In The Wild

How to Plan a One-Bag Trip With Topo Designs

Quick answer. One bag travel means fitting everything you need for a trip into a single cabin sized bag, so you skip the baggage carousel and move through airports, stations, and cities without s...

Cabin Bag Size Guide for European Airlines

Quick answer. Most UK and European airlines allow a free small bag of around 40 x 30 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you. A larger cabin bag for the overhead locker is usually 55...

Rover Pack Guide: Which One Should You Choose?

Quick answer. The Rover Pack is the Topo Designs original everyday backpack, now a small family of sizes. Choose the Rover Pack Classic for daily carry with a 15 inch laptop, the Rover Pack Tech ...

How to Layer Clothes for Hiking

Quick answer. Layering for a hike means three pieces that work together, a base layer that moves sweat off your skin, a mid layer that traps warmth, and an outer shell that blocks wind and rain. ...

How to wash a backpack without damaging it ?

Quick answer. Wash a backpack by hand, not in the machine. Empty it, shake out the debris, then spot clean or soak it in lukewarm water with a mild, non-detergent soap. Work stains with a soft br...

How to Fix a Zipper on a Backpack

Quick answer. To fix a zip on a backpack, diagnose first. A stuck slider needs cleaning and a dry lubricant like graphite or silicone spray, never WD-40 on fabric. A zip that keeps splitting behi...

How to Pack a Backpack

Quick answer. To pack a backpack, work in three zones. Put lightweight bulky items at the bottom, dense heavy items in the core against your back, and small frequent items at the top. Keep the to...

How to Choose a Hiking Backpack

Quick answer. To choose a hiking backpack, match volume to the trip, then get the fit right. Aim for 15 to 20 litres for a half-day walk, 20 to 30 litres for a full day or an overnighter. Measure...

How to Pack for a European Road Trip

Our friend Amelia Le Brun is a photographer, writer and, of course, traveler, currently based in the U.K. When she's not packing up her van for weeks-long trips, you can find her in the Lake Distri...

Funpacking: A bike ride could change your perspective

When I first wanted to get into the world of bikes, adventure cycling and bikepacking really grabbed my attention. It seemed so grand and freeing to jump on your bike and just go into t...