Backpacking combines the thrill of exploration inside and outside of the backpack itself. The adventure is for the equipment-enthusiastic hiker and those aching to take their gear-knowledge to new heights. I identify as the latter. I have always felt more than comfortable and at peace in the outdoors, but I would not say I am equipment-savvy. That was until I backpacked Whitney Lake Trail this summer with fellow Jaunt Media Collective co-worker and friend, Laura Mills. I carried the Mystery Ranch RADIX 47 Pack with my Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag and MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent throughout the abundant wildflowers, silky streams and pine needle-scented singletrack.
The Mystery Ranch RADIX 47 Pack is perfect for beginners and veterans alike. Do not underestimate the lightweight design; there are ample pockets to stay organized and collected. The pack is super easy to adjust and contour to your body, with an option to remove the inserted aluminum frame for an even lighter feel. I did this, which elicited the main compartment to feel like an accurately fitting dry sack was resting directly and comfortably upon my back.
There are front straps to secure the pack: one on the chest and one above the waist. Once I clipped both, the backpack did not move at all, even when we were hiking in intervals. There are two small pockets on either side of hips, and one is large enough for my phone, so I was able to swiftly capture images of the wildlife, greenery and flora. I put sunscreen, chapstick and a protein bar in the other pocket for easy access. I also loved that there is a subtle pocket in the main section of the pack for my hydration bladder. This made it easy to drink water consistently without having to stop. With the backpack’s design, I was able to distribute bulk and weight evenly as I added my clothes, food and Sea to Summit’s Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One Pot Cook Set.
Sea to Summit’s Spark Sleeping Bag comes with a compactible dry bag and fits like a puzzle piece in the RADIX 47 Pack. What looks like a small sleeping bag is in fact quite mighty. A rainstorm drenched Laura and I once we got to the campsite in the Holy Cross Wilderness. I was nervous I was going to be frigid all night, but the ultra-dry down technology in the sleeping bag kept me warm and cozy despite the dropping temperatures and wet conditions.
The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent is ideal for backpacking trips with two people and maybe a pet or two. The lightweight and freestanding tent could not have been easier to strap to the bottom of the RADIX 47 Pack. Rolled up, the length of the tent and accessories was barely longer than the length of the bottom of the backpack. So, it was not bulky nor an annoyance on the ascent or descent.
Upon setting up this tent for the first time, one of the cords broke as we were hammering the stake into the ground with a rock. We got creative with the extra cord from the tent, knotting and looping it to create a similar resistance. This worked and the rain tarp shielded us and our belongings from the downpour.
Together, the Mystery Ranch RADIX 47 Pack, Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag and MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent synergize as essential gear for a fun and successful backpacking adventure. Each piece plays an important role to ensure you stay organized, warm and protected in a range of terrain and weather.