Penfield Colrain

Penfield finds room for gadgets off the beaten path in this laptop-friendly hiking bag.

Call it the geeky hikers’ dilemma: You can buy any number of backpacks fit for the trail, but none with a laptop compartment, and any number of bags with a notebook compartment, but none fit for the trail. What’s the computer-laden backpacker to do?

Penfield’s Colrain bag addresses both issues, and does it in high-style. The Massachusetts-based outfitter has rolled both tech and nature friendly features into the rugged pack. Besides the notebook pocket, which makes it easier to slide a laptop in and out without completely dislodging the rest of the packs’ contents, the Colrain has all the trimmings of a legitimate hiking backpack. That includes ample webbing for tying on additional gear, compression straps for shrinking down soft loads, side pockets, a utility pocket, front pocket, and air-flow back padding to chase away sweat. There’s even a storm cover for keeping your sensitive electronics (and spare socks) dry when the skies open up.

All packs come in black, with a choice of white, red or black webbing, and a high-visibility yellow cover. They sell for a surprisingly affordable $65. More information can be found at Penfield.