In this video we talk about bear canisters vs bear bags and when you should use one or the other. Check out our line of ultralight bear bags here ..read more

The crew at Hilltop Packs took a break from the shop went on a day hike on a nearby trail. We took our trail maintenance bags and planned to pick-up any trash along the way. Surprisingly we did not find much garbage this time. Great job humans! As always your support of Hilltop Packs allows us to do these kinds of projects for local community. So thank you ..read more

In this video we show off a few different versions of our food bags/bear bags   ..read more

Hilltop Packs donated it's employees for day for a local cleanup project.  Volunteers from EQT, CNX, as well as Hilltop Packs, and organized by Greene County Tourism, collected 59 tires, approximately 50 bags of trash and other various large items on Water Dam Road alongside Wisecarver Lake in Waynesburg, PA. This property will soon be a public use park once development is complete ..read more

Titanium and aluminum are both lightweight metals with a wide range of applications across many industries including backpacking. Here are some key differences between the two. Strength: Titanium is generally stronger than aluminum, especially at higher temperatures. This makes titanium a popular choice for applications that require high strength and durability, such as aerospace and military applications. This includes backpacking where strength is a concern. Weight: Aluminum is lighter than titanium, making it a popular choice for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as a ..read more

Physical fitness: Hiking is an excellent form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance. It is a low-impact activity that can be done at various levels of intensity, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. Mental health: Hiking has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Being in nature can have a calming effect on the mind, and physical activity can release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. Weight management: Hiking can help burn calories and aid in weight loss or maintenance. Hiking on trail ..read more

Meet Lance Smith of Outlan Outdoors – Husband, father, hiker and YouTuber By Steve Barrett Creative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs Lance Smith is living the American dream. He happily lives in his suburban home in Dayton, Ohio with his wife and their twin sons and two dogs, and he enjoys his job as an IT manager at Sinclair Community College, where he has worked for a decade. And there is another side to Lance … a side that he shares with people just like him, all around the U.S. and even across the globe. A side that started with some interest long ago and gradually turned into a positive ..read more

Co-owners, Ben McMillen and Travis Duncan opened Apex Giant in 2022 to create USA made products for hiking and backpacking. From the begining they had bigger plans to expand their product line into everyday carry items or "EDC." The Minimalist Wallet by Apex Giant is one of those crossover products for the company. You can use it on a backpacking trip because it's ultralight and compact. At the same time it functions extremely well in everyday use while taking up very little space in your front pocket.  As it turns out there are also health benefits from downsizing your old ..read more

Canadian gear maker creates quality tents for hikers all around the world By Steve Barrett Creative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs LLC Although Dan Durston calls Canada home to his family and business, he is proud to be creating special gear that appeals to hikers and backpackers from all over the world.   His company, Durston Gear, started as a small grassroots family business that has turned into a thriving passion for him. “It’s been a lot of fun,” admits Durston, who resides on the west coast of Canada in the British Columbia area in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with his wif ..read more

Ohio hiker wants everyone to go ‘Backpacking with Buckley’ By Steve Barrett Creative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs LLC Tim Buck of Ohio is a backpacking/hiker enthusiast whose life motto could be one word: Simplicity. Everything about the man – from the name of his YouTube channel to why he enjoys nature – emphasizes his passion for keeping life simple. Born and raised in southwestern Minnesota and living most of his adult life in eastern South Dakota before settling down in northeast Ohio just two hours west of Pennsylvania in northeast Ohio, Tim said he has found peace and happiness wherever ..read more