After years of stuffing all my belongings into a worn-out college backpack, I realized it was time to upgrade to a pack designed for my adventurous lifestyle. As an avid hiker and frequent traveler, I needed a backpack that could handle weekends in the backcountry along with the occasional excursion across Europe. I wanted comfort, durability and optimal organization to make my journeys smooth. My quest led me to the Technicals Tourer 40 – and this is the story of how I determined it was the best backpack for my needs.

I began my search by making a list of must-have features for my dream pack. Topping that list was a volume around 40 liters – enough capacity for multi-day hikes or hostel trips without going overboard on size. I also required a dedicated sleeve for a hydration reservoir since staying hydrated on the trail is a top priority. And, of course, durability was key – this pack needed to withstand the elements and the rigors of travel for years to come.

With my criteria in mind, I scoured blogs, gear reviews and Reddit posts to create a shortlist of potential backpacks. Names like Osprey, Gregory and Deuter kept popping up, along with smaller brands like HYKE & Byke and Teton Sports. But one pack stood out from the rest – the Technicals Tourer 40.

The Tourer 40 caught my eye for several reasons. First, its 40-liter volume hit the sweet spot I was looking for. As a top-loading backpack, or rucksack, it also offered easy access to gear. And from my research, it sounded like Technicals built this pack to last. The reviews touted its durability, comfortable fit and quality materials. Plus, bonus points for the built-in rain cover and trekking pole attachments.

As I dug into the details, I realized the Technicals Tourer 40 had everything on my backpack wishlist. Let’s take a closer look at the key features that sold me on this pack:

Durable, Water-Resistant Materials

Starting from the outside in, the Tourer 40 utilizes heavy duty, water-resistant materials designed to handle the elements. The main body is constructed using 600D ripstop polyester with a DWR coating. This tough, tightly woven fabric sheds rain and resists tearing but keeps the pack lightweight. The bottom panel pairs water-resistant TPU with extra bartacks in high-wear areas for added abrasion resistance. And the weather-resistant zippers won’t corrode after years of use.

For extra wet weather protection, the Tourer 40 includes a rain cover tucked away in its own zippered compartment. Having been caught in my share of afternoon thunderstorms, I appreciated this integrated coverage. No more needing to remember a separate rain cover!

Adjustable Suspension and Padding for Comfort

Given my penchant for 8+ hour hiking days and international travel, comfort was a huge priority in my pack search. The Tourer 40 delivers on this front with an adjustable suspension system and ample padding on the shoulder straps, hip belt and back panel.

The adjustable sternum strap and shoulder straps allow you to really dial in the fit. And the removable frame sheet adds support while allowing your back to ventilate. The wide hip belt can be cinched down to stabilize heavier loads. One reviewer mentioned comfortably carrying up to 30 pounds in this pack thanks to the well-designed harness system.

Hydration Reservoir Compatibility

Staying hydrated on the trail is a must for me, so I was pumped to see the Tourer 40 has a dedicated hydration sleeve to store a water bladder or reservoir. The 3-liter size will provide plenty of water for my longest excursions away from fresh water sources. The vertical zip access allows easy refilling along the trail. And the hydration tube can be threaded through either shoulder strap. Definitely a useful feature I plan to leverage often.

Intuitive Organization with Multiple Compartments

For keeping my gear tidy, the Tourer 40 delivers excellent organization with a top-loading main compartment and several exterior pockets. The lid, or brain as some call it, has a small zippered pocket up top along with two roomier open pockets underneath. On the front of the pack you’ll find two stretchy side pockets perfect for water bottles or sunglasses. There’s also a large front panel pocket for quick-access items.

Inside the main compartment, I like that Technicals included a removable divider to help separate clothes, gear, lunch, etc. And for wet or dirty items, I love that the very bottom unzips to create a separate wet/dry storage zone. For those sloppy camping trips or expeditions in uncertain weather, it’s great knowing my dry clothes and sleeping bag will stay clean.

Trekking Pole and Ice Axe Attachments

Since I love moving fast and light through the mountains, the ability to stow trekking poles on my pack was much appreciated. The Tourer 40 has bottom loops as well as bungee cords up top to securely mount poles – no more holding them in hand for miles on end! There are also elastic loops towards the bottom to carry ice axes for winter mountaineering trips.

##Overall Capacity, Weight and Dimensions

As mentioned earlier, the 40-liter volume really hit the sweet spot for my needs. The Tourer measures 24 x 13 x 9 inches (61 x 33 x 23 cm), which falls in line with airline carry-on size requirements. And at just over 3 pounds, it offers a respectable capacity-to-weight ratio that won’t weigh me down on the trail.

For weekends in the backcountry, the Tourer has just enough space for my tent, sleeping bag and pad, plus food, clothing layers and other essentials. And by packing strategically, it can work for longer international trips where minimizing luggage is key.

Putting the Technicals Tourer 40 to the Test

After learning all about the Technicals Tourer’s features and rave reviews, it was time to put it to the test myself. I decided to break it in with a 2-night backpacking trip followed by a week-long trip to Scotland packed into just this carry-on backpack.

Backcountry Weekend Adventure

With the pack loaded up with camping gear, food, water and first aid essentials, I set out to see how the Tourer 40 would perform on the trail. Right away, I appreciated how comfortable the harness system and padding made carrying 25+ pounds of weight. The hip belt and sternum strap took a lot of pressure off my shoulders. And the adjustment straps allowed me to really dial in the fit.

Despite some rain on the first day, my gear stayed dry thanks to the water-resistant fabric and built-in rain cover. The side water bottle pockets were perfect for keeping my water handy. And I loved being able to stash my trekking poles on the pack itself.

Inside the pack, it was great having separate spots for my wet camping gear and dry clothes. The hydration sleeve made it easy to drink plenty of water throughout my hike. And all the exterior pockets gave quick access to my camera, snacks, map and other trail essentials.

After two days on the trail, the Tourer 40 performed flawlessly. The materials shed dirt and moisture like a champ and showed no signs of wear and tear. I had just enough space for all my gear without any wasted volume. And most importantly, the pack carried comfortably mile after mile.

International Travel Test

Next it was time to give the Tourer 40 a test run as my sole piece of luggage for a week in Scotland. Since I’d be traveling between Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands, I needed to pack everything from city clothes to hiking gear into this 40L carry-on.

By rolling up clothes tightly and stacking gear strategically, I managed to fit 1 week’s worth of layered clothing, toiletries, sneakers, boots, my camera and chargers with room to spare. The many compartments helped keep everything organized and accessible during my travels. As expected, it fit easily in the overhead bins of the airplane.

Throughout the trip, the backpack performed wonderfully whether hiking remote trails or strolling around bustling city centers. The minimal, streamlined design never slowed me down or got in the way – unlike some bulky hiking packs. And again, the padded shoulder straps and hip belt kept the load comfy and balanced.

By the end of the week traversing Scotland, I was convinced the Technicals Tourer 40 had handled everything I could throw at it with flying colors. It exceeded my expectations for comfort, utility and durability throughout both the backcountry trip and urban travel adventure.

Is the Tourer 40 Right for You?

After extensive first-hand testing, I can confidently say the Technicals Tourer 40 is a phenomenal all-around backpack suitable for hiking, camping, and travel. It offers an ideal balance of cargo space, organizational pockets, durability and load carrying comfort. However, there are a few considerations to note if you’re thinking about purchasing the Tourer 40 yourself:

• The Tourer leans more toward a streamlined, minimalist backpack rather than a bulkier, technical-focused hiking pack. If you’re looking to carry heavier loads like winter gear or camera equipment, there are more heavy duty (but less versatile) options out there.
• While great for weekends in the backcountry, I probably wouldn’t take the Tourer on a thru hike or other multi-week expedition where gear accessibility and stripping down pack weight are critical. The side pockets don’t easily fit long items like tent poles.
• If your packing style requires ample exterior attachment points for things like ice axes, ropes, sleeping pads, etc, this isn’t the best choice. The Tourer focuses more on interior capacity.
• The hydration sleeve can accommodate up to a 3L reservoir. But if you prefer carrying multiple large water bottles on the exterior, the Tourer’s stretchy side pockets may not fit them securely.

The Bottom Line

For hikers, travelers and adventurers looking for a sturdy, versatile backpack that can shift seamlessly from the trails to the airport, the Technicals Tourer 40 is an outstanding option. Its durable, weather-resistant construction will withstand years of expeditions near and far. Sized at 40 liters, it offers ample cargo space without unnecessary bulk. The harness provides customizable comfort for all-day use. And the intelligent storage layout keeps your gear tidy and accessible.

After comparing dozens of backpacks in its class, I believe the Technicals Tourer 40 offers the best combination of features, utility and value. If your needs align with my criteria – looking for a roomy, organized pack suitable for backcountry weekends and carry-on travel alike – then this is absolutely worth your consideration. I know I made the right choice for my adventurous, jetsetting lifestyle. So give the Tourer 40 a look if you’re seeking your ideal do-it-all backpack.