DAY TRIPPER
If your passion is touring, get the nimble Drift. “It’s the perfect size and profile for the typical day trip,” said a tester who put miles on the pack in the Colorado backcountry. Skis or snowboards strap on easily and stay rock-solid, with three different carry options. On the way down, the compression straps worked to create a compact bundle that felt like a part of my body. 3 lbs; gregorypacks.com
Bonus: The shoulder strap’s hydration-tube sleeve is insulated.
Bummer: We had to dig to reach gear at the bottom of the 1,300-cubic-inch pack—a back-access zipper would be a nice addition.