5 Best Backpacks For Hitting the Books or the Trails

Man and women on college campus with backpacks

For the adventurous student on a budget, finding an affordable, reliable, and versatile backpack can be tough. You want something that comfortably fits all your books but can also be the perfect daypack for a long hike or weekend trip. We’ve rounded up the five best backpacks that offer great, stylish support for hitting both the books and the trails!

north-face-borealisThe North Face Women’s Borealis Daypack 27L

This 27-liter pack is big enough to fit all of the essentials without weighing you down. The pack, made of lightweight but durable material, is easy to carry. Plus, there’s a 15-inch fleece-lined pocket for your laptop or tablet. This pack features straps specially designed to fit smaller-framed shoulders. It also has excellent lumbar support with added ventilation. The women’s pack has all of the same technical features of the top-rated Borealis pack, just with a slimmer design and slightly smaller capacity.

The North Face Recon Daypack 30L
north-face-recon

This 30-liter pack is a fan favorite for commuters and day hikers alike. With a recent redesign, this pack is filled with even more ways to stay organized. While our favorite feature is the protective laptop compartment, the extra stash front pocket is what is setting this pack apart from the others. With a 30-liter capacity, stash front pocket, 360 degrees of reflectivity, and not to mention the FlexVent suspension system, you will be organized, safe, and comfortable while you are on the go.

chacabuco-backpackThe Patagonia Chacabuco Pack 30L

This backpack comes in a variety of colors and is perfect for all of your needs. This pack offers two main large compartments for all of your gear, from your school materials to your hammock for some after school hanging. Our favorite feature? It is equipped with a tube port, so the laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration reservoir when you leave your laptop at home. And it’s made from a durable, water-repellent material to protect your most precious belongings.

Patagonia Paxat Backpack 32L
patagonia-paxat

The Patagonia Paxat 32 liter is the largest capacity pack on our top five versatile daypacks. Depending on what your day holds and where your travels take you, you may need a 32 liter. If you do, this is our pick due to its overflow of options and gear-holding possibilities. This pack has your standard large main compartment for any gear or a change of clothes and a smaller compartment with sleeves to hold a tablet and other items.

The Paxat is also perfect for traveling as the back-padded laptop compartment fully zips down and lays flat, making it TSAapproved and easy to breeze through security. There is also a stretch stash front pocket for quick access items and not to mention the side pockets are zippered making them versatile for cords or water bottles. 

Osprey Arcane Large Daypack 20L

osprey-arcane-toteThe smallest capacity pack on our list is the Osprey Arcane Large Daypack. Coming in at 20 liters, this pack embodies minimalism with its low profile design and simple lines. While it is only a 20 liter, this pack still is packed full of features and space for the essentials. The J-shaped zipper of the main compartment makes accessing your items easier with the wider opening. The main compartment comes with an internal padded laptop sleeve and other small sleeve and zip pockets for tablets, documents, and cords. We absolutely love the colorways, clean lines, and how comfortable and easy it is to trek around town with. This one is so sleek, it’s a head-turner. 

Find your favorite back-to-school apparel and gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

12 Outdoor Adventure Essentials

Couple looks out over autumn mountaintop vista.

The crisp breeze, the crunch of dried leaves, firecrackers of fall foliage and sweeping summit views: all season long, we marvel at the autumn landscape’s wonders. And it’s no wonder that this is our favorite time of year to gather with friends and family and head outdoors for an autumnal adventure. These outdoors adventure essentials will keep you warm, safe, and dry no matter where the landscape takes you.

Camping family roasts marshmallows.NEMO Men’s Disco 30° Down Sleeping Bag – Regular

This sleeping bag lets you personalize your comfort. Plus, it’s water-resistant, keeping your feet dry and ensuring a great night’s sleep wherever you are.

SOREL Women’s Out ‘N About Plus Leather Duck Boots

Pesky afternoon showers are unpredictable, so be prepared with these waterproof boots. They’re as functional as they’re fashionable.

Osprey Exos 48 Backpack

This backpack offers mesh Airspeed™ Suspension for airflow and an ExoForm™ hipbelt and shoulder harness, ensuring all-day comfort while hiking.

Cotopaxi Unisex Teca Windbreaker Half-Zip Pullover Couple hikes through autumn woods.

This pullover is easy to pack and weather-resistant: perfect for any terrain!

Hydro Flask Unbound Series Soft Cooler Pack – 22L

This cooler pack keeps your goods cold for up to 48 hours and offers enough room to store 24 12oz cans, as well as side and dry storage pockets for additional drinks.

KEEN Women’s Terradora Waterproof Mid Boots

Designed especially for women, these boots provide all-day comfort whether you’re on a hike or hiking through the mall for Christmas shopping.

Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit

The Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit’s includes a compass, fire starter tool, six-in-one penknife tool, tweezers, 210cm of rope, ten safety pins and wire saw. It’s a must-have travel tool for any outdoors enthusiast.

Two friends set up campsite.Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes

With a mid-height ankle, aggressive grip and GORE-TEX® weather protection, these shoes are a hiker’s best friend.

Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad

The Static V is designed to conform to the shape of your body, providing the ultimate comfort for a great night’s rest.

Lole Women’s Emeline Packable Insulated Jacket

With its compact pouch and lightweight packability, this insulated jacket from Lole will keep you warm no matter how chilly theMom shows son mountaintop view. campsite may seem in the morning.

GoPro Hero 7 Black Bundle with SD Card

The best that GoPro has to offer, the Hero 7 enables you to shoot up to 4k video with Gimbal-like Stabilization.

Hydro Flask Limited Edition Escape Collection Wide Flex Cap – 32oz

These bottles keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. They’re perfect for all-day hydration.

 

Text by Nick Adrian

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Are you still struggling to find that perfect gift for the world’s best dad? Here are some items that every dad is sure to love for this upcoming Father’s Day.

Happy father tosses son into air on the beach

 

 

Southern Marsh mens Hawthorne Bermuda Performance polo

1. Southern Marsh Men’s Hawthorne Bermuda Performance Polo

 

This shirt is a must-have for all dads. Its moisture-wicking fabric provides perfect comfort. Plus, this polo is versatile enough for a family cookout or for that family trip to Mt. Cheaha.

 

2. Patagonia Men’s Back Step ShirtPatagonia Men's Backstep Polo Shirt

 

Who said dad fashion is always bad fashion? With this breathable short-sleeve button up, dad will ready to take on warm-weather adventures in style.

 

Yeti LoadOut Five Gallon Bucket3. Yeti LoadOut 5 Gallon Bucket

 

Remember that big plastic bucket that held all of dad’s tools and supplies when he did yard work? While it may have been big, it was never durable — but dad will have no worries with this bucket. Its hefty handle and high-density polyethylene material guarantee this bucket will last for generations to come.

 

4. Yeti Hopper Back Flip 24 Backpack CoolerYeti Hopper Backpack Cooler

 

Before heading out on that hiking trip, you want to make sure that dad has this backpack cooler. Made with waterproof fabric, its closed-cell foam insulation makes storing cold drinks or packing lunch a cool breeze. Plus, a cooler you can wear on your back leaves your hands free for hiking and rowing.

 

Qalo Men’s Outdoors Silicone Wedding Band5. Qalo Men’s Outdoors Silicone Wedding Band

 

Does your father complain that his wedding band sometimes gets in the way during a work-out or outdoors activities? Made of medical-grade silicone, this wedding band is the perfect way for your dad to celebrate his commitment while remaining committed to the outdoors.

 

6. Helinox Chair OneHelinox Chair One

 

This portable chair is perfect for every outdoor or indoor occasion. With its lightweight, durable and compact features, dad can relax his back on the next weekend camping trip. This chair is great for that extra seat on the back porch or in the living room for family occasions, so it’s kind of a gift for mom, too.

 

Osprey Manta AG 28 Daypack7. Osprey Manta AG 28 Daypack

 

This backpack is just what dad needs to store any gear for that day trip to Oak Mountain. Backpacks can cause discomfort, but the comfy shoulder harness and weight-distributing hipbelt will keep dad moving right along. The large zipper and panel pockets allows for quick and easy access to gear while staying organized.

 

8. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack – 20LOsprey Daylite Plus Daypack in Beryl Blue

 

Whether it be a day trip in the woods or a long climb up in the mountains, this daypack has endless uses. It can also attach to other Osprey packs for longer trips or fly solo for day trips. No matter its use, this pack’s mesh pockets and front zippered pockets provide the perfect amount of storage.

 

Red Yeti Rambler Mug9. Yeti Rambler Mug – 14oz

 

Is dad tired of his coffee not staying hot enough? Or of his ice melting the second he steps out on a hot summer day? This mug is the perfect solution. Its vacuum insulation and stainless steel design keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.

 

10. Free Fly Men’s Breeze Shorts Free Fly Men's Breeze Shorts in Black

 

These moisture-wicking, lightweight shorts are perfect for whatever adventures summer has in store. Whether it’s a hike in the woods or just a jog through the neighborhood, dad is going to be on-the-go in style.

 

Free Fly Men’s Lightweight Bamboo Long-Sleeve Shirt11. Free Fly Men’s Lightweight Bamboo Long-Sleeve Shirt

 

This stylish and comfy shirt works for a fishing trip or just going to dinner with the family. With its UPF 15+ sun protection and moisture-wicking material, dad is sure to feel as cool and smooth as his shirt.

 

 

12. On-Running Men’s Cloud 2.0 ShoesOn-Running Men’s Cloud 2.0 Shoes

 

With their CloudTec sole and great step-in feel, these shoes are the perfect fit. Their grip pads and central channel design make for a smooth walk (or run) on any terrain.

 

Mountain Khakis Men’s Poplin Shorts13. Mountain Khakis Men’s Poplin Shorts

 

Tired of dad wearing the same pair of cargo shorts for every occasion? He’ll be sure to set the next fashion trend when he shows up to the family cookout wearing these shorts. An added bonus: there’s no need to worry about wrinkles because of their cotton/poly blend.

 

14. KÜHL Men’s Rydr Pants  KÜHL Men’s Rydr Pants in khaki

 

Dad will be thanking you for these long-lasting and comfortable pants for years. With a some stretch for freedom of movement and their reinforced pockets, these pants are sure to be dad’s favorite pair of pants for quite some time.

15. Your Time

Remember, there is one gift your dad will want more than any other: spending time with you. It’s guaranteed to be his very favorite gift.

 

Text by Jonathan Mendoza