Columbia's Treadlite & Endura Backpacks: Attitude and Innovation

"Creativity, as has been said, consists largely of rearranging what we know in order to find out what we do not know. Hence, to think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted." — George Kneller

As Columbia will readily admit, there was a time not that long ago when the company had settled into a comfortable niche of merely cramming apparel and gear into big department stores. Thankfully for outdoor enthusiasts that is no longer the case as Columbia is once again on a creative quest re-examining what they once did with fresh eyes. The result is a wave of product and technology launches resulting in gear that will satisfy the unbridled hunger for adventure that rests within each of us.

As mentioned in our First Look review, Columbia’s new series of backpacks including - the Treadlite 22, and the Endura 50 are ample demonstrations of the Company's new direction: Attitude and Innovation.  After spending eight weeks testing every aspect of these packs, Columbia not only further solidified our initial impressions, they exceeded our expectations.

The personality of every pack begins with the fit and feel of the straps. If the straps aren’t comfortable then little else matters. Towards those ends Columbia has outfitted their new backpacks with their innovative Techlite shoulder harness system. Light, breathable, and yet wide enough to disperse pressure Columbia’s design team didn’t just nail this feature, they crushed it.  In fact, we’re willing to bet these prove to be the most comfortable, durable and technologically advanced straps you’ve ever slipped onto your shoulders.

The design wizards at Columbia create Techlite by co-molding 2 pieces of Techlite foam around a lightweight breathable scrim mesh. The scrim mesh runs through the strap serving as a frame which provides strength without adding weight. And since we all believe in keeping our outdoors clean and pure you can feel good knowing that the Techlite manufacturing process reduces waste by 25–30%, keeping material out of the landfill.

Treadlite 22

Following up on the athletic fit of the straps, both the Treadlite and Endura packs feature a narrow profile design providing significant freedom of motion so you can revel in your adventure whether out hiking, biking, or slashing through fresh fallen powder. And because you don’t want to slow down while out breaking trail, Columbia included easy grab zipper pulls on these packs ensuring quick and easy access to all the necessities.

And while you’re in the process of conducting your intensive search for those necessities, know you’ll be aided by Columbia’s “Silverback reflective interior” which helps illuminate the interior of your pack meaning you won’t need to find that flashlight before you find that granola bar.

Whether criss-crossing downtown Aspen or the surrounding countryside, Columbia’s Backdraft Aerating Suspension System keeps the pack elevated from your back while helping circulate air to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. So when you’ve been out crushing the trail and you break for lunch the only wet spots on your back will be from the nearby waterfall. For those moments your trail mates fall too far behind fear not for the Endura and Treadlite packs feature a built in emergency whistle on the sternum strap.

From top to bottom Columbia has crafted a pack that is as tough as your adventure.  Should you get caught in a drizzle or a blustery blizzard while out conquering the wilderness, the packs also feature Columbia’s Omni-Shield water-repellent treatment to protect your gear.  Rugged Tarmaq bottom protects your pack for those moments you’ve got to sling it down on some granite to take a picture of that brown bear stalking the opposite treeline.

Room for Improvement...
No one likes to suffer from dry mouth out on the trail.  As such we appreciate the fact that each of these packs is 3L hydration compatible.  That being said, the combination of a topped off hydration reservoir and Columbia’s AirMesh suspension system does result in a leaving less gear capacity in the main body of the pack which may prove to be frustrating to those out for longer adventures. Secondly, while we are thankful for the incredible adjustability of the Treadlite and Endura packs, both a little too strap happy for our liking. While each strap serves a vital purpose in helping to provide a proper fit, our field team still found the straps to be excessively long proving to be a bit cumbersome in tucking up and out of the way while out on the trail.

Bottom Line...
From color scheme and logo integration all the way down to the important details of trekking pole attachments and built in emergency whistles, Columbia has crafted a series of thoughtful packs that will tackle any adventure.  Whether day hiking or a pushing to the summit, Columbia’s Endura and Treadlite’s clean functional design will get you to your destination in comfort.  Available in January 2012, prepare to grab these packs that are as serious as you are about the outdoors.

Platypus Origin 22.20 Quenching Your Thirst for Adventure

If it is variety and function that you crave, the Origin 22.20 from Platypus is a veritable feast. Appetites are satisfied with jaw-dropping waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers, heat-taped seams and 1342 cubic inches of gear space.

In redesigning the hydration pack the Cascade Design Team took a streamlined approach providing exactly what you need and nothing you don’t to keep things light and simple. The main compartment is large enough to gobble up all the gear necessary for minimalist overnights at the beach or peak-bragging day trips.

For all the small essentials you want at your fingertips the minimalist approach of the Origin 22.20 hydration pack doesn’t short change you on storage options. Two zippered waist pockets and two stretch sleeve side pockets along with an internal mesh organizer pocket provide a plenty of storage options. Moreover the stretch sleeve side pockets blend in seamlessly with the rest of the pack and remain tight keeping the streamlined profile of the pack intact.

A lightweight, puncture-resistant, Platypus Big Zip™ 2.0 SL reservoir is the foundation of this Origin pack. An isolated reservoir storage compartment not only ensures gear stays dry, but guarantees that a fully loaded reservoir doesn’t sneak up like a thief in the night stealing gear capacity from the rest of the pack.

The leak proof antimicrobial reservoir keeps water fresh and taste free and opens with ease for stress-free filling and cleaning. Add to that multiple housing options for your hose and an on/off position on the bite valve you’ve got a hydration system that is not only adaptable, but keeps the water in the reservoir and not all over your shirt, jacket, or car trunk.

Utilizing unique toggle mounts for the Big Zip SL reservoir, Platypus has created a more stable, secure housing for the reservoir. These toggle mounts eliminate the lateral movement and instability suffered by reservoirs in other hydration packs so you can hit the trail hard knowing you won’t get sea sick from a reservoir that sways to and fro.

While out pounding the trails with a loaded reservoir, there are few things worse than suffering through that nagging bulge in the center of your back. Platypus has resolved that issue via a padded back section and the BioCurve ventilated back panels which lifts the pack off your back for better ventilation.

As an increasing number of brands are moving towards the integration of rain covers for their packs, the Origin packs stands out from the crowd by sporting weatherproof construction for superior gear protection in any weather. With 200D rip stop nylon, 10,000mm urethane laminiate and welded, water resistant zippers and heat-taping on all critical seams this pack - in the black, green or blue - is bold, striking and resilient, willing to take on whatever Mother Nature - or Disneyland - throws your way.

In the early stages of testing our field team was hesitant to fully endorse of the removable back compression/storage panel. Yet after spending several months with the pack, there is no doubt it has become one of our favorite features. Whether it’s your favorite pair of flips for base camp to dirty gym clothes after a training session, the removable storage panel is the a perfect storage unit.

The Origin's ergonomic shoulder straps are a soft, stretch-woven surface stretched over a ventilated foam padding. Over the course of our long term field testing, the straps remained comfortable day in and day out showing zero signs of break down or wear out. And did we mention there’s even a built in emergency whistle tucked away on the left shoulder strap?

Room for Improvement...
Drawing on years of expertise in the hydration category, Platypus Hydration has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the traditional hydration pack. Despite the overall love affair our field team has had with this pack,  there are still a few minor critiques worth noting:

-Two months into testing the water resistant zippers remain rather stiff, but bottom line is that they work and we’ll take stiff over leaky any day.

-While packing heavier loads, the top loading straps did show a tendency to slip requiring momentary readjustments from time to time.

-When we wear packs, we only seem to fully utilize the sternum strap when hitting the back country or tackling challenging terrain. For daily commutes around town we rarely if ever use this strap. As such from time to time we did find ourselves slightly vexed at the tendency of the stretch-woven fabric on the shoulder straps to slip on the shoulders.

The Bottom Line…
From the mountain ranges of Northern California to the renowned beaches of Los Angeles and everywhere in between, our crew trekked fast and hard with the Origin and thanks to quality materials and construction the pack still looks as new as the day arrived. This new vision of a hydration pack offers impressive fit and comfort proving to be a true all-rounder, offering the “elite performance of super-light uncluttered weatherproof design” promised by Platypus.

At the end of the day, you don’t want to just go through the motions of another outdoor adventure… you want gear that lets your outdoor soul excel in that adventure. Towards those ends the Platypus Origin 22.20 is truly one of the most well constructed and durable products we've had the fortune of reviewing, easily earning the Gumption Gear seal of approval.

First Look: Columbia's Spring 2012 Backpack Line-Up

Edward C. Steadman once said, “One must spend time in gathering knowledge to give it out richly.”

 If experience brings wisdom, then Columbia Sportswear’s 70+ years of experience in the outdoor industry means they should know a thing or ten about making great outdoor gear. As such, when Columbia offered the Gumption Gear team an opportunity to review their Spring 2012 line-up of versatile new backpacks the answer was an easy - YES!

 Columbia’s new series of backpacks - the Treadlite 22, the Women’s Vixen 22 - designed specifically for women - and the Endura 50 is an ample demonstration of the Company's new direction: Attitude and Innovation.

Initial Impressions…
True, Columbia has been in existence since 1938 - but this line up of packs definitely sends the message: This is not your Daddy's Columbia Sportswear Company.

Built upon Columbia’s heritage of outdoor knowledge and quality construction, these packs add technological innovation with a dash of attitude creating a series of packs aimed at the outdoor enthusiast who wants to go fast and light without compromising on comfort or features.

From color scheme and logo integration all the way down to built in emergency whistles on the sternum strap, credit to Columbia for nailing all the design ques.

The Techlite shoulder straps are engineered to provide outstanding comfort, breathability and lightweight strength while helping to distribute weight efficiently. An open-air styled panel stretched across the back of these packs makes up Columbia’s Backdraft Aerating Suspension System. In early outings one thing is readily apparent: Columbia’s suspension system provides more comfort than anyone should expect from an adventure ready pack.

A narrow profile design provides significant freedom of motion so you can revel in the goodness of your adventure whether out hiking, biking, snowshoeing or boarding. Should you get caught in a drizzle or a blustery blizzard while out conquering the wilderness, the packs also feature Columbia’s Omni-Shield water-repellent treatment to protect your gear.

Speaking of water, each of these packs is 3L hydration compatible meaning you'll never go thirsty on your conquests. 

If over the next few weeks you happen to be hiking the trails in Tahoe, or enjoying the year's first snowfall, keep your eyes open. Rest assured the Gumption Gear crew will be out, Columbia packs attached, traversing the wilderness putting the Endura, Vixen and Treadlite to the test in preparation for our long term review.

The Deuter Junior Backpack: Ready for all your little hikers adventures

Kids belong outdoors—a fun, healthy, beyond-the-ordinary place that can expand their view of the world. Whether it’s a short day hike out on the trail, or a longer backpacking trek, both are great ways to help your little squirrel appreciate all the beauty and adventurous possibilities that the natural world offers.

The earlier in life kids become acquainted with walking longer distances (as early as age 3), the more likely they will be receptive to a backpacking trip at a later age. Of course you’re going to want to ensure that your little guy or gal has a quality pack that is as comfortable as it is durable.

Introduce your young hikers to the joys of carrying their own gear in comfort and style with the Deuter Junior pack. This sharp looking durable pack will help your little squirrel tackle their own daylong outdoor adventures. This top-loading pack is ideal for carrying day-hiking essentials, clothes or that all important stuffed bear – because we all need a hiking buddy.

Shoulder straps on the Junior pack are sized and shaped specifically for a small child's frame. More importantly they are soft and nonirritating which means longer trips with fewer complaints. Easy-to-use sternum strap complements the shoulder straps' posture and keeps the straps secure.

Creative embroidery and color prints ensure that the Deuter Junior passes the “cool” test. More importantly, reflective accents increase visibility in low light or on walks to school and there’s a name tag under lid in case your kid forgets the pack at school.

There are only two minor changes we would like to see on future iterations of this bag. First our field crew noted that a safety whistle built into the sternum strap buckle would be ideal. We all want our children to enjoy their hiking experience, but we also want to help ensure their safety. Secondly, while the Junior’s side mesh pockets are fully capable of holding water bottles, the gumption crew believes the addition of a small hydration reservoir would be ideal. Not only does it guarantee that mom and dad will save money from replacing lost water bottles, it also helps teach the importance of the Leave No Trace principles.

The Bottom Line…
Out little Gumption Testers (aged 3 and 5) loved this pack. The Deuter Junior backpack is perfect for your little tikes adventures whether in the playground, going for a swim in the lake or heading out on the trail. With creative embroidery and color prints backed by the durable legacy of Deuter, there is something to make the eyes of any girl or boy light up

High Sierra Sport's Airhead: One Cool Pack

In today’s outdoor market, there are a slew of brands utilizing breathable stitched foam back panels to increase your comfort.  But when it comes to breathability, there’s one bag that outdoes them all.  The Airhead from High Sierra Sport is, quite literally, one cool bag.

With eye-catching, sheer mesh construction, the Airhead is perfect for your kid’s day at school, the pool or for a weekend adventure on the trail.  Multiple storage options and a front-hung monster hook to hold extra gear, this versatile, go-anywhere Airhead pack is a real breath of fresh air.

In the hot, sticky woods the sheer mesh construction not only ensures that your trail buddy has a feather light pack, but it reduces the normal ocean of back sweat which your teenaged hiking buddy will certainly find uncool.

At 2021 cubic inches the Airhead swallows up all the gear your hiking partner will need for an excursion into the unknown.  The ribbed grab handle is one of the best we’ve seen on any pack and ensured that our Junior Gumption Field tester always had a firm grip on the action.  And for those moments that mother nature gets a bit fickle, the Airhead pack has a hidden water-resistant rain cover. 

The mesh construction means that the bag lacks the structural veracity of similar sized packs, and we would like to see the the inclusion of a water resistant rubberized bottom in future iterations of this pack.  That being said, our field team found that the overall design made it far more versatile than your standard backpack. 

The Airhead has proven to be durable and abrasion resistant in any activity.  For those moments not spent trekking through the woods our Junior Gumption Gear field tester discovered that the Airhead pack provided a great way to store and carry all of his swimming equipment.  The sheer mesh construction creates tremendous ventilation for all your west swim gear.   

We do need to note that the front-hung hook on Airhead examined by our Team detached within the first week of testing.  Yet considering High Sierra Sport’s legacy of sturdy packs we chalk up this incident to a simple manufacturing glitch which happens from time to time.  The good news is that with High Sierra’s industry leading warranty, rest assured your gear will be taken care of by HSS tremendous customer service team if any problem arises.

The Bottom Line…
The High Sierra Sport Airhead is fully equipped for quick-hit backcountry missions or life’s daily adventures whether by land, air or sea. 

High Sierra Sport's Curve Pack: Style for School, Durability for the Trail

As the leaves start to turn and the thermostat begins to descend, Fall is a perfect time to start introducing kids to the thrill of the outdoor world.  Yet even the basic outings require a pack that is not only comfortable, but large enough to stash away all the goodies your little Sherpa needs. 

For over 30 years, High Sierra Sport Company has been committed to producing thoughtfully innovative bags that appeal to the intelligence and esteem of the active lifestyle and outdoor consumer.  So when preparing to introduce your children to the glorious outdoors, there are few better places to turn than High Sierra Sport for the equipment that will make your outdoor adventures memorable.

As we began our search for backs/daypacks for your little tikes as they are introduced to the world of hiking High Sierra Sport was kind enough to send us a few packs to get out on the trail.  First up the Curve.

With a capacity of 1710 cubic inches the Curve affords your kid plenty of room for books, binders, and pencils during the week.  When Saturday finally comes, dump out the school supplies and load it up for an escape from town.  The large main compartment has plenty of room for a poncho and burrito, while the organization front pocket stores that little pack of gummy bears, GU and other goodies.

After a liberating drive into the hills, the S-shaped padded shoulder straps comfortably hug your budding mountain goat as they follow the trail into the sweet stillness of the mountain air.  And if the wilderness is a bit too quiet then the Curve has a handy cell phone/media pocket for them to stash their beloved iPhone so they can take snapshots of their journey. 

While there’s not an incorporated hydration reservoir, a large gusseted side mesh pocket provides plenty of room for holding a water bottle or stashing that swim suit that took a dip at the base of the falls.  The other feature our little gumption field tester appreciated the plastic pull loops making for easy strap adjustment on the go. 

Smooth, contemporary styling, and sleek curves not only make the Curve a classy pack for school days, but sweeping lines give the pack a more narrow profile helping your little trail mate avoid the jutting twigs and branches that snag on broader packs.  And for those moments when your hiking buddy can’t avoid the reach of mother nature’s long arms, the Curve’s mini-hexagon ripstop duralite materials keep the bag protected durable enough to last for years of hiking to come. 
 
The Bottom Line… 
The Curve helps carry everything your little tike needs for a recon mountain mission while providing that “cool factor” they want for school.  Although the pack does lack High Sierra’s VAPEL™ mesh AIRFLOW™ padded shoulder straps and back panel, the Curve was comfortable and durable enough to earn high praise from our junior Gumption Crew member and will leave parents comfortable knowing they’ve purchased a multi-functional bag that will last many moons. 

Platypus Hydration Re-Imagines the Hydration Pack

The Dictionary defines “variety” as (1) The state of being varied or diversified; (2) a different form, condition, or phase of something.

We can’t prove that Cascade Designs, Inc., had this definition in mind then they set out to redefine the hydration pack, but it wouldn’t surprise us if - like when Rocky trained for his fight with Drago - they had it stuck in the frame of their mirror keeping them ever mindful of the task set before themselves. 

Drawing on years of expertise in the hydration category, Platypus Hydration (part of the Cascade Designs family) set out to re-design and re-imagine the traditional hydration pack.  When they put pen to paper, there were no rules, no boundaries, just a vision of what a Hydration Pack could, and more importantly, should be. 

The result is a series of low-profile and highly efficient packs fit for a variety of athletic undertakings.  This post reflects our initial impressions on both the Origin 3 and Origin 22 after spending a few short weeks with the packs. Over the next five to six weeks our team of outdoor experts will continue putting the packs to the test to see if they truly offer the best performance, comfort and customization available for your outdoor endeavors.

First Impressions…

A lightweight, puncture-resistant, Platypus Big Zip™ SL reservoir is the cornerstone of every pack in the Origin lineup.  The designated hydration compartment is constructed to easily accommodate both the two-liter and three-liter sizes without affecting the capacity of the pack itself.  Platypus utilizes unique toggle mounts for the Big Zip SL reservoir. These mounts take a bit of getting used too, but they make for a more stable, secure fit. 

The leak proof antimicrobial reservoir keeps water fresh and taste free and opens as easy as a bag of chips for stress-free filling and cleaning.  Another quality feature is the on/off position on the bite valve which helps ensure that the water stays in the reservoir and not all over your shirt, jacket, or car trunk.

Equipped with the cool BioCurve ventilated back panels and SoftTouch stretch-woven harness, the Origin packs are constructed to attack the most demanding trails while comfortably supporting the weight of your water and whatever else you carry with it.

The ergonomic shoulder straps are a soft, stretch-woven surface stretched over a ventilated foam padding.  Over the course of our long term field testing, our team will give distinctive attention to the design of these straps because we are interested to see if they effectively compare to the more standardized mesh straps used on comparative hydration packs.

One thing that separates the Origin series from other hydration packs is the variety of hydration hose options which allow the wearer to find the most effective placement for their chosen adventure. 

When it seems that an increasing number of brands are moving towards the integration of raincovers for their packs, the Origin series again splits from the pack by sporting waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers and heat-taped seams.  These materials contribute to an overall minimalist sleek design that is easy on the eyes and sure to draw attention. 

Everyone knows the importance of a good first impression and after our first few dates the Origin 3 and 22 packs left us with the warm fuzzies.  Next step we’ll put this relationship to the test through the literal peaks and valleys of our relationship to make sure the Origin packs have gumption necessary for a long-term relationship.  

The Black Diamond Bullet - Simplicity Meets Versatility

Looking for a sleek, trim pack, for off-trail adventures, high-mileage scrambles, or multi-pitch routes?  Maybe you're looking for a durable and aggressive light fast pack for summitting from base camp.  In either case  the Bullet Pack from Black Diamond might be the perfect pack for you.  This bag hits that 'just right' balance of capacity and compactness.  We found it to be durable, comfortable and didn't cheat the user on features.

The Down-low...

• Volume: 976 cubic inches / 16 liter
• Average Stock Weight: 13 oz / 380 g
• Fits Torso Length: 16" / 41 cm
• Materials: Tough 420d nylon and 1260d Ballistic nylon
• 20 mm (.8 in) webbing hipbelt
• Zipper front panel opening
• Outer stash pocket
• Hydration compatible

The Bullet panel-loader offers a webbing waistbelt, thin but comfy shoulder straps, a front slash pocket and hydration compatibility, making it an excellent rig for the next time you launch yourself up a 10-pitch trad climb. A clean and aesthetically pleasing exterior provide snag-free hauling performance on multi-pitch routes.

As far as drawbacks, the Bullet does lack any type of ventilation on the back panel, which you can find on even smaller hiking/hydration/urban commuter bags.  Admittedly we'd like to see this feature added on future generations. 

For the ladies, we do have one caveat for you. The Bullet pack is built for men in the shoulders and in the rise of the sternum strap. If you are a female outdoor enthusiast on the smaller side this pack will likely be too big for you.  

From our perspective neither of these two issues were significant enough to warrant any serious deduction in quality points for the bag.

At the end of the day, the Bullet offers a refreshing dose of simplicity in an age where today's typical daypack is overloaded with superfluous and frilly features, and it's the perfect daypack for hiking, walking, trail running and a lot more.  Bottom line, it's tough as nails, ready to tumble, and for for $45 - $50 this pack is a 'bulletproof' buy.

Granite Gear's Blaze A.C. 60: 2011 Backpacker Editors' Choice Award

For those unfamiliar with Granite Gear, the company was founded in 1986 by Jeff Knight and Dan Cruikshank.  The company has building packs specific to the needs of long distance hikers since 2003 with the introduction of the award winning Vapor Trail and Nimbus Ozone, winning Backpacker’s coveted Editor’s Choice award.

The latest offering from Granite Gear is their Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 and it follows up on that tradition of excellence. 


This latest pack was rated as the Editor’s choice in Backpacker magazine for good reason.  It's an ultralight pack with tons of room and storage options. The AirCurrent backpanel allows air to circulate between you and the pack, a unique Line-Loc compression system locks in your load from all directions, and multiple stretch pockets plus a hydration sleeve provide storage.
The 2011 Backpacker Gear Guide notes "The Blaze has the ultimate combination of load control, cushioning, and durability-all in an astonishingly light package."


Moreover, and to the credit of Grante Gear, the pack falls right in line with their philosophy of designing innovative, functional and durable gear that won't let you down while you're out on the trail.

If you're looking for a durable, lightweight pack that has all the technical advantages of more expensive packs then The Blaze AC 60 might just be the bag you're looking for.  Following is the video review from Backpacker Magazine:








While the GumptionGear crew is relatively new to the Granite Gear brand, we are proud to say that we are as thrilled with the Blaze AC 60 as we are with the heart, soul, and creative mind of the company.