The Return of Madden Equipment
Back when I was a ski patroller in Virginia, my carry was the Madden Mountaineering Patrol pack. Now, “ski patrol” + “Virginia” might sound like a punchline, and I’m not making any claims that it was dangerous or taxing or anything other than a fun way to spend time on the hill and get a season pass, but I did carry first-aid gear in my pack, and yes, there were Scooby-Doo Band-Aids and lollypops for the kids, but so what? I still had to carry stuff, I still had to help people, and the way I hauled everthing was in the ample but not overly so Patrol.
Of course, this was many moons ago, but late last spring, at a Portland outdoor design conference, I ran into a friend, who told me that he’d just helped bring an old heritage brand back to life. Yes, Madden. And yes, he said, they were making the Patrol with all the original patterns.
Struck by a wave of nostalgia, I promptly ordered one in navy blue with a camo interior (sorry, patrol red) and a week or so later it arrived, bringing with it fond memories and confusion as to why lumbar packs have dwindled in popularity. The Patrol is 600 cubic inches, measuring 15.5 inches by 7 by 4, which is big enough to carry lunch, rain gear, a field guide, lunch, first aid kit, and more. It sits nicely at the base of the spine, never bounces or jiggles (even when running), and leaves your shoulders and back free to ventilate. It’s easily swung around to the front to access a camera. What’s not to love?
If the Millennials who fall all over themselves for Topo Designs and Poler haven’t discovered Madden, they should. Built since 1974 in Colorado, it’s an original. But even if they don’t, here’s hoping everyone else does. Packs like the Patrol are incredibly useful, low profile, and functional, whether you’re carrying bandages you never use or, you know, lunch.
$130; maddenequipment.com
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Cougar travels 1,000 miles in one of longest recorded treksCougar travels 1,000 miles in one of longest recorded treks
- Rare gray whale spotted in the Atlantic—and it's only the beginningRare gray whale spotted in the Atlantic—and it's only the beginning
- Why 'funga' is just as important as flora and faunaWhy 'funga' is just as important as flora and fauna
- Termite fossils prove mating hasn't changed in 38 million yearsTermite fossils prove mating hasn't changed in 38 million years
Environment
- Why the 2024 hurricane season could be especially activeWhy the 2024 hurricane season could be especially active
- Mushroom leather? The future of fashion is closer than you think.Mushroom leather? The future of fashion is closer than you think.
- This deadly fungus is hitchhiking its way across the worldThis deadly fungus is hitchhiking its way across the world
- Why 'funga' is just as important as flora and faunaWhy 'funga' is just as important as flora and fauna
- This exploding mine holds a treasure that may change the worldThis exploding mine holds a treasure that may change the world
History & Culture
- See the story of Jonah and the whale like never beforeSee the story of Jonah and the whale like never before
- This ancient mosaic offers extraordinary insights into the pastThis ancient mosaic offers extraordinary insights into the past
- These are the real dunes that inspired Dune—and you can visit themThese are the real dunes that inspired Dune—and you can visit them
- Meet the only woman privy to the plot to kill Julius CaesarMeet the only woman privy to the plot to kill Julius Caesar
Science
- Women’s bodies are understudied—but that’s starting to changeWomen’s bodies are understudied—but that’s starting to change
- Hundreds of tiny arachnids are likely on your face right nowHundreds of tiny arachnids are likely on your face right now
- What's worse than a hangover? Hangxiety. Here's why it happens.What's worse than a hangover? Hangxiety. Here's why it happens.
Travel
- A guide to Gdansk, Poland's regenerated maritime cityA guide to Gdansk, Poland's regenerated maritime city
- A taste of West Bengal, from curries to Kolkata street foodA taste of West Bengal, from curries to Kolkata street food