The backpack is a symbol of adventure for any dirtbag or traveling vagabond.  Here are two packs that have been road tested tough – a women’s specific Deuter pack great for hiking, overnight backpack trips, and traveling and Black Diamond’s super versatile Bullet Backpack.

Deuter Futura Daypack – Women’s Specific

Deuter’s Futura Pro Daypack is the greatest pack I have ever owned.  This women’s specific pack, with its narrower shoulder straps and shorter torso, is designed for smaller bodies and fits hikers up to 5’7”.  I have always had difficulty finding a pack that fits my petite 5’2” frame properly and this pack fits perfectly.

The shoulder straps and hip pads are nicely padded and the design keeps the pack from being directly on your back with Deuter’s patented suspension design.  The design allows for warm air to escape and for some fresh air to blow between the pack and the wearer – keeping you cooler and more comfortable.

Equipped with plenty of pockets for all your goods, the pack also has a hydration-compatible design with a reservoir pocket and a built-in rain cover that can be pulled out easily to cover your pack during a freak desert downpour.

The pack has only suffered minimal wear during two weeks in Costa Rica, a year’s worth of overnight backpack trips, and one serious drag up a 100 foot rock face.  If I manage to ever wear this pack out I plan on replacing it with another.  Love it.  I am also saving up for Deuter’s ACT Lite 60 – a lightweight multiday women’s pack which sounds perfect for some long distance backpack trips I have been dreaming up.

Happily Sporting Deuter's Futura pack in Escalante, Utah

Black Diamond’s Bullet Bag

Black Diamond’s Bullet Backpack is fast, sleek and easily concealed.  It is tiny and super cute without looking like it belongs to that mini backpack purse fad of several years back.  The Bullet can easily be compressed and stuffed in your larger bag and then used as a lightweight, small pack for your day’s adventures.

The bag was designed with rock climbing in mind, so its super tough construction can handle the roughness of granite and limestone without the littlest bit of a snag.  You can truly beat this bag to hell and never see much more wear than a bit of dirt.

I’ve used the pack for everything – skiing, bouldering, hiking, wandering, gym bag, as an airline carry-on, and a lunch bag for work.  The Bullet is super versatile and a great addition to any backpack collection.

Wandering Country Roads with Black Diamond's Bullet in La Fortuna, Costa Rica