Hilltop Packs Blog

A note from Ben at Hilltop Packs in Waynesburg, PA: we build ultralight, custom bear bags (food bags) for a living. This is how we use them, what we’ve learned...

When ultralight backpackers obsess over every gram, the wallet is usually one of the last things they think about. A standard bifold can run two to three ounces, about the...

If you spend enough time backpacking, eventually you’ll get caught in rain that lasts all day. And that’s usually the moment hikers start asking: Should I use a pack liner or...

🏕️ What Makes a “Cottage” Gear Company? If you’ve been around the backpacking world for a while, you’ve probably heard the term cottage gear. It usually means: Small team Handmade...

Most backpacking checklists look great… until you’re actually on trail. That’s when you realize: You packed way too much Or you forgot something important And somehow, both can happen on...

🌄 What Is Cottage Backpacking Gear? Hilltop Packs Crew “Cottage gear” refers to backpacking equipment made by small, independent companies, often handcrafted in small batches rather than mass-produced overseas. These...

f you’re getting into backpacking, or trying to dial in your setup, you’ve probably asked: Do I need a Beag Bag, dry bag, a bear canister, or just a stuff...

  If you’re trying to cut pack weight without sacrificing safety, your food bag is one of the easiest places to start. But here’s the reality… A lot of “ultralight”...

🌲 Hilltop Packs "On The Hill" Spring 2026 🌲 Hosted by Hilltop Packs Missed our Fall gathering? Don’t sweat it! We’re heading back to "The Hill" this April for another...

We released over 30 new products in 2025. Here is a list of most of those products Ridgeline Organizer Stretchy Water Bottle Pouch - multiple colors Stretchy Water Bottle Pouch...

Which Backpack Is Right For You? A Simple Guide Choosing the right backpack can make or break your outdoor adventure. Whether you’re heading out for a short day hike, a...

✨Why We Started the Hilltop Packs Sticker Club You know we make gear that’s tough, trail-tested, and downright fun, but what about the little things that make being outdoors feel...

As the cool air settles over Waynesburg and we wrap up another incredible year, all of us here at Hilltop Packs want to take a moment to say thank you. Whether...

Oh boy. If this doesn't prove how awesome our team is nothing will. We took the production staff to a photography studio and had some fun. All poses are the...

Were You Good This Year? Hilltop Packs Presents the Top 50 Gift Ideas (For People Who Deserve Them) Hey there! The question isn't, "What do you want?" The question is:...

Why Food Storage Matters Hanging your food isn’t just about keeping bears away, it’s about keeping wildlife wild and your camp safe. A properly hung bear bag keeps animals from...

Hey trail friends — Ben here from Hilltop Packs. If you love hunting down gear that’s lightweight, built to last, and won’t break the bank, you’re going to love our...

Proof That 3 Miles Can Build a Trail Family We recently had an incredible weekend for our "Hilltop Packs On The Hill" event, and if there's one thing we learned,...

If you just got home from a backpacking trip, resist the urge to stuff your quilt or sleeping bag back into its tiny compression sack. Sure, it saves space, but...

Hilltop Packs “On The Hill” – November 7th, 8th & 9th, 2025 Let us know your coming with this facebook event page Hilltop Packs On The Hill Facebook Event Page...

This is our “Made in Pennsylvania” story, where craftsmanship, community, and the wilderness meet. When you hold a Hilltop Packs gear item in your hands, whether it’s a custom-printed food...

Six years ago, September 23rd, 2019 to be exact, Hilltop Packs began in the corner of a basement with a single sewing machine and a crazy idea. What started as...

Embarking on a backpacking or hiking adventure can be a transformative experience, but it's essential to be prepared. Whether you're a complete novice or looking to brush up on your...

We're thrilled to announce the release of a new book from our very own founder, Ben McMillen! "268 Mistakes Hikers Make: And How to Avoid Looking Like a Total Newbie...