Review: Kifaru E&E Pack

There's no use denying it: I have a pack problem. One for every activity, and then a few extras—my gear closet overfloweth with backpacks. So why do I need the Kifaru Escape & Evade? Because it's a fantastic little multipurpose bag that fills a void in my admittedly prodigious collection.

First off, it's tiny, so it can be rolled up and stashed in a larger backpack, for quick summit bids. Alternatively, it can be stuffed full and attached to the exterior of another pack, for speedy transitions on multi-sport outings. Keep it on the coat rack, for quick jaunts to the grocery or hardware store. Throw in a water bottle and shell for an afternoon hike up the M. Ditto for a short mountain-bike ride—its low-profile design keeps it tight to your back, no snagging up on branches or brush. Medics and survivalists can stuff it full of emergency gear and store it in a closet or trunk, for handy grab-and-go in urgent situations. Lastly, MOLLE webbing all around allows attachments of any kind, for accessories, tools, or additional cargo room.

Depending on your pack weight and comfort threshold, an upgrade to padded shoulder straps may make the E&E more appealing. I found the unpadded straps to work just fine, but I never carried more than 25 pounds.

$180; kifaru.com.