Backpacking Gear

Arc'teryx Altra 65 or Altra 75 Backpack
Editors Choice Award 2010 Backpacker Magazine
$375.00-$399.00

The Arc'teryx Altra pack is designed to handle every backpacking adventure you can through at it and breeze through. Available in either 65 liter or 75 liter capacity, these packs work great for weekend trips as well as multi week expeditions. The magic of these packs in a suspension system that makes your pack weight melt away. To quote Backpacker Magazine Editors, "Until they make a pack that walks behind you, get the Altra."(Backpacker Gear Guide 2010 pg16). The fully pivoting hipbelt prevents binding and allows for unencumbered movement. The shoulder harness can be customized to create a perfect fit on almost any body. This pack truly has the ability to work for a light weekend or swallow a monster pile of gear. Legendary Arc'teryx durability means that your kids may even get to where this pack someday, if you are willing to give it up.

Specs are for Regular/ Medium (also available in tall)
Altra 65L weighs 4lbs 14oz, capacity is 3967cu in.
Altra 75L weighs 5lbs, capacity is 4577 cu in.
Torso Size Range listed as 18-20.5 in (runs small though)

Therm-a-Rest Neo Air Mattress
Regular Size $149.95

In the world of constantly evolving backpacking gear not often does decreased weight also translate to increased comfort. The Neo Air Mattress from Thermarest does both and does both well by combing the lightweight and comfort of a fully inflatible mattress and the warmth of a self inflating mattress. This mattress is 2.5 inches thick when fully inflated giving the sleeper more mattress between them and the ground than a traditional backpacking self-inflating mattress. More mattress equals more comfort, especially for a side sleepers (speaking from experience). The weight of the regular size Neo Air is 14 ounces, which is significantly lighter than a comparable self inflating mattress. Fully deflated the Neo Air is approximately the size of a 1 liter water bottle, allowing it to be carried in the pack rather than strapped to the outside.of your pack. Unlike other fully inflatible mattress, the Neo Air has an internal heat barrier that reflects your body heat back to you rather than losing it to the ground (the problem with fully inflatible mattresses). The R- value for this mattress is 2.5 which rates warmer than a 3 seasonal self inflating mattress. So if you want to keep your pack weight down (who doesn't) and sleep like a baby, outfit yourself with a Neo Air Mattress from Thermarest this season.

Specs are for the regular size mattress
R-value = 2.5, weight = 4 ounces
72 inches long x 20 inches wide x 2.5 inches tall

Gregory Baltoro 70L Pack
Editors Choice 2008 Backpacker Magazine
$289.00

Designed for the backcountry adventurer seeking a top loading pack with multiple pockets and zip-through access points, the Baltoro satiates with 70 liters of backpack organization. Great for long weekends to week jaunts in the wilds. The Response AFS suspension technology delivers a custom fit and allows for independent hip belt rotation, creating more comfort under load.

Specs (for Medium Size Torso, also available in large)
Capacity = 4271 cubic inches
Weight = 5lbs 9oz
Torso range = 18-20inches
Suggested Maximum Comfort Weight = 50lb load
Sleeping Bag Access Zipper
Small Panel Access Zipper