Amputee Outdoors

 Hiking, Backpacking and Outdoors Skills for Everyone
 

After you’ve been hiking and come home exhausted, have you also noticed you feel good? This is because hiking in nature is good for your mind and emotions. You also get an excellent physical workout too, so that’s a bonus. The benefits of hiking and being in nature are so great that some doctors are now prescribing it to their patients. Reduce Stress, Anxiety, Depression Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of physical well-being. This isn’t just the opinion of your crazy, tree-hugging friends. A study in 2018 showed that “…walking through forest areas decreased the negative moods of “depression-dejection”, “tension-anxiety”, “anger-hostility”, “fatigue”, and “confusion” and improved the participants’ positive mood of “vigor” compared with walking through city areas.” Got that? Hiking in nature is better than walking through town. Find some trees to walk amongst. Be More Creative Want to be more creative? Then take a hike. Hiking in nature removes us from the information-dense, high-impact, 5-second attention span world many of us live in. A peer-reviewed study in 2012 found that “…the corresponding disconnection from multi-media and technology, increases performance on a creativity, problem-solving task by a full 50% in a group of naive hikers.” That’s naïve hikers, newbies. If you’re a regular hiker you’re already operating at a higher level of creativity than your non-hiking co-workers. Stay Sharp as You Age Worried about losing your mental edge as you age? Hiking can help your brain stay sharp and functioning as you age according to the American Academy of Neurology . In their 2018 study, they found that physical exercise was associated, “with improved cognitive performance in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.” A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found, “Aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume in older women with probable mild cognitive impairment.” I’m 59 and plan on hiking until I drop. Stay Sane Hiking can help save you from mental illness. That’s a bold statement, but there is data to show it’s true. A study in 2015 showed that “Participants who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and showed reduced neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness compared with those who walked through an urban environment.” The opportunity to relax our minds, and just enjoy the natural world is something we don’t get to experience a lot in our modern world. ADHD When I was a kid, I was called fidgety and unruly so my parents would kick me outside and tell me to go play in the forest near where we lived. Turns out they were helping me with my undiagnosed ADHD. In a study published in 2004 by the National Library of Medicine, it was found that “Green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children across a wide range of individual, residential, and case characteristics.” Seems our parents and grandparents knew where we needed to be. In nature. For more musings about hiking, check out these pages: Why Hiking Gear’s So Dang Expensive Now (and Why It’s Not Just Inflation) Just How Popular is the Great Outdoors and What's Driving It? Solo Hiking: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly What do “hike”, “backpacking”, and “camping” etc., mean?

First of all, let me come clean and tell you I solo hike a lot. 95% of my hikes are solitary. Aside from the reasons below, I have one very crucial reason for hiking alone, I record my hikes for YouTube, (Check out my channel, Amputee Outdoors ). I will stop frequently and spend several minutes setting up my tripod, framing the shot, shooting the sequence 2-3 times, etc. I’ve found that most people get really tired of my doing that very quickly. Aside from my particular example, there are lots of good reasons to hike alone, several reasons you shouldn’t, and a few where it’s risky. Let’s start with the good. The Good Setting your own pace As mentioned above, I have a specific reason for hiking an extra hour or so. This is also true for a lot of other folks. You may have a pace that is slower or faster than others. You may like to take frequent breaks. Viewpoints that others may think are so-so, you may think to deserve a longer look. When it's just you, there’s no worrying about annoying anyone by slowing them down or making them feel like they are the slow ones. Peace and quiet For many folks, the absence of conversation is a highly sought-after joy. The chance to just walk along a trail and let your mind wander, with no one asking you questions, talking about work, the kids, the budget, etc., is a wonderful thing. It’s sort of like meditating but you’re getting a workout. Logistics I don’t know about you, but if I’m hiking with others, I find myself worrying if they’ve brought enough food and water. I’ll pack along extra just in case and that’s extra weight. There’s also the problem of meeting at the trailhead at a designated time and you’re running late (or they are) and there’s no cell phone reception in the mountains to let them know. Confidence building You’ve planned, practiced, and packed the right gear for the environment and weather. A few challenges came your way and you, all by yourself, were able to overcome them. The feeling of accomplishment and confidence that comes from that fills the soul. Changing your trail There’s been plenty of times when I’ve been hiking along, found a crossing trail, checked it out on the map, and decided to take a detour. No need to discuss and agree with anyone else. You may find yourself on a trail and for you, the conditions indicate it’s time to turn back. That’s your decision, no need to feel like you need to continue on because your hiking buddies feel like they can. Wasting time There’s been plenty of trails where I’ve stopped for a while and played around with different ways to set up my hammock and rainfly. Or practiced fire starting. Whatever I want. I’m just playing about with no concern for how long I might take to do it. The Bad It can get lonely For those that are more social, solo hiking is a bit of a strain. Having no one to talk with is unsettling and when you do find someone on the trail to talk with, you might find yourself overdoing it. Sitting around a campfire, drinking a beer, and eating freeze-dried food all by yourself can be pretty dull. Having friends sitting around that campfire with you is a lot more fun. You have to carry more Hiking and backpacking with a group means that gear can be spread across two or more backpacks. If it’s just you, you’re carrying the whole tent, all the food, the water filtration system, the bear barrel, etc. No one to share the joy with The bonding experience of hiking up to a peak and marveling at the view with your friends is like no other. It’s a shared memory that you and your friends will treasure forever. Not going to get that all by yourself. Your friends can reality-check you I’ve fallen victim to the “I can do this” thinking once or twice and really wish I’d had a friend with me to provide a more reasoned opinion. With a group of friends on a trail you have a mix of experiences and skills that can provide insight into a situation that you alone might not have. It’s all on you You’re setting up the tent, building the fire, rigging up the bear bag, filtering the water, cooking the food, chopping the wood, etc. Just you. Dividing that work among friends gets it all done sooner and you all move onto the camaraderie being out in nature together brings. The Ugly No one to help you if you’re injured or sick This is the worst-case scenario. You’ve cut your hand, broken a leg, drank some unfiltered water, whatever the case is, there’s no one to help you. Knowing this is a possibility, as a solo hiker, you have to take it into consideration. Plan for this. This will mean that your First Aid kit is a little larger than if you were with others. It also means that you must be honest about your abilities and limitations and by doing so, prevent problems. Is that stream flowing fast? Don’t cross it. Is it getting late? Set up camp now, it’s going to take longer by yourself. Is the trail steeper and muddier/icier than you planned? Time to turn back. Help! I’m lost! Even the most experienced hikers can get lost and one person alone in the woods is vulnerable. Don’t let those shows on the Discovery channel tell you otherwise! You have fewer resources, collective knowledge, and experience. Combine being lost with an injury and you’re very close to being on the news for the wrong reasons. Again, prevention is the key to making this problem not happen. A map, compass, and navigation app on your phone or a dedicated GPS device should be part of your gear every time you hit the trail. Check your map or navigation app frequently. On many trails, I will check my location at every junction, stream crossing, or landmark just to confirm I’m where I’m supposed to be. Whether you are solo hiking or with friends, preparation is key. Know where you’re going, and what the conditions will be like, review recent hiking reports, check your gear for wear and tear, make sure you’re taking the right gear for the conditions and environment, and most importantly, know yourself. For more musings about hiking, check out these pages: Why Hiking Gear’s So Dang Expensive Now (and Why It’s Not Just Inflation) Just How Popular is the Great Outdoors and What's Driving It? Five Mental Benefits of Hiking What do “hike”, “backpacking”, and “camping” etc., mean?

Lots of folks have written about how popular exploring the outdoors has become and lots of companies have been taking advantage of it. Lots of social media folks and YouTubers too, (yours truly included, check out Amputee Outdoors on YouTube). But just how popular? And what's driving it? I've done some research and was able to track down the number of National Park visits dating back to 1904. To make it easier to understand, I've put it all into this graph. That first little climb between 1932 and 1936 is when personally owned cars started becoming more available to the public purchasing limits. There was a dip during WWII. In 2002 a severe dip which I think was a collateral effect from September 11th, 2001. The sudden drop-off in 2020 is the result of COVID-19. Look at that sudden climb in 2012 and the fast recovery post-2020. What's going on there? I think there are four upward driving factors starting in 2012: The popularity of social media Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become increasingly influential sources of information and inspiration for travelers, especially younger generations. Many people use social media to share their photos and videos of their trips, as well as to find and follow other travelers who post about their adventures. Social media can also create viral trends and challenges that motivate people to visit certain places or do certain activities. For example, the #FindYourPark and #RecreateResponsibly hashtags have been widely used by park visitors and advocates to promote and celebrate national parks. The centennial of the National Park Service In 2016, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th anniversary, which generated a lot of publicity and interest in national parks. The agency launched the Find Your Park campaign, which encouraged people to discover and explore the diverse and unique parks across the country. The campaign also featured celebrities, influencers, and partners who shared their stories and experiences in national parks. As a result, national park visitation reached a record high of 331 million in 2016. The diversity and accessibility of parks The United States has a rich and varied network of national and state parks that offer something for everyone. Whether people are looking for history, culture, wildlife, scenery, or adventure, they can find a park that suits their interests and preferences. Moreover, many parks are accessible and affordable, with low or no entrance fees, free or discounted passes, and various amenities and facilities. Some parks also have special programs and events that cater to different groups and communities, such as veterans, seniors, students, and families. The awareness and appreciation of nature More people are becoming aware and concerned about the environmental and social issues that affect the planet, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social justice. They are also becoming more appreciative of the benefits and values of nature, such as health, well-being, and happiness. These factors can inspire and motivate people to visit national and state parks, where they can learn about and enjoy nature, as well as support conservation and stewardship efforts. More people enjoying the health (mental and physical) benefits of the outdoors and learning to appreciate the glorious beauty and value of our nation's natural landscapes is a good thing. To a point. In a follow-up article, I'll examine the downsides of so many folks experiencing the great outdoors. For more musings about hiking, check out these pages: Why Hiking Gear’s So Dang Expensive Now (and Why It’s Not Just Inflation) Solo Hiking: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Five Mental Benefits of Hiking What do “hike”, “backpacking”, and “camping” etc., mean?

You’ve probably noticed it too. Gear that used to be a solid deal now makes your wallet hurt. A two-person tent that once ran about $150? You’re lucky to find one under $350 these days. And that’s before you get to poles, pads, or first aid kits. Even after factoring in inflation, the numbers still don’t add up. Something bigger’s going on— it’s as if the whole hiking scene itself changed.  It has. 1. Hiking Isn’t Just Hiking Anymore Roll back to the early 2000s and hiking felt simple—just you, a pack, and hopefully a decent weather window. Now it’s a lifestyle, wrapped up in wellness, travel, and who we are online. The crowd’s grown, and so have the expectations. People want lighter, comfier, better-looking, and more sustainable gear. Even the “budget” stuff has features that used to be high-end. Basically, base models got fancy. 2. The Death of the Bargain Bin Remember the days you could grab a $30 tent that barely survived one storm? Those options are pretty much gone—unless you’re buying from a gas station. Most brands ditched the “cheap and cheerful” approach. Their entry-level lines are now “starter quality,” not “use it once, toss it later.” That shift means everything costs more across the board. Better stuff, sure—but your wallet feels it. 3. Fancier Materials, Pricier Gear Even the basic gear today is using tech that used to be reserved for hardcore expedition setups. Aluminum instead of steel, silicone-coated fabrics, tensioned poles—it’s all slicker now. But the tradeoff? Costs shot up. Add supply chain chaos, shipping hikes, and smaller production batches, and the price never really settled back down. 4. Simplicity Got Complicated Take a look at tents—lighter poles, faster pitches, better weather resistance. Or sleeping bags—they’re warmer with less bulk. Even your trekking poles have shock absorbers and carbon shafts. None of that feels “simple” anymore. Tiny improvements stacked up, and suddenly that “basic gear” became a mini engineering project. 5. Hiking Gear Inflation Beat Normal Inflation This one stings: even after adjusting for inflation, hiking gear just outpaced everything else. Labor, materials, environmental standards, all of it got pricier. Add in customer expectations—lifetime warranties, tougher durability, sustainable sourcing—and prices aren’t dropping anytime soon. What That Means for Us on the Trail That’s why we’re seeing more folks trade, rent, and repair instead of always buying new. The used-gear market’s booming, ultralight minimalism is thriving, and people are rediscovering the joy of their local trails. It’s not that hikers got cheap—we just got creative. Trail Wisdom at the End of the Day Gear today really is better—but it’s also pricier for real reasons. Once you get that, it’s easier to pick your battles. Know when to splurge, when used gear will do just fine, and when “budget” means “good enough.” Because let’s face it—the trail doesn’t care how shiny your setup is, as long as it gets you out there and back. For more analysis related to hiking, check out these pages: What's Driving the Increase in Hiking? Just How Popular is the Great Outdoors and What's Driving It? Solo Hiking: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Five Mental Benefits of Hiking What do “hike”, “backpacking”, and “camping” etc., mean?

In 2010 there were 33 million folks that went hiking. By 2021 that had increased to 59 million people, almost doubling in eleven years. According to statistics from AllTrails , the number of logged hikes jumped by 171% in 2020. In 2020 1,275 miles of trails were added to the National Trail System . Clearly there's a demand and thankfully national, state and even municipal governments are working to meet that demand. But what's driving that demand? COVID-19 clearly impacted the outdoor participation numbers. But even before that the trend was going up. I see three main drivers of this increase: Social Media Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, etc., are filled with pictures, stories and videos of folks enjoying the outdoors. I'm one of them. As each person uploads their photos and videos, they inspire more folks to go out into nature and do the same. Health benefits Multiple studies have shown that outdoor exercise, especially hiking, increases not just overall heart, muscle and lung health but provides benefits for diabetics , ADHD , bone density , blood pressure , and mental health . The Call of Nature A desire to reconnect or stay connected with the beauty, majesty and power of nature. For those of us living in the information dense and technologically connected world, we can often be tricked into thinking we're experiencing things. We carry around a device that can immediately provide us with 4K videos, movies and high-quality pictures. Yet no matter how high the quality of the video, it's a pale shadow of the real experience. Something in us knows this and yearns to feel the air on a hill or mountain, drink from a stream or lake, feel and smell the rain, and run our hand across trees and boulders. I sincerely hope my website and videos have inspired and helped others to make that connection to nature.

Guest blog post from PegLegPowderSkier As a very avid outdoorsman before I lost my leg (left below knee). Figuring out how to do things I once did has been the most difficult challenge for me. Things finally started to come together after the 3rd year as I started testing various feet and socket set ups. I went back to a pin because the chances of my socket falling off became much less. Finding a foot that the ankle would articulate a lot so I could hike across a hill up or down steep slopes or over river rocks was difficult. I don’t say it’s like it used to be and that too had to be a reality. Everyone says “Oh, you will be able to do everything you did before you lost your leg”, to a certain point that is true. It’s something I heard while I was in ICU for several months and then several more before I was able to start the walking process. I remember the thing that was most difficult was watching a video or show and see something I really loved to do but then had to wonder if I would ever do that again and if so, how different would it be? This was my biggest challenge, this constant roller coaster, I wanted it to be like it was before the accident. One day I was meeting with my doctor who has been a family friend for years long before my accident. As I met with him one day, he could tell I was depressed, and he asked why. I told him I just wanted to have it be like it was before the accident. He then said the most important thing that helped. He said the moment my accident happened my life changed, and it was never going to be the same. It was never going to be the same, I didn’t want to hear this, but it was true. Up to this point every medical person from surgeons to rehab to nurses everyone would tell me everything was going to be good, and I’d get right back to doing what I loved. This was the first thing they could have said, but I believed them and why not right? My good friend and doctor finally said it’s never going to be the same, finally the truth. As we talked about various activities, he said I would be able to do them I was just going to have to learn how to do them slightly different and this was going to require a learning curve. From this point on I took a different approach to figuring out how to do it no matter how difficult or different it was from before. For hiking, fly fishing with waders, skiing, hunting all of these activities that legs and feet and balance were important. Things like ankle articulation getting fitted or dressed properly all had to be figured out. A foot different from my daily had to be found. Braces and knee support things that I didn’t need before I now needed. My younger sister gave me some good advice as I was frustrated figuring it out or having to do things a new way. She said when you were in high school and dating you could date different girls, that was normal. Then you got married so now you date just one your wife, this became your new normal. You used to drive a beater car and live in a small trailer as I was starting my business, that was your normal. Now you live in a nice home in a nice safe neighborhood, this is your new normal. You used to just go on vacation with your wife that was your normal now you go on every vacation with your kids and wife, this is your new normal. You used to just put on your shoes or boots that was normal. Now you put on your shoes, boots, and leg this is your new normal. She said there is no constant normal. Normal is always changing. Dealing with your prosthetic and having to do your activities a way is your new normal and as you get older that too will change. I’m going onto my 7th year as an amputee I’ve yet to do activities I used to mainly because of follow up surgeries and Covid lock downs but I have plans to do them. I’ve got passed expecting it to be like it used to be, that took a while. I’ll be forever grateful for my doctor and my sister being real with me and setting proper expectations. Do I believe you can do any activities you used to indoors or out? Absolutely. Just understand you most likely will have to do them a little bit or a whole lot different, but it can be done. If you have not done something since becoming an amputee, start figuring it out. Get with your prosthetist and make sure your prosthetic is built for that activity or if there is a better one. Talk to your doctor to make sure you’re fit to do so. Amputees are notorious for gaining weight and being out of shape. I had to work back slowly to get into shape. I hadn’t put on a ton of weight, 15 pounds, but I had zero muscle tone. The heart is a muscle, and I didn’t need it cramping up like a bad Charlie Horse and have me keeling over. I got my heart checked and a physical and met with an experienced trainer that started me out slowly until I was able to have muscle and endurance. Everyone in the sub is a fighter, you’re still alive. Our amputations are about every limb, and you’ve all been on the roller coaster of wanting to do what you used to, but you’re not sure how or if you even can. Everything we did before can be done there are not a lot of how-to videos do out there. Someone just like us figured it out they just have shown how. So, this means most likely you get to reinvent the wheel. Do all of those who will come after you a favor and show the whole process, I still have a few things I’m working on, so I’ll try and share that. Guys and Gals, we didn’t die but some of us have are dead lying in bed or sitting in a chair. It’s time to rise from the dead even if it’s hard as hell. I can tell you the discovery process has been just as fun as I learned the first time, it’s been worth it. It sure beats the day I sat with a gun in my hand because everything was different and some of you know what I’m talking about. Success in life is a planned event, figuring out your new normal will not be any different. – Peglegpowderskier

This weekend Albie-Junior Thomas and his dad will hike up Ben Nevis in Scotland. At the summit, you’re 4,441 feet above sea level. OK, so for some folks in the USA that’s the hill just outside of town, so let’s put this into perspective. You’re five years old and plan on hiking up a mountain in Scotland, not known for its balmy, Mediterranean weather. Add to that you’re doing it wearing a prosthetic leg. No doubt there has been a lot of planning and preparation for this event, as there should be. You don’t go on a hike without it. Like our outdoor adventures, our lives are built around working towards goals, planning and preparing for them and then going for it. Whether it’s a hike up a Scottish mountain or getting a new job, we plan, prepare, and go for it. Young Albie-Junior isn’t just an inspiration to go hiking, he’s an inspiration to live.

When I've been out hiking people have often told me I'm an inspirations and motivate them to keep going. It feels good to know that I've had a positive impact on some people. If you are one of those folks that have seen me hiking and been inspired, have you ever asked yourself, who inspires the amputee? Other amputees inspire me. Case in point, Sam Maddaus . Sam is a left below knee (LBK) and took on one of the most challenging hikes in the world, the Pacific Crest Trail. For those of you not familiar with the PCT, it's a 2,650-mile hike along the ridge of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges starting at the border with Mexico, north to the Canadian border across deserts, mountains and reaching an elevation of 13,153 feet at it highest. This is not for the faint of heart. People like Sam inspire me and in a way that someone with both legs can never fully understand. I know those cramps in the stump, the heat causing rashes and skin problems, sudden phantom pain causing you to freeze in place and focus all your attention on not falling over and down a mountain. His will to persevere is what inspires me look up from the two feet of trail in front of me and take the next step.

Hikers! I hope you’re all excited about winter hiking this year. I know some of you are new to this, so I wanted to share some tips on how to dress for the cold weather and stay comfortable on the trail. The key to winter hiking is layering. Layering is a system of wearing different types of clothing that you can add or remove depending on the temperature, wind, and precipitation. This way, you can regulate your body heat and avoid getting too hot or too cold. There are three main layers you need to know about: base, mid, and outer. Base Layer This is the layer that touches your skin and wicks away sweat. You want to avoid cotton, (cotton is rotten, cotton kills) which stays wet and makes you feel cold. Instead, go for synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, or natural fibers like merino wool or silk. These materials dry faster and keep you warm even when damp. You can choose from lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight base layers depending on how cold it is. For example, I usually wear a midweight long-sleeve shirt and leggings as my base layer. Mid Layer This is the layer that insulates you from the cold and traps your body heat. You can use fleece, wool, down, or synthetic fill as your mid-layer. You can also wear more than one mid-layer if it’s really cold. For example, I usually wear a fleece jacket and pants as my mid-layer, and sometimes I add a down vest or jacket if I need extra warmth. Outer Layer This is the layer that protects you from the wind and rain. You want a waterproof and breathable shell that can keep you dry and let out excess moisture. You can wear a rain jacket and pants, or a softshell jacket and pants if it’s not too wet. For example, I usually wear either a lightweight rain jacket or a heavier more insulated rain jacket and pants as my outer layer, and I have a pair of waterproof gloves and a hat to cover my hands and head. The trick with layering is to adjust your layers as you hike. You don’t want to start with too many layers, because you’ll get sweaty and wet. You also don’t want to have too few layers, because you’ll get chilled and hypothermic. The best way to layer is to start warm and adjust layers as you need to. You can also take off or put on layers at rest stops or when the weather changes. Some clothes that I recommend for winter hiking are: ( Note: As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase an item from one of these links, Amputee Outdoors will earn a percentage of the purchase amount ) Base Layer - Merino Wool Base Layer and Columbia Omni-Heat™ Infinity Knit Long Sleeve Crew . The Columbia crew neck top is good for very cold temperatures as it has thermal reflective material built into it, while the Merino wool option will work well for general winter hiking. Mid-Layer - GIMECEN Men's Lightweight Full Zip Soft Polar Fleece Jacket zips up to a turtleneck top and has elastic cuffs to keep the cold air out. FREE SOLDIER Men's Outdoor Softshell Fleece Lined Cargo Pants will work as general wintertime hiking pants and as a mid-layer under waterproof pants in the snow. Outer Layer – For this, we’re going with the classic FROGG TOGGS Men's Pro Lite Suit . Very affordable and renowned for their lightness and waterproofing. You can also get the Wiley Coyote approved Acme Projects Rain Suit which comes in 3X Large making it suitable to fit over thicker layers. Glove and Hat – A reliably good option for gloves is the Carhartt Men's W.P. Waterproof Insulated Gloves . The palms are textured to help keep a positive grip on your hiking poles. To keep your head and ears warm, and keep some of the snow from collecting on your glasses, you want the SEALSKINZ Kirstead Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat . I hope this helps you prepare for your winter hiking adventures. Stay warm and dry and for a review of my Three Outdoor Principals, check out this blog post .

Let me start with an explanation of this review. The Viking 32L Trident backpack is a sissy bar backpack designed with motorcyclists in mind. I've not ridden a motorcycle since my accident in '92. So why am I reviewing a motorcycle backpack? Well, Viking Bags asked me to and I saw this backpack as an urban/travel pack that could work well for me when I travel on business. So, this review is done from that position, is the Viking 32L Trident a good urban/travel backpack? Let's get started. First some details: Material: Cordura Dimensions: 12" x 6.5" x 19" (L x W x H) Storage Capacity: 1952.76 Cubic Inches Lid Opening: 12" x 6" Includes 3 front pockets Padded Laptop Sleeve Top Fleece Pocket Separate compartment for shoes Weight: 3lbs 9oz Price: $119.99 For my testing of this pack I stuffed it full with two sleeping bags in the main compartment and in all the other compartments, I stuffed in socks, t-shirts, etc., until the pack was stretched out to it maximum capacity. I then headed out to a local open air mall precisely because it was raining. I wanted to see if the items I'd put in the bag would get wet. They didn't, but I suspect in consistent rainfall they would. The shoulder straps are well padded and have a small mesh pouch on the left strap. My Samsung S12 fit into it snugly. There's also a sternum strap to keep the straps from sliding outward. The backpack doesn't have a waist strap, which I like to have. Nonetheless, fully packed, the pack is very comfortable to wear. The stitching is doubled in all the stress points and bar tacked in others making for a pack that can handle a good deal of abuse. The zippers are high quality and the three velcro pouches aren't the usual skinny strips of velcro. These are two inch wide strips of velcro to ensure the don't open too easily. The interior is a bright orange which I really like as it makes finding things a lot easier. The bottom 'boot' compartment is separate from the main compartment and has a small grommeted hole to let out water. This would be perfect to put dirty clothes when traveling on a one or two night trip. After wearing the Viking 21L Trident pack around for a while, I decided it was time for the drop test. So from the second story level of the mall I tossed the pack up into the air and let it hit the ground. My reason for this is that I want to see if any seams, threads or material split or tore. Viking makes some tough packs and this one is no exception. I couldn't find any burst seams, no torn threads, and no fabric tears. This is a very functional pack with a lid compartment, two sleeves for laptops, five pouches, two side mesh pouches and a 'boot' compartment that's completely separate from the main compartment. I'll be using this on my next business trip. You can check out my review on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/VtwzxCnLbJA If you want to check out the bag at Viking Bags, go to: https://www.vikingbags.com/collections/motorcycle-backpacks https://www.vikingbags.com/pages/adventure-touring-motorcycle-luggage-bags