Looking for the perfect pack?

October 08, 2026

Walk into Onion River Outdoors, and you're greeted on your right by a wall of bags and packs: everything you could ever want to stuff with adventure supplies. It's a lot to sort through. Let's figure out what you need.

TRAVEL

Headed far from home? You've probably got a suitcase or a duffel bag kicking around, and maybe its zippers mostly work, and there likely aren't any gaping holes in it. But you deserve the best. Once you've experienced the joys of a well-placed grab handle and multiple carry options, you'll understand why dropping a couple hundred dollars on something that might fall off a train is worth it.

Take the Topo Global Travel 30: you can carry it from three sides with a handle, attach the shoulder strap, or use the integrated backpack straps that zip away into their own pocket when you want a tidier load. The inside stays organized with a ton of pockets - bright yellow is available to help you see what's in there - and the main compartment has a clamshell opening for easy access, just like a suitcase. This is one of many bags Onion River carries that uses recycled materials, and its production is certified as meeting fair labor standards.

FALL BACKPACKING

Once you and your trusty new Topo have made it home, it's time to enjoy fall in the mountains. Nothing beats a chilly morning in camp with a cup of coffee, except maybe the hike that got you there the day before. Perhaps your speed is an overnight at a remote campsite in Groton State Forest, or a boat-in spot at Green River Reservoir. You could tackle Camel's Hump to Mount Mansfield for a sturdy point-to-point that will give you a few nights out in the woods to test your packing skills.

The longer you'll be on trail and the colder it gets, the bigger your pack will need to be. Start around 50 liters for a bag that can hold your shelter, sleep system, food and cooking equipment, and a change of clothes. Renowned American packmaker Osprey offers dozens of options and sizes in this category. Pack buyer Ryan Leclerc has winnowed the choices down to a few of the best to anchor this section of the store. The Atmos and Aura have plenty of external attachment points and compression straps to keep your equipment locked in, and integrated rain covers for the inevitable. If you're thinking about backpacking in the Green Mountains, you'll find what you need here.

Remember that most technical backpacks are adjustable and come in different sizes for different bodies. They’ll likely offer hip belts and sternum straps to help disperse the weight and keep the pack from sliding around. Many packs also have ventilation (mesh and/or channels) to keep your back from getting too sweaty. Ask shop staff to help you find a pack that actually fits the body you have. Don't worry about "men's" or "women's" - buy what fits and feels good, and you're far more likely to enjoy yourself out there.

DAY HIKING

Spending the day on Spruce Mountain but back in time for dinner? Pack less in less pack. Think 12 to 18 liters (what many people think of when they hear "backpack size"). Look for cushy shoulder straps and don’t plan to overstuff the pack itself. You want to have room for a layer, snacks, water, and anything else you need to keep you safe and comfy, but the kitchen sink doesn't need to be included. Try the Osprey Tempest for more bells and whistles (like the LidLock, which attaches a helmet to the pack), or get a more concise Gregory Nano 18: checks all the necessary boxes, saves you a bit of money, and still offers compression straps, both a water bottle pocket and a sleeve for your hydration reservoir, and basic hip belt and sternum straps.

BACK TO SCHOOL

For school and work, you can find plenty of capable options that look great, will stay looking great, and can hold up to the daily abuse heaped on them by commutes or schoolkids. You're not looking for a hip belt here, or for adjustable sizing, like you would on something you'd bring on the Long Trail. You want a gaping maw to fill with books and a lunchbox, a smaller external pocket for keys and fidgets, possibly a laptop sleeve, and definitely a water bottle pocket that's easily accessible while wearing the pack. The Osprey Daylite leans heavily toward techy, on-the-trail style, which means you're ready for those Saturday outings too; something like the Topo Commuter or Rover fits the bill while staying firmly on the fashionable end of the spectrum.

Well, you've done it. You've taken your trip, hiked your trails, and shuttled your laptop back from the office. The packs offered at Onion River are specifically curated for function just as much as form. They will last you a good long while. If something does get stepped on or shut in a car door, come in for replacement buckles, webbing, and other parts that will let you doctor it up. You can also take advantage of a wide variety of warranty and repair programs, depending on the product. If you need help navigating that process, Onion River is here for you.

Onion Advice from Jen

I'm more of a backpack person than a purse person, but I don't always want to carry a daypack-sized bag. I've tried using kids' backpacks - the little compartments are just the right size and the colors are bright and fun - but the shoulder straps are usually too close together and rub uncomfortably on adult shoulders. Topo Designs must have heard my plea for a better purse-plus when they designed their Rover Mini. Its small size belies how much you can fit in there. One day I left work with my laptop in the main compartment and on the way home added two books from Bear Pond and a bottle of wine and two bottles of ginger beer from the co-op. The pack was maxed out for sure, but it got everything home. And check out all the great color combos!