There’s just something about a brand new pack that makes my eyes light up. High Sierra knows how outdoor brains operate, and they had plenty of eye candy on display in their booth at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer. Whether it’s hitting the dusty trail, taking an off-piste hike or slogging through the line at the airport, they have it all handled.
High Sierra’s internal frame packs come in all shapes and sizes based on your choice of adventure. Day packs like the Lightning 35, Cirque 30 and Col 35 have the same bomber build as their backpacking models. Oh, and when it comes to multi-day trips, High Sierra isn’t slacking; the Long Trail 90 is a beast that will swallow all the gear you can throw at it and then some. Seriously, have you ever needed a 90 liter pack? Well, some of us do, and with an Air-Flow backpanel and ERGO-FIT shoulder straps, you’ll carry your ridiculous load in comfort. The one thing I noticed with all the packs was the extra-cushy hip belts and roomy hip belt pockets. Most packs seem to have the hip belt added as an afterthought; High Sierra knows that space is valuable and have fashioned pockets that will carry more than just an energy bar.
If you’re seeking fresh backcountry powder, this company has the bag to help get you there. The Seeker Pack has the room to hold a lot of cargo; jackets, gloves, shovels and food will easily stow in its ample space. Hell, the pack even has fold out side pockets to store your boots in! If you’re more of a minimalist, the Symmetry is right up your alley. A more modest cargo area will still hold your shovel, probe and other snow tools, plus it has a separate hydration compartment that is integrated into the shoulder strap so your choice of liquid won’t freeze in cold temps. Extra big zipper pulls and classic black colors top both of these packs off.
Still on the fence? High Sierra is the official gear and luggage bag of our country’s ski and snowboard teams…yeah, our best athletes use these packs to tote their gear all over the globe. That’s a pretty solid endorsement if you ask me. With a team of world class athletes aiding the research and design on these haulers, you can rest assured that High Sierra is putting out a solid product. They are online at hssc.com, and odds are they have the ideal storage solution for wherever the wind blows you next.