Patagonia’s New Daypacks Bring a Streamlined Look to the Trail

When simple is done well, everyone wins

By The Editors
January 9, 2018 9:00 am

Between its progressive programs and politics, it’s easy to forget how Patagonia became one of the most respected outdoor labels in the first place: gear that’s second to none. 

And while we’ve yet to test it out ourselves, we doubt that has changed with the brand’s new Nine Trails line of plain daypacks.

Ranging in size from 14 to 36 liters, the streamlined packs in the Nine Trails line are meant to appeal to hikers, bikers and anyone else who wants a simple way to cart around their gear.

On the smaller end, you’ll find the biker-oriented, 14-liter pack made from durable Cordura nylon that includes a two-liter HydraPak water reservoir, storage space and room for a tool kit. On the opposite end sits a 36-liter backpack that’s intended for overnight trips and full-day excursions.

If those descriptions sound overly simplistic, it’s because they are. Patagonia intentionally ditched the bells and whistles while designing the packs in the Nine Trails line. “Our technical equipment performs not through loads of special widgets, straps and systems, but through engineered simplicity,” according to the brand.

Varying in price from $129 to $199, the packs look like a solid addition to Patagonia’s lineup.

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