When hiking or backpacking in cold weather, it’s important to have a jacket that can stand up to the elements and keep you warm. That’s why Backpacker magazine’s gear experts put jackets through wind, rain and snow on all of their hiking and backpacking trips to test them for durability, waterproofing and comfort.
This year, the most innovative backpack jacket that we tested is from a company called Ruckjack. It’s an insulated long coat that zips into a backpack, so you can get the warmth you need while you’re on the go.
The jacket is a soft, stretchy polyurethane shell that combines a lightweight, insulated torso with a zippered front pocket and a pair of pockets that are designed to fit over the shoulder straps of a backpack. It’s also equipped with a removable hood, cinch cords in the hem and sleeves and a built-in backpack on the back.
To deploy the garment, the user simply rotates the shoulder straps 21, 22 backwardly of the backpack to extend and retract the sleeves between them. He then unzips the zipper 19, dons the garment, applies the optional waistbelt 23 around his waist and carries the backpack as it normally would be carried by the wearer.
Those who carry backpacks for work, travel, school, sports, hobbies and other activities frequently have a need to shelter themselves from changing weather conditions while they are in transit. For example, students may leave for class in nice weather but run into precipitation or a temperature change at their destination and are not prepared with a jacket because they did not pack one.
YAZEKOUS Small Sling Bag for Women, Sling Backpack Daypack Fanny Pack Crossbody Bags for Hiking Travel Sports Running
$8.98 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Trail maker Classic 17 Inch Backpack with Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps
$8.99 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack: 20l Ultra Light Foldable Travel Hiking Camping Daypack Day Pack for Man Woman
$18.39 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Small Sling Backpack Crossbody Sling Bag, Chest Bag Daypack Fanny Pack Cross Body Bag for Outdoors Hiking Traveling
$8.75 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
EVANCARY Crossbody Small Sling Bag Sling Backpack for Women Men, Chest Daypack Crossbody Backpack Travel Sports Hiking
$8.85 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Under Armour Unisex-Adult Hustle 6.0 Backpack, (002) Black/Black/White, One Size Fits Most
$43.24 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover, 8000mm Waterproof Level, Upgraded Anti-Slip Cross Buckle Straps, Four Strengthened Layers for Hiking Camping Traveling
$9.99 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Vorspack Clear Backpack Heavy Duty - PVC Transparent Backpack Large Clear Book Bag for College Work
$24.99 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nike Hoops Elite Backpack White (DX9786)
$87.00 (as of November 17, 2024 05:49 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)