James Dziezynski

The best-selling author of five Colorado mountain hiking guidebooks, including Best Summit Hikes in Colorado, James’ work has been published in National Geographic, Backpacker, Outside, Discover Magazine, and many more. He's climbed in Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, Japan, and Antarctica. James lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Sheila and their two rescue collies, Mystic and Fremont. As of 2021, he's only had one of his tents trampled by a moose.

Latest articles by James Dziezynski

Collage of eight of the best daypacks on white background
The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

By Pat Kinsella last updated

Our selection of the best daypacks features lightweight backpacks for speedier hikes and walks in the backcountry

Hiking Backpacks
North Face Women's Hydra 26 Daypack
North Face Women's Hydra 26 Daypack review: an ultralight pack for fast-and-light adventures

By James Dziezynski Published

The North Face's auto-equalizing Dyno Lift System gives the North Face Women's Hydra 26 Daypack an edge when it comes to stabilization and comfort, all in a lightweight and durable package

Hiking Backpacks
Mountainsmith Scream 25
Mountainsmith Scream 25: a lightweight backpack with a good feature set

By James Dziezynski Published

An excellent summit pack, the Mountainsmith Scream 25 channels the best features of full-size daypacks into a top-notch, ultralight design

Hiking Backpacks
Mammut Ducan 24
Mammut Ducan 24 review: a lightweight backpack for fast hiking

By James Dziezynski Published

A lightweight, durable daypack, the Mammut Ducan 24 has the best engineered shoulder straps in the business and superior heat venting

Hiking Backpacks
Deuter Futura 30
Deuter Futura 30 review: an unbeatable all-round daypack

By James Dziezynski Published

An extremely capable all-around pack, the Deuter Futura 30 combines excellent fit with solid, functional design

Hiking Backpacks
Arc'teryx Brize 25
Arc’teryx Brize 25 review: a functional, no-frills backpack

By James Dziezynski Published

A top-loading daypack, the Arc’teryx Brize 25 has the tight ergonomics of a panel loader with a large main compartment but fewer external pockets

Hiking Backpacks
CamelBak Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack
CamelBak Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack review: a comfortable and durable hydration pack

By James Dziezynski Published

The CamelBak Fourteener 26 Hydration Pack takes risks to challenge conventional daypack design – and succeeds

Hydration Packs & Vests