Beyond the 'Big Hole': A New Era of Backpacking Organization with the Outro

One of the best parts about backpacking is its simplicity. Each day, your focus narrows to just a few essentials: food, shelter, and safety. In today's fast-paced world, that level of disconnection is incredibly unique and special. When life is distilled to its simplest form, you become more present, more aware, and happier.

However, let's be honest, the process of backpacking can be complex. You need to meticulously plan food, fuel, and shelter, all while managing a collection of gear and disparate parts. Traditionally, backpacking packs have offered little more than one large main compartment with a few small pockets. This "simplicity" in product design often leads to disorganized and frustrating experiences that can distract from the very presence and connection with nature we seek.

That's why, in 2023, we set out to rethink backpacking. Our goal was to find a meaningful way to truly simplify the experience, not just the product. We wanted to make your adventures more reliable and effortless. We asked ourselves: What needs to change to make backpacking easier? How can we organize gear so access is almost automatic? How can we eliminate the frustrating search for lost items?

We found inspiration in unexpected places: the segmented design of tiffin lunch boxes from South Asia, the innovative construction of our own Impulse running packs, and even the efficient organization of carry-on luggage. We loved how tiffin boxes and luggage kept items neatly arranged and ready for use. Our Impulse packs, meanwhile, pushed the boundaries of traditional backpack design.

The result of this journey is the Outro. Our 40-liter and 55-liter packs are ingeniously divided into three separate gear storage areas, feature an adjustable suspension system, and maintain a low base weight by eliminating unnecessary features and fabric. Today, let's dive into how the Outro revolutionizes backpacking gear organization:

We've organized the Outro's gear storage into three distinct tiers, designed around the natural flow of a multi-day backpacking trip:

Imagine this: In the morning, you can load all your essential camping gear—your tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress—into a single, dedicated compartment. Once packed, you can literally forget about it. You won't need to access this gear again until you set up camp that evening. This dedicated space ensures your daily essentials don't get lost among your "at-camp" gear.

Now you've left camp and are heading to your next destination. The Outro keeps your immediate needs at your fingertips with six easily accessible pockets and hydration access without ever needing to take off your pack. Stay moving, stay hydrated.

Lunchtime! When you stop for a well-deserved break, your food and snacks are instantly accessible through the back panel opening or the compression roll-top. Even your stove is conveniently handy. Because the Outro pack is designed to be almost self-organizing, your lunch gear is super easy to access and store, making trailside stops quick and effortless.

Check out our Pingora Outro 40L and Outro 55L backpacking packs.