Blog - Hilltop Packs Latest News

Texas backpacker shares his experience with ‘My Life Outdoors’ By Steve BarrettCreative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs LLC Backpacker Steven Smith really loves the outdoors, which is why he wants to share his adventures with the world.  Smith, has lived in Texas his whole life and currently lives in the eastern part of the state with his wife and four children, has operated his own...

Written by our Creative Content Writer Steve Barrett about his time at so far at Hilltop Packs... I started working for Hilltop Packs LLC in March, and now, nearly a half-year later, I can honestly say that the owner, Ben McMillen, is unlike any other boss I have ever worked for. Oh, and that sentiment also applies to his company. Before I go any...

Backpackers and hikers frequently ask us at Hilltop Packs LLC which is the better choice for carrying their gear on trails: Stuff sacks or dry bags? The answer is simple: It's really up to you. In the case of clothing, quilts or bulky items Ben McMillen, owner of Hilltop Packs, prefers to use stuff sacks primarily because they compress better inside your pack. Why? Stuff...

Meet Jason Huckeba of “Huck Outdoors” By Steve BarrettCreative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs LLC It is only fitting that Jason Huckeba’s popular outdoors Youtube channel is called “Huck Outdoors,” because the outdoors has always been an essential and huge part of his life. Born and raised in southern California, Jason said he loved living in what he called a “great little community.” “We lived in San Bernardino by Big Bear Lake,...

Meet Dan Nobles, the Wandering Monk By Steve BarrettCreative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs LLC Dan Nobles is living proof that no matter their background, everyone can find peace and healing while hiking across Mother Nature’s wonders. A man with a storied military, family and ministry background, Dan has been enjoying his passion for hiking for many years, a passion that has led him to...

Taylor, the Nahamsha HikerBy Steve Barrett Creative Content Writer, Hilltop Packs LLC For hiker/backpacker/Youtuber Taylor Tognacci, her love for the outdoors of New Hampshire knows no limits. Taylor has a popular YouTube channel, titled “Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker,” where her love for hiking can be viewed across 250-plus videos and counting. The avid outdoorswoman said she embarked on her first-ever hike five years ago...

Hilltop Packs LLCPRESS RELEASE 4-28-2022Questions And Comments Contact Staff Writer Steve Barrett Hilltop Packs employees Amie Johnson and Amanda Phillips have recently been promoted to new positions within the company. Amanda has moved up to the position of shop supervisor, and Amie has been named operations manager and now oversees all aspects of the company’s gear production. Amanda, who resides in Mount Morris with her...

“It’s Good in the Woods”By Steve Barrett, Creative Content Writer for Hilltop Packs Justin Sylvester, an avid backpacker and hiker, is a New Hampshire native, having lived there since he was four years old. And through his YouTube channel he is enjoying the opportunities to meet others within the outdoors community across the nation and even around the world. Justin’s YouTube channel, titled “It’s...

Meet the ‘Backcountry Pilgrim’ from California By Steve Barrett Creative Content Writer For Hilltop Packs Doug Beaumont has been a proud member of the ever-expanding backpacking and hiking community for nearly his entire life, and he’s excited to give other enthusiasts the opportunity to join him on his ongoing visual pilgrimage. For the past three years, Beaumont has been running his own YouTube channel, titled “Backcountry Pilgrim,”...

Andrew Miller is the creator of the “Metro on the Move” YouTube channel, which showcases videos addressing a wide array of topics geared to appeal to hikers and backpackers of all ages and all walks of life.

At Hilltop Packs we love winter backpacking! Need gear that holds up? We got you covered! Looking for something you don't see? Contact us!

Holiday Sale 2021!  No code needed at checkout. Prices as marked. Discounts from 5% to 50% off popular items around our website while supplies last. Holiday sale 2021 will run from 11/23 to 12/24 or until sale items run out of stock. So grab your gear early! Let's go shopping!

  Bright Colors printed on 1.43oz Dyneema. No more getting mixed up food bags at camp! Purchase these bags here

In this video we discuss stuff sack sizes and uses

In this video we go over dry bag sizes and what you might use those sizes for

We moved again! This is our third expansion in just 19 months. We can't thank our loyal customers enough. We couldn't be more excited about our new home. We even added a Coffee Roastery! Check out the video tour. As always thanks for your support!

In 2021 Ben and his Aunt Bridget officially started Hilltop Packs Coffee Company. A sister company of Hilltop Packs. Both located at 1006 E Greene Street in Waynesburg PA. It's no secret that backpackers LOVE coffee. A little piece of home out on the trail. Instant coffee while convenient, isn't always the best option for coffee lovers. For this reason Ben and many others...

So what does make a good Ditty Bag? The answer to that question will be different for different people. But we have some ideas. We hope this helps! We will assume you are considering your purchase from Hilltop Packs. So sizes and fabric types will most likely only apply to Hilltop Packs. FIRST, WHAT ARE DITTY BAGS?Small items that backpackers or hikers carry might get...

We sell several types of stake sacks. Here is a video showing off a few

In this video we talk about the reasons you should consider before choosing a stuff sack or a dry bag for your quilt.

This video shows off our Chair Zero Bag (Stuff Sack). We also now have bags for the Chair One and REI Flexlite.

We love our Roll Top Fanny Packs. And we love this video! You can find our fanny packs here

Never grab a dead battery on the trail again. The perfect battery storage solution for backpacking with a camera. Grab your Dual Pocket Battery Bag here

This video was filmed in our old home shop. Enjoy!

In this video we talk about Dual Pocket Gadget Bags. We have since added 2 sizes. The regular that you see in the video and now the XL size. You can see our Dual Pocket Gadget Bags Here

 

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