VERSATILITY CHAMP
“Exactly what a daypack should be,” said one tester—and that’s the best way to describe the Laguna. With the ability to expand from 500 to 800 cubic inches, the Laguna’s just big enough to fit a shell, snacks, and a few extras. The airflow system’s mesh padding doesn’t overwhelm the pack but still keeps your back from soaking. With an earbud port and pockets and gear organizers of every shape and size, we took it scrambling, mountain biking, resort skiing, and, of course, hiking. 800 cu in; hydrapak.com
Bonus: It comes with a hydration system that features a rolltop closure and removable tube, making it easy to clean. 2.3 lbs (with bladder).