse the world with your life on your back.

A detachable daypack and toiletry kit provide plenty of added function to the large, suitcase-style main compartment.  Padded handles, lockable zippers, and a hide-away suspension system all combine to making this bag a full-featured choice - and the short-length versions and adjustable back mean it's sure to fit right for a comfortable carry.

Don't forget to stop by the store for a personalized adjustment before you hop your plane!

Navigator 70L

Navigator 70L Short Length

Navigator 60L Short Length



The Best Minimalist Bag

The Deuter ACT Lite

With its minimalist, lightweight design, the ACT Lite is a sleek, technical choice perfect for those who want to carry less and travel further.

The streamlined design won't hold you up in narrow bus isles, and lets you slip in and out of the overstuffed luggage hold with a minimum of fuss.  The removable internal separator, stretch front pocket and lid pocket allow for basic gear organization without weighing you down with bulky external pockets.

This bag is an ideal choice if your trip includes trekking excursions, or if you just want it to double as a hiking pack post-travel.  Breathable padding and contoured shoulder and hip straps make it a breeze to carry, and the X-frame system moves with your body whether you're running to catch a train or tackling long-distance trails.  Features an adjustable-length back system, and is available in both regular and short-length sizes.

ACT Lite 45+10 Short Length

ACT Lite 50+10



The Best Best-of-Both-Worlds Bag

The Deuter Aircontact

The Aircontact has a unique design that combines a top-loading design with a full suitcase-style front panel opening...perfect for finding that one button-down shirt you stuffed into the bottom of your bag 3 weeks ago!

A variety of pockets and removable internal separator provide plenty of scope for organization, and the included rain cover stays tucked out of sight in its bottom pocket, ready for that unexpected squall while you're walking to the bus.  The expanding hood provides an extra 10L of storage, ideal for squeezing in unexpected souvenirs along the way.

Even if your trip doesn't include long treks, a bad bag can make the 20 minutes from the train to the hostel can feel like one!  The Aircontact includes the same breathable padding, contoured hip and shoulder straps and X-frame system as Deuter's other hiking bags, so you get great freedom of movement and comfortable weight distribution even when carrying large loads. Features an adjustable-length back system for a perfect fit and is available in both regular and short-length sizes.

Aircontact 60+10 Short Length

Aircontact 65+10



The Best Bag That's Not a Backpack

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

... or at least, not always a backpack!  For those who like to do things a little differently, the Base Camp Duffel provides all the convenience of a wide-mouth duffel bag plus end grab handles, carrying handles, and backpack straps so you can carry your gear any way you choose.

Far from an average bag, this water-resistant duffel is used on expeditions all over the world to keep gear dry and protected.  The durable PVC fabric is designed to be as tough as you are, holding up when thrown on planes and trains in far flung destinations.

Available in a variety of sizes and colours, though we suggest a bright one for baggage-claim visibility!  Features an internal mesh pocket with key clip and ID tag window.

Small Base Camp Duffel (42 L)

Medium Base Camp Duffel (72 L)

Large Base Camp Duffel (90 L)

XLarge Base Camp Duffel (140 L)


Backpack Selection Tips

Fit, Form, then Fashion!

Whatever your travel style, the most important part of choosing your bag is making sure it fits properly.  Whenever possible, every backpack should receive a full personalized adjustment from a knowledgeable professional to make sure it is providing the most comfortable and healthy weight distribution.  Every backpack purchased from Wilderness Supply includes a free fitting session in-store from one of our trained staff members - so feel free to stop by!

Once you have determined your backpack size, you can move on to form - the features and layout you desire.  We carry a huge variety of bags with variable and adjustable back lengths, so once we determine your size it is easy to find the bag that also has all the right features for you.

Last comes the fun part... the fashion!  Once you have determined your ideal bag that fits and includes all the features you need, have a blast choosing the colour or design you like best.  After all, your home-away-from-home should reflect your taste just as much as your real home does!