Pond’s Edge is a Wisconsin company that specializes in making innovative accessories for ultralight backpackers, allowing them to keep their gear dry and organized while on the go. From umbrella and cook pot stuff sacks to stake bags, these products offer lightweight convenience when living out of a pack.
Cook Pot Stuff Sack
The Pond’s Edge Cook Pot Stuff Sack comes with a rounded bottom in order to fit standard cook pots. I typically hike with the Vargo Bot 700, and the 750 Pond’s Edge Cook Pot Stuff Sack was a perfect fit.
The cook pot stuff sacks can be purchased in three different sizes to give you the ideal amount of space for your specific cook pot, plus gas canister, stove, spork, etc. Made of Dyneema, this piece of gear is impressively lightweight. The material appears to be paper thin, but it’s rugged and resistant to abrasions and punctures.
Pros
- Helps keep the lid in place
- Extremely light
- Surprisingly durable
- Rounded bottom
Cons
- Not ideal for shared cook sets
Specs
- Cost: $20.50 to $21.25
- Weight: 0.1 ounces
Boxy Bag
It’s really easy to lose your belongings in a traditional backpack. Even if you’re a relatively organized person, important items move around as you walk, becoming lost in the abyss. The Pond’s Edge Boxy Bag adds a layer of organization that most backpackers will love.
Available in small, medium and large sizes, I had the opportunity to test the large Boxy Bag, which was deceptively spacious. At first glance, it looked like a small bag that might fit a few pairs of socks. But I ended up stuffing all of my warm and nighttime layers, including my puffy and beanie, into this single bag.
I like that the boxy bag stands up on its own, because it allows you to organize gear without worrying about it toppling over. This bag has two side loops, which can easily be attached to webbing (and made into a fanny pack for town days).
The weight of this boxy bag is unbeatable, coming in at just 0.5 ounces. Finally, the Boxy Bag comes with a water-resistant zipper, which makes it great in wet or snowy conditions.
Pros
- Deceptively large
- Could be used as a fanny pack
- Versatile
- Water-resistant zipper
Cons
- Dyneema is always pricey
Specs
- Cost: $18.49 to $23.99
- Weight: SM 0.4 ounces, MD 0.5 ounces, LG 0.5 ounces
Stake Bag with Velcro
Those who are unfamiliar with Dyneema often underestimate this material, expecting it to be flimsy. But surprisingly … it’s not! Dyneema is actually more puncture-resistant than Nylon. This is one reason why the Pond’s Edge Stake Bag with Velcro is a great addition to any backpacking setup. It’s extremely durable, which is a necessity for hikers who are tough on their gear (like me).
A Dyneema stake bag helps to keep dirt and goo out of your pack — while keeping your tent stakes organized and contained. The velcro closure system is effective and simple to use, and pull tabs on both sides of the bag make opening and closing easy.
Pros
- Side loops
- Waterproof
- Ample storage space
- No snag
- Secure closure
Cons
- A tad longer than necessary
Specs
- Cost: $15
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
Bottom Line
Going ultralight is a lot easier when you’re investing in gear that’s built to be sturdy while slashing ounces — and, in this regard, Pond’s Edge UL Accessories fit the bill. Made by hand in a Wisconsin farmhouse, quality construction along with practical applications make Pond’s Edge gear worthy of a place in your pack.
