Stowaway 20L backpack: $40 Zip this bag into a small pouch when you're not out hiking. (Eddie Bauer) An Eddie Bauer stowaway backpack is a larger, yet still lightweight pack.

A hiking backpack is more than just a bag to carry your stuff. It needs to be a comfortable extension of your body that makes long hikes enjoyable.

My Herschel Little America bag has been everything to me, from a commute companion to the toddler’s toy bag stuffed with airplane activities and my last shred of sanity.

A soft bag gives you the most leeway when it comes to squeezing it under the seat in front of you. This is currently my favorite personal item and travel bag; I've taken it on three trips since ...