Best day pack: Osprey Atmos 25 backpack

I love this pack. It’s everything a pack should be: light, roomy, and especially comfortable. I especially love it when traveling; it’s the perfect size for an airplane carry-on, and it makes a great day pack for both urban and outdoor adventures.

I’m a tall guy, and finding a pack that fit my elongated torso wasn’t easy. Most packs are short and sit too high up on my back. And shockingly few have any sort of support structure; they put the weight entirely on your shoulders, straining your upper back and neck muscles. The Atmos comes in 3 sizes (S, M & L) so I was able to get a Large that fit me perfectly.

The Atmos was designed for ultra-light backpackers, so the support it provides is phenomenal. I absolutely love the “Airspeed” frame and mesh back that keeps my back cool and sweat-free. It also makes an excellent pillow when you’re ready for a rest.

It looks like Osprey has discontinued the 25, but Moosejaw still has some in back stock. Alternately, get the Stratos 24 or the even smaller Stratos 18. They both have a similar suspension system to the Atmos, come in various sizes for different sized torsos, and are widely available.
Get the Osprey Atmos 25 from Moosejaw

Best hiking boots: LL Bean Cresta Hikers (GoreTex)

The LL Bean Cresta Hikers (GoreTex) are simply great all around hiking boots. I bought a pair about 10 years ago and have walked hundreds of miles in them through all different conditions and terrain. They are still going strong. I’ve had them on 4 different continents, hiking through Bhutan, Chile, Guatemala, New Zealand and the USA (Alaska, California, Colorado, Arizona etc.). I use them when I go snow shoeing (including back-country snowboarding), snow camping, and when I am backpacking or day hiking.

I have narrow feet, so the B-width options were critical for me. They also come in wide widths. And fit is the #1 feature to look for in a boot. They’re easy to put on, comfortable, and built to last. I’ve never gotten blisters in these boots. The GoreTex keeps your feet dry when you walk across streams or through slush.

They’ve been highly rated elsewhere (Outdoor Review, Backpacker magazine, Outside...) and LL Bean is a brand you can trust with great customer service. If you don’t like them at any time for any reason, you can return them for a refund.
Get Cresta Hikers from LL Bean

Women’s Cresta Hikers