Pick A Pack: Cotopaxi Luzon Backpack

As avid hikers, we are very attached to our fully equipped hiking backpacks from Osprey. But sometimes we do short hikes where we just carry the essentials and don't need the added weight or size of big backpack.

This is where these smaller lightweight backpacks come in. Cotopaxi makes a couple of them! We received a limited edition color line of the Cotopaxi Luzon from our Cairn subscription box (we miss them!). I (Kim) immediately fell in love with it. I have used this pack for hiking, but also for everyday to carry my stuff to and from work on my scooter.

Awesome features about this bag:

• 18 Liter Capacity - it's surprising how much can fit in this bag considering how small it seems

• Front Zipper Pouch - is perfect for those items you want quick access to - your phone, wallet, keys. It is also a stuff pouch to pack this bag into itself - which makes it handy to stash in your suitcase or bag on bigger trips for a day hike.

• Drawstring Closure - this can be a hit or miss feature, some people love it, others (like Andrea) don't prefer it. For what I use this bag for, I really like it. It is easy to open and close and has a little more wiggle room than a zipper if I need to stuff a jacket in the top of my bag.

• Internal Hydration Sleeve - since this bag is made of nylon with no padding, a hydration sleeve for hiking is a necessity. I wouldn't want to put a water bottle inside and have it poking me in the back.

• Colorful Options - these backpacks are very colorful! The Luzon comes in so many varieties that look unique and eye catching. Cotopaxi also sells this in their Del Dia Collection, which means the bag is made from re-purposed materials and the design of each bag is completely unique and designed by an employee in the Philippines.

• Price - only $39.95 on their website. The Del Dia is a little more ($49.95), but considering those are one-of-a-kind bags, an extra $10 may be worth it!