Pingora Journal

Packing avalanche tools in the VIvid Backcountry ski backpack
Using the Vivid Pack Avalanche Tools Pocket
We built the Vivid backcountry ski pack around one thing: the rescue pocket. Because after decades in the backcountry, one lesson stands out—gear is only as good as it is... Read more...
What's in the Bag: Radia Edition
What's in the Bag: Radia Edition
The mission doesn’t start on the skin track—it starts in the parking lot. Here’s how I use the Radia Duffel as a car kit to stay ready for the ‘oh... Read more...
Cofounder CJ Whittaker rocking ski jumps in the 1990's
Notes From the Backcountry
Backcountry skiing taught us everything: how to trust, build better gear, and stay humble in the face of real risk. Our founders started chasing untracked lines in 1994—no competition, no... Read more...
Mottainai in Action: Fall 2025 Color by Constraint
Mottainai in Action: Fall 2025 Color by Constraint
Fall 2025’s Vivid Ski Packs are here—bold designs built from deadstock nylon, PFAS-free and full of intent. Created in collaboration with a guide, an artist, and a designer, these small-batch... Read more...
Mottainai: Sourcing With Respect
Mottainai: Sourcing With Respect
At Pingora, we don’t choose fabrics from a catalog—we hunt for available high-performance materials. Learn how the philosophy of Mottainai helps us source with intention, reduce waste, and create small-run... Read more...
Mottainai: Designing With Restraint and Respect
Mottainai: Designing With Restraint and Respect
At Pingora, we design with intention. The Japanese concept of Mottainai—a call to respect resources and avoid waste—guides every decision we make. Read how this principle helps us build gear... Read more...
Spandex or Marshmallow Man? A Layering Guide for the Backcountry
Spandex or Marshmallow Man? A Layering Guide for the Backcountry
Dressing for the backcountry doesn’t have to be a circus of puff and spandex. This blog post breaks down one Pingora co-founder’s trusted layering system—what’s essential, what’s overkill, and what... Read more...
How to Put On and Fit Your Pingora Outro Backpack
How to Put On and Fit Your Pingora Outro Backpack
Our co-founder and lead designer, CJ Whittaker, explains how to put on and fit our Pingora Outro backpacks. Great tips for ensuring a safe and comfortable hike to your hiking... Read more...
A backpacker showing the Outro Backpacking pack open and ready for the evening camp backpacking experience
Packing the Outro 40 Liter and 55 Liter Backpacking Packs
Listen to founder and designer, CJ Whittaker, explain his approach to packing your Pingora Outro 40L or the Pingora Outro 55L. The Pingora Outro Series backpacking pack has a unique... Read more...
Pingora's Outro Backpacking Pack Top Pocket Installation Guide
Pingora's Outro Backpacking Pack Top Pocket Installation Guide
Meet the modular top lid for the Outro series backpacking packs — a streamlined, snap-on solution for when your hike needs just a little more room (without the bulk). Designed... Read more...
Photo of the Pingora backpacking pack organization system.
Beyond the 'Big Hole': A New Era of Backpacking Organization with the Outro
Introducing the Pingora Outro 40L and Outro 55L backpacking packs. We set out to rethink backpacking packs and came up with new system to ease organization, reduce trail fatigue and... Read more...
Hiker wearing Pingora Gear's Outro Backpacking Back.
The Secret to Effortless Backpacking: How the Outro's Suspension Disappears
The Moment Backpacking Clicked: More Than Just a Hike I'll never forget the day backpacking clicked for me. For a few years, it had felt more like a chore, despite... Read more...
A rock climber wearing the Pingora Focus 25L climbing and hiking backpack
Engineered for Vertical, Designed for Everything: The Pingora Focus 25
While specifically engineered for the demands of multi-pitch summer alpine climbing, the Pingora Focus 25 climbing and hiking pack has proven its incredible versatility across almost every adventure. Read more...
A skier wearing a Vivid 27 backcountry skiing and snowboarding backpack.
Gear Junkie reviews the Vivid 27: Feature-Rich Design at a Competitive Price
"I’m sincerely eager to see Pingora grow as a company and hopefully create some innovative products in good fashion. The Vivid 27 Backcountry Ski Pack is a feature-rich pack for... Read more...
Forbes: Pingora Vivid 35 Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Pack Review: From Comfort To Durability, This Pack Delivers.
Forbes: Pingora Vivid 35 Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Pack Review: From Comfort To Durability, This Pack Delivers.
I’ve reached a verdict: This touring pack is comfortable, durable and clever—one I’d confidently recommend to just about anyone chasing fresh tracks. Read more...
Safety First in the Backcountry
Safety First in the Backcountry
The Vivid-27 and Vivid-35 backcountry ski and board packs prioritize safety with their durable materials and thoughtful features. They're crafted to ensure your day in the snow is not only... Read more...
Lucid Packs: Built in Convenience and Quality
Lucid Packs: Built in Convenience and Quality
Learn about the features of the Lucid 20 backpack and why we partner with YKK to ensure our products are easy to use and built to last. Read more...
Have Fun and be Safe in the Backcountry
Have Fun and be Safe in the Backcountry
Staying safe while skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry requires careful planning, preparation, and awareness of the environment.  Read more...
Risks and Rewards of Using Deadstock Fabric
Risks and Rewards of Using Deadstock Fabric
Risks and Rewards of Using Deadstock Fabric - the challenges and solutions. In this article Pingora points out the rewards and extra effort required to use deadstock or overstocked fabrics.... Read more...
Tips for Your Next Long Hike
Tips for Your Next Long Hike
In a few hours or a few days, a long hike is a refreshing way to get out of your head and into nature. Start with these simple tips to... Read more...
Getting The Most Out of Your Trekking Poles
Getting The Most Out of Your Trekking Poles
Adjustable trekking poles are easy to store and make hiking more enjoyable. This guide covers how to use trekking poles, when to use them, and where to store them when... Read more...
How to Choose and Fit a Backpack
How to Choose and Fit a Backpack
Unlike other types of outdoor gear, backpacks only need a couple of measurements to find the right fit. Learn how to measure your torso and hip belt to find the... Read more...
Dry and Clean Your Portable Hydration System
Dry and Clean Your Portable Hydration System
Cleaning your hydration system should be a regular part of your outdoor fitness routine. Pingora packs are hydration ready to ensure you stay hydrated on the trail. Read more...
Short Hike Essentials
Short Hike Essentials
  The definition of a “short hike” may vary from hiker to hiker, but they all have one thing in common. Short hikes are fun! Here is a list of... Read more...