by Pamela Sapio
As someone who loves the outdoors, I'm no stranger to gear.
My personal gear stash includes several sleeping bags, three different tents, a camping pillow I absolutely cannot live without (this one), and, of course, a collection of backpacks to carry everything I need for the trail—whether for a quick weekend day hike or a longer trek through the backcountry.
Of course, there's always room for one more backpack… right?
Versatility has a new name: Numa
After test-driving the new Numa 30 Backpack from TETON Sports (named for Numa Peak in Glacier National Park), I happily discovered that it wasn't just the perfect pack for my days spent on the trail.
The Numa is also a top-notch travel companion, which I learned when I took it on a flight to Orlando last month. Lightweight and sized just right to slide below the seat in front of me, I was thoroughly impressed by the versatility of this go-anywhere pack. The shoulder straps are super comfy, and the padded back ventilation did its job of keeping me cool even as I hoofed it through the airport.
But wait, there's more!
With a back panel entry pocket that works just as well for my laptop as it does for a hydration bladder, it's also the perfect pack for taking my work on the go when I need a change of pace from the home office.
In a nutshell, the Numa 30 is hands-down my new favorite backpack for… well, just about anything I can do in a weekend.
Room for the essentials—plus a little extra
The tag says "daypack," but don't let that fool you.
I've owned many a daypack in my time, and I can say without a doubt that this baby has way more room than any of them—without feeling the least bit bulky.
The quick-access outer pocket is great for anything you need to grab quickly, from snacks and trail maps to that new wilderness thriller you're going to read on the plane.
And if you tucked your laptop or rain jacket into the back panel pocket, you can still stay hydrated with the help of two large water bottle holders on each side of the pack (also a good spot for your phone, sunscreen, lip balm, and other small essentials).
But the best part? One zip and the whole pack opens up like a clamshell.
If you're like me and you get a little OCD about packing, this feature is your new best friend. Not only does it allow you to neatly tuck away everything you need like a perfect Tetris game, but it saves you the hassle of digging through all your stuff when you're on the trail and you (inevitably) need that thing you put on the very bottom of the pack.
A few other notable features include an exterior daisy chain, a hideable gear loop that's great for trekking poles, and a perfect-fit rain cover that provides a little extra protection in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
It's also really, really, ridiculously good looking
I'm just gonna say it: Nobody likes an ugly backpack.
Just because we like to play outside and get dirty doesn't mean we have zero sense of style. And the thing I love most about TETON Sports is that they make gear that looks like it costs a million bucks, but it's actually super easy on your wallet.
The Numa 30 is as stunning as its namesake—sharp and streamlined, with a beautiful minimalist design that I fell in love with immediately.
And the colors! I chose Terra, because I love anything in the earthy orange family, but it also comes in Alpine (think cool, mountain-lake blue), Granite (a misty-morning-cliff-face shade of gray), and Onyx, a hushed take on the classic black hue.
Of course, this bag is not just a pretty face. Made of water-resistant poly ripstop, it's definitely in it for the long haul. Which is a good thing, because I plan on taking it on many more adventures.
Grab the new Numa in your favorite color today!
