Workhorse
The 29-liter Mazama doesn’t have any whiz-bang features. Rather, words like “solid,” “sturdy,” and “intuitive” kept popping up on tester cards. Plush padding on the hipbelt and shoulder straps made it comfortable for long hauls, it’s reinforced in all the right places (including the waterresistant zippers), and multiple side compression straps keep the load balanced and tidy, especially when you’ve packed light. Snowboards lash on easily right down the middle; skis go on vertically or diagonally (although some testers’ skis were too fat for the latter). The only weakness: Getting into the main compartment when you’re carrying your skis or snowboard requires some unbuckling and futzing. 2.5 lbs;
COMFORT: 4.5
EASE OF USE: 4