I’ll admit it: I’m a gearhead. I love going to the outdoor store just to look at the latest specialized equipment that I don’t even know that I need yet. This addiction is compounded when you enjoy multiple sports and activities.

One of the most genius pieces of equipment ever created has to be the backpack. Backpacks today can be feature-rich, but they all use the same basic ancient technology, the yoke.

A yoke is usually considered a wooden beam used to help carry or pull heavy objects by distributing the weight evenly on both shoulders. Typically, we think of a yoke and oxen for farming. The yoke of your backpack is the area where the two shoulder straps come together at the back, also allowing you to easily carry heavy things.

Because of how useful they are, the question isn’t “should you own a backpack?” but “how many should you own?” Sure, it would be great to just have one pack that you could use for everything. However, you soon will find that depending on your activity you will need something more specific. Otherwise, the pack will either be too big, too small, or not have the features you need for the current activity you are engaging in.

I am always searching for the perfect pack for my activities. I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, and camping. Then there are simple travel backpacks or everyday city packs. I seem to have a different pack for every activity. The best packs are the ones you don’t even realize you are wearing.

How many packs you should own depends on the activities you enjoy doing. Below is my collection of packs along with the function of each. I have nine in total just for me (plus a few more). I only included the packs that I use consistently every year.

But where is my ice climbing pack, fishing pack, or multi-day backcountry hut trip pack? Well, I haven’t delved into those activities, but it sure sounds like a good excuse to add to my quiver of packs.

Is my logic solid for owning all these packs or do I need professional help? I’m sure some people own more than I do. I’d love to see your collection.

God damn thats some serious conspicuous consumption

Skier, mountain biker, and fitness enthusiast.