Pack Hacker

Overview

Pack Hacker is a media company providing reviews, guides, and packing lists for travel gear, with a focus on backpacks and accessories for digital nomads, road warriors, and minimalist travelers. It operates in the travel and tourism content space, testing products through real-world use and offering buying advice. Acquired by AllGear Digital in 2024, it complements a portfolio of outdoor and active-lifestyle brands.

History

Pack Hacker was founded in 2017 by Tom Wahlin, a former tech-industry designer who began full-time travel in 2015 and shared his backpacking insights via a popular Medium article. The company grew to achieve seven-figure revenue through content, reviews, and a membership launched in 2020, recovering from pandemic-related traffic drops via content pivots. It remained bootstrapped until its acquisition by AllGear Digital in January 2024, with the deal signed in December 2023.

Manufacturing

Pack Hacker does not manufacture products; it is a media and review platform that tests and evaluates third-party travel gear.

Notable Products

• Pack Hacker Membership - Subscription service launched in 2020 providing exclusive gear guides, packing lists, and in-depth reviews.
• Travel Gear Reviews - Detailed evaluations of backpacks, bags, and accessories based on long-term real-world testing.
• Packing Lists - Scenario-specific lists for trips, helping users select and organize gear efficiently.

Reputation

Pack Hacker is regarded by travelers as a reliable source for honest, experience-based gear reviews, particularly for carry-on and minimalist setups. Enthusiasts value its practical testing methodology and detailed comparisons. Some note a shift post-acquisition toward broader outdoor content alignment, but core travel focus remains consistent.