I canā€™t believe Iā€™m saying this, but Iā€™ve been wearing a fanny pack lately. And not ironically, as part of a retro costume with roller skates, leg warmers, or a boom box on my shoulder.

Iā€™d been seeing them on the streets and trails for a while, but I had successfully fought the resurgence of the 1980s trend, even making a face a few times when seeing other people wearing these silly little pouches attached to a single piece of webbing. Then I decided to try one myself. Actually, I tried three.

“Fanny packsā€ are small pouches that are meant to be worn around the waist. In the ā€˜80s, they offered quick and easy access to things like cassette tapes and Lip Smacker Lip Gloss. With their resurgence, American companies seem to have realized that, in Great Britain, ā€œfannyā€ means ā€œfemale genitals.ā€ Wisely, these packs are now marketed as ā€œwaist packsā€ and ā€œhip packs.ā€ The smartest angle Iā€™ve found is calling them ā€œsling bags.ā€

When I gave in to wearing the retro style, I limited my focus to bags made by outdoor companies. I set out to test three such packs. I found one designed for running that can double as an around-town bag; one with bright color paneling that makes it look like it came straight from 1982; and one monochromatic, subtly branded, simple pack I figured I could use and somewhat fly under the radar.

After wearing the convenient pouches on adventures and daily errands for eight weeks, Iā€™ve come to the conclusion that what I thought were silly little bags are actually practical means for carrying essentials and keeping me from taking too much stuff wherever I go. I get it, and Iā€™m inā€”but on my terms: Iā€™m wearing them over my shoulder more often than around my waist. The pack style may harken from a previous time, but that doesnā€™t mean it canā€™t evolve. For some reason, wearing a small bag over one shoulder so it sits midback seems infinitely cooler than wearing it resting on your bum. (My teenage son agrees.)

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Janji Multipass Sling Bag

This bag built for runners has been on my radar for a couple of years. Itā€™s slated as a ā€œtechnical running sling bag,ā€ which, to me, sounded like an oxymoron. Over 35 years of running, Iā€™ve been through all the various evolutions of running storage: handheld water bottles, waistpacks that carry 20-ounce bottles sideways or house a collection of tiny, four-ounce water bottles, traditional running backpacks, and now hydration vests. Iā€™ve written about streamlined waistpacks that donā€™t carry hydration (and am a fan of them). But a sling bag? For running?

While this bag can be clipped around the waist, its three-liter volume immediately makes me start singing ā€œBaby Got Backā€ in my head when I wear it as a fanny pack, which doesnā€™t last very long before I switch it to sling mode.

I purposefully took this bag on a trip to Los Angeles where I knew Iā€™d be combining a run with a jump in the ocean. I wore a bikini under my running clothes and zipped my phone inside the bagā€™s pocket. I then shoved a simple sarong through the ingenious storage space between the waistbelt and the pocketā€”flexible in size via a discreet bungee cord system. I buckled up, utilizing the main strap to wear the bag in sling style and the extra strap to secure the bag more firmly against my body. And I ran down ā€œthe Strandā€ (a concrete path) between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.

I was a little self-conscious, running with what, in my head, was still a ā€œfanny packā€ā€”a small pouch attached to a belt. But, two things soon had me not caring how I looked: A lot of crazy shit goes down on the Strand, and this pack was super comfortable and functional. It didnā€™t bounce up and down while I ran but stayed close to my body. The mesh back of the two-liter main pocket remained airy while I sweated. And my sarong stayed put until I pulled it out to dry off after jumping in the ocean post-run. Iā€™m sold on this bag and see myself using it mostly as a running/sling bag while traveling.

Cotopaxi Del Dia 1.5 Hip Pack

The thing I love, love, love about the Cotopaxi Del Dia 1.5 Hip Pack is that itā€™s made out of material scraps left over from the construction of other Cotopaxi products. Instead of leftover factory scraps ending up in trash bins, and then landfills, they get repurposed into something new in Cotopaxiā€™s Del Dia collection. That multi-colored look isnā€™t just decoration, itā€™s meaningful designā€”scraps assembled however each person sewing them in a factory in the Philippines chooses.

The Del Dia hip pack comes in a 3L size and the 1.5L size Iā€™ve been using. I like the small volume because the point of packs like this, in my opinion, is to not carry around a giant bag. The 1.5L comfortably holds a phone, small wallet, lip balm, car keys, and snack barā€”generally what I have with me when running errands around town. I donā€™t use this one as much because Iā€™m self-conscious about the bright colorsā€”I tend to dress more neutralā€”but its size and pocketing are functional.

While I enjoy the bold environmental statement of these packs, I also love that the Del Dia Hip Packs are currently available in a monochromatic styleā€”made out of all black material scraps but still with the companyā€™s signature colorful zippers and straps. Although not a patchwork of colors, like the regular Del Dia pack, the exact configuration and coloration of the pack purchased is a surprise, since theyā€™re each made from scraps and designed by the factory worker doing the sewing. In retrospect, the monochromatic would have worked better for me.

Arcā€™teryx Granville Crossbody Bag

Iā€™m not someone who likes to call her bag a ā€œpurse.ā€ I generally either carry around a small, somewhat stylish (IMO) wallet, or a giant bag thatā€™s more of a bucket full of random working mom stuff: my fold-up Crazy Creek chair, a water bottle, all the junk mentioned above, and occasionally, my laptop.

When I donā€™t need all the big items, but my day requires more than the wallet, Iā€™ve been enjoying using this not-bad-looking bag from Arcā€™teryx. Itā€™s one muted, neutral color. (I have a tan version that is discontinued, but is similar to the gray one still available.) Itā€™s made out of very lightweight, durable, water-resistant nylon ripstop that, from afar, might even look like leather. And the only branding on the bag is the very cool skeletal dinosaur/bird-type thing that is the Arcā€™teryx logo. I feel like I can get away wearing this as a sling bag that doesnā€™t scream ā€œfanny pack!ā€ or even ā€œpurse!ā€ for that matter.

I do wish the zipper and strap were the same color as the bag, but the zipper is waterproof, and I appreciate its functionality. The Aerofoam monofilament mesh panel on the backside keeps the bag from causing sweat when Iā€™m hiking or walking in heat, but also ensures the Granville Crossbody looks like outdoor gear instead of allowing it to seamlessly transition to casual, even fashionable, use.

All that said, this is the bag that actually converted me to a believer in hip packs. Iā€™ve been using it to run errands and love the easy access to my wallet and keys while wearing it as a sling bag. I love how itā€™s hands-free and stays put, so I can do things like buy bags of garden dirt without a shoulder bag annoyingly slipping off, slamming into my hands and spilling its contents. And unlike bigger bags, this sling bag is allowed in college sports stadiums and concerts (so far), which has also proved handy.

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Winter adventure is complex by nature. As the weather gets rougher and less predictable, your gear list grows longer. Meanwhile, margins for error shrink. A good winter pack can keep up with the extra demand without faltering in treacherous terrain. Of course, thatā€™s easier said than done. We sorted through 15 different packs to find ones that actually handle the strain of winter. Here are our top picks.

The Winners at a Glance

• Most Versatile: 5.11 Skyweight 36
• Lightest: Rab Latok 20
• Best All-Around: Exped Impulse 20
• Best °Ā“Ē³¾±š²Ōā€™s Fit: Gregory °Ā“Ē³¾±š²Ōā€™s Targhee 24
• Most Durable: Ortovox Peak 42S/45
• Most Adjustable: Granite Gear Virga 3 55

The Reviews: The Best Winter Trail Packs of 2024

Most Versatile: 5.11 Skyweight 36 ($200)

Weight: 2.4 lbs. (S/M)
Size: S/M, L/XL
Pros: Decent durability, cushy hip belt, included rain cover
Cons: No hipbelt pockets, backpanel feels stiff without winter layers on

A pack for all seasons, the Skyweight 36ā€™s combination of weather-resistant materials, light weight, and easy gear access make it just as at home on long hikes as it is traversing snowy slopes. Thanks to an internal perimeter frame, tester Lauren Danilek was able to load her Skyweight with up to 30 pounds on a winter hike along Ridgway, Coloradoā€™s Escarpment Trail. The frame, which is gently curved to mimic the contours of the back, seamlessly transferred the weight from her shoulders to a pair of broad, generously contoured hipbelt wings. ā€œThe belt was so dang comfortable, I forgot it was hugging my hips at all,ā€ Danilek lauded.

Testers were overall pleased with the organization. An external shove-it pocket accommodated rain shells, and twin bottle pockets each fit a 48-ounce Nalgene. Gear straps along the base let us affix a sit pad or extra layers, and a full U-zip opens up the packā€™s front panel for easy gear access. One drawback: there are no hipelt pockets, though you can purchase chest pouches separately, starting at $20. However, the Skyweight was the only pack in the test to come with a rain fly (200-denier, PU-coated polyester) that easily deflected both melting snow and overhanging tree branches. Itā€™s also neon orange, a nice safety feature.

The rest of the pack, made from 330-denier ripstop nylon, proved equally abrasion-resistant. ā€œI was not able to tear this thing, despite scratching it on desert rocks and trees in Coloradoā€™s McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area,ā€ Danilek says.

Bottom line: An good all-around pack for four-season adventure.

Lightest: Rab Latok 20 ($155)

Weight: 1 lb.
Size: one size
Pros: Lightweight, durable, sway-free in technical terrain
Cons: No avalanche tool pocket

You can take one of two approaches to winter: bring a ton of layers and commit to moving slowly, or pack light and never stop. The Latok 20 facilitates the latter approach, combining a svelte top-loading packbag with a running-style vest to keep essentials at hand. Dual chest pockets fit a phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and a dayā€™s worth of snacks, which meant testers could grind out miles without having to doff the pack. A side zipper gives access to a small valuables pocket, and dual ice ax loops keep tools secure on long approaches. Tester Ryan Irvin appreciated the no-frills floorplan (and resulting light weight) for quick-hit snowboard missions and technical climbing in the Alaskan backcountryā€”though he missed having an avalanche-tool pocket. The streamlined silhouette also kept the pack close during winter bushwhacks.

ā€œEven smashing through alder thickets and scampering across frozen sections of riverbed, the load felt secure the whole time,ā€ Irvin reported after an ice-climbing mission in Alaskaā€™s Eklutna Canyon. The close-to-back fit meant the pack never wobbled or swayed, even on steep snowboard descents with 20 pounds on board. The Latok owes its outsized load-carrying capacity to its broad shoulder straps, which spread the weight across the chest and shoulders, and simple webbing hipbelt, which adds stability without bulk. A lightweight, pre-curved backpanel helped the pack retain its shape, though testers did experience some barrelling when the Latok was stuffed full. The pack ended the season without any tears, thanks to the 210-denier ripstop Corduraā€™s superior abrasion resistance. And testers found that the materialā€™s DWR-coating easily shed snow, even on wet spring days.

Bottom line: An ultra-light, weatherproof, alpine-style pack for winter hiking and climbing

Best All-Around: Exped Impulse 20 ($140)

Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Size: one size
Pros: Water-repellent and durable with decent load-carrying capacity
Cons: External organization is lacking

Itā€™s hard to find a burly winter pack at a budget-friendly price, but the Impulse 20 ticks both boxes without skipping a beat. The Impulseā€™s lightweight, 210-denier HD ripstop nylon lasted a full season of adventure travel and brushy hiking without any signs of wear. (HD indicates a tighter weave, which boosts abrasion resistance.) A PU-carbonate coating kept contents dryā€”even after tester Rory Brown put it through three hours of steady rain on a hike near Suffolk, England.

Suspension is decent for a pack this size; Brown reported all-day comfort, even loaded with 22 pounds on a 15-mile winter trek along the English coast. Credit goes to rudimentary load lifters and a stiff PE foam board in the backpanel, which helped distribute weight to the lightly padded hipbelt. Both the belt and board are removableā€”a feature alpine climbers appreciated for weight-savings and harness compatibility.

The pack clamshells open via a front zip. The large zipper pulls are mitt-friendly, though some of the smaller buckles were tough to operate with gloves on. Most testers loved the external stretch-mesh shove-it pocket for gloves and shell layers, but organizational fanatics wished for bigger hipbelt pockets (they each fit lip balm and a couple of granola bars, but no smartphone). An aluminum toggle accommodates a single ice ax, and a small top pocket fits a map, headlamp, and other essentials. Ding: While each stretch-mesh side pocket easily fits a 1-liter bottle, theyā€™re impossible to reach while hiking.

Bottom line: A tough, inexpensive grab-and-go bag for multisport adventure.

Best °Ā“Ē³¾±š²Ōā€™s Fit: Gregory °Ā“Ē³¾±š²Ōā€™s Targhee 24 ($180)

Weight: 2.66 lbs.
Size: one size
Pros: Durable, well-organized, ultra-comfy
Cons: Heavy for a daypack

The secret to clocking long days in the backcountry is having a pack that actually fits. And if youā€™ve got curves, you know menā€™s packs donā€™t often cut it. Enter the Targhee 24. The padded belt is angled to contour a wider hip and narrower waist, providing a snug fit around the tops of the iliac crests and distributing up to 20-pound loads across the entire hip girdle. Likewise, the shoulder harness is narrower at the top but curves outward before it hits the armpits, accommodating breasts without any awkward squishing or chafing. Combine that with a high density polyethylene-reinforced backpanel thatā€™s more naturally curved to a womanā€™s shapeā€”and a lightweight, steel-alloy perimeter frameā€”and youā€™ve got a system that transfers weight seamlessly to the hips without swaying, bulging, or barrelling.

The Targhee also holds its own in the durability department. Aluminum ski-carry buckles and ice axe toggles promise to last a lifetime. The main fabric is a 210-denier HD nylon, and the base is reinforced with a 630-denier versionā€”burlier than youā€™ll find on most winter daypacks. A 1000-denier Cordura front panel provided extra defense against sharp ski edges whenever we rigged them up for diagonal carries. We also appreciated the PFC-free DWR coating, which easily shed the Pacific Northwestā€™s wet, clumpy snow.

Kelly McNeil, an Oregon-based guide, also praised the Targheeā€™s organization. A U-shaped zipper flays open the backpanel, which made it easy for McNeil to grab layers during transitions. Pick sleeves and aluminum toggles accommodate dual ice axes, and a deployable helmet net adds storage. A zippered goggle pocket and external avalanche-tool pouch round out the feature set.

Bottom line: A versatile daypack designed specifically for a womanā€™s shape.

Most Durable: Ortovox Peak 42S/45 ($260)

Weight: 3.5 lbs. (L)
Size: 45L, 42SL
Pros: Durable, weather-resistant, reliable in technical terrain
Cons: Heavy

The Peak 42S/45ā€™s burly, 420-denier recycled ripstop polyamide made it the most durable pack we tested this season: it emerged without holes even after six months of ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and hut-tripping everywhere from Yellowstone National Park to Chamonix. Ice screws never punctured from within, and A-framed skis couldnā€™t slice the burly outer fabric. The polyamide was also surprisingly waterproof: tester and guide Jeanelle Carpentier reports that it easily deflected heavy, wet snow during a storm in southwest Montana.

The Peak also excelled at load carry. A V-shaped aluminum frame transfers weight to the center of an EVA foam-padded hipbelt. Add an anti-barreling cross-stay and a thin polymer frame sheet, and testers were able to carry up to 30 pounds of overnight gear without discomfort. Fully loaded, the Peak still felt nimble: the pack always rode close to the back, even while testers boot-packed over rocky ribs and carved out steep ski descents in the French Alps.

In that kind of terrain, we were happy to have organizational features that kept gear handy, like the dual hipbelt pockets, which each fit snacks and sunscreen.. ā€œGoing over the Col de Labby [in France], even with skis still on the pack, the side-zipper entry allowed me to grab a puffy without taking the Peak off,ā€ one tester reported. Hauling technical equipment was a cinch, too, thanks to a crampon attachment system, ice ax toggles, a helmet net, and an avy tool pocket. Downside: all those features made this the heaviest pack in the test.

Bottom line: A burly option for multiday ski trips and technical winter climbing

Most Adjustable: Granite Gear Virga3 55 ($200)

Weight: 1.7 lbs. (unisex M)
Size: S-L (unisex), S-M (women)
Pros: Lightweight, durable, extremely adjustable
Cons: Not up for heavier winter loads

Ultralight hiking can feel like an exclusive club, but the Virga3 makes it everyoneā€™s game. This pack offers a stunning four inches of torso-length adjustment, 17 inches of hipbelt play, and two torso-width settings. Broad-chested testers appreciated the breathing room, and small-waisted hikers were able to achieve a snug fit, permitting some weight transfer to the hips even without an internal frame. As a result, testers were able to pack the Virga 3 with up to 20 pounds of gear for snowshoeing overnights.

Organization is impressive for a frameless: compression straps let us attach snowshoes, and dual trekking pole loops came in handy on steeps. A dorsal stretch-mesh pocket let testers stash layers (and a bottle of Baileyā€™s), and dual hipbelt pockets each fit lip balm, a granola bar, and sunscreen. Cinch closures on the roomy lateral pockets were a plus. ā€œI was able to cram those pockets full and feel good about not losing anything bending over,ā€ tester Robin Mino reported after a three-day snowshoe on Coloradoā€™s Barr Trail.

The packā€™s mix of 100- and 210-denier nylon proved both durable and water-resistant. Tester Matt Wise took his Virga3 on a rainy trek in Washingtonā€™s Illahee Preserve and found the packā€™s contents bone-dry upon return. ā€œIt held up better than the rain jacket I was wearing,ā€ he said. The same material survived several days of postholing and bushwhacking in Coloradoā€™s Indian Peaks Wilderness without sustaining a single tear.

Bottom line: A capacious hauler for hut-trippers of all sizes.

How to Buy

Winter adventure demands more gear, layers, and calories than three-season outingsā€”which means step one is picking the right pack size. Generally, we recommend choosing a bag thatā€™s 10 to 20 liters larger than your summer day pack. After volume, consider fit. The hipbelt should wrap the tops of your hip bones, and the shoulder straps should just perch atop your shoulders; you should be able to fit two to three fingers between shoulder and strap. Before you commit, we recommend going into your local gear shop and trying on several packs. Load them with your winter gear and wear your winter kit. Check that all zipper pulls and fastenings are operable with gloves on, and make sure you can reach all your essentials on-the-go.

Testing Stats

• Total miles: 325
• Total vertical feet: 53,500
• Coldest temp: -14Ā°F (Yellowstone National Park)
• Hottest temp: 82Ā°F (Grand Canyon National Park)
• Highest elevation: 12,000 (Barr Camp, CO)
• Highest winds: 40 mph (Thompson Pass, AK)
• Heaviest Load: 35 lbs (Mt. Washington, NH)

How We Tested

At ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų, we hold winter packs to a high bar. In our search for the best, we first called in samples from top pack designers across the Northern Hemisphere. We prioritized models between 20 and 55 liters, with robust suspensions and burly materials capable of handling heavy winter loads across a variety of terrain. Then, we distributed those samples among a dozen winter testers, ranging from international climbing guides to weekend warriors. They spent the season chasing storms and frozen flows as far afield as Alaska, New Hampshire, and the Italian Alps, writing home about all the bestā€”and worstā€”features they discovered along the way. At the end of the season, any bag with a busted zipper, gaping hole, or thoughtless layout got tossed. Of the packs that remained, we chose these six as our top picks for the full spectrum of winter adventure.

Meet Our Testers

Jeanelle Carpentier () is an Arizona-based trekking guide, expedition leader, and naturalist. She has guided trips everywhere from Nepal to Peru to the Wyoming backcountry and has lived in several countries across the world. When sheā€™s not exploring the world on foot, you can find her paddling a packraft or bike touring across the US.

Kelly McNeil is an international ski guide and a professor of health and human performance at Eastern Oregon University. Rice discovered her love for the outdoors while growing up near Wyomingā€™s Bighorn Mountains. She now studies ways to use public health protocols in improving avalanche education.

Ryan Irvin () is a snowboarder, carpenter, and professional Christmas-light installer. He learned to snowboard and splitboard while attending college near Mt. Hood, Oregon. After spending more than a decade shredding slopes across the Pacific Northwest, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where heā€™s now working through a new (and ever-growing) list of winter objectives.

The post The Best Winter Trail Packs of 2024 appeared first on ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų Online.

From mountaintop quests to treks around the block, your day pack is your constant companion. Still, few of us are as discerning as we should be when it comes to choosing something we spend so much time with. This season, donā€™t settle. Choose one of these top-notch haulers instead.

The Winners at a Glance

Best Organization: Rab Veil 6L

Most Comfortable Carry: Black Diamond Pursuit 15

Best Plus-Size Pack: Gregory Miko/Maya 20 Plus Size

Best Summit Pack: Montane Trailblazer LT 20

Most Durable: FjƤllrƤven Kajka 35

Best All-Around: Mystery Ranch Bridger 35

How We Test

Products Tested: 12

Total Testers: 15

Total Vertical Feet: 97,800

Total Miles: 447

Coldest Temp: 32Ā°F, Grotto Mountain, Canmore, Canada (Ella Nuttelman)

Hottest Temp: 100Ā°F, New River Gorge State Park, WV (Ashley Manning)

Highest Elevation: 13,528 feet, Kings Peak, UT (Mark Maleski)

Highest Wind: 50 mph, Kesugi Ridge, AK (Ella Nuttelman)

Heaviest Load: 40 lbs, Kings Peak, UT (Mark Maleski)

Our testing process starts with sorting through all the flimsy bags, lifestyle packs, and adventure travel luggage to find the true gems: outdoor-minded packs with serious load-carrying chops, durable materials, and the thoughtful organizational features adventurers need. This year, we winnowed our list from about 30 to just 12 contenders, then shipped those out to 15 testers across five countries and seven states. Packs that ended the season with busted back panels or gaping holes got the axe. Those that helped us tackle our summer bucket lists in style made the cut. Meet the best day packs of 2023.

Meet Our Testers

started backpacking in college and has been wearing a pack of some kind pretty much ever since. Sheā€™s a former Backpacker editor and co-author of the hiking guidebook Colorado Rockies and is currently based in Boulder, Colorado. Sheā€™s been managing the packs category for Backpacker since 2019, and has developed very strong opinions about hipbelt pockets.

is µž²¹³¦°ģ±č²¹³¦°ģ±š°łā€™s women’s shells category manager. Sheā€™s been testing gear for more than a decade and knows more about high-tech materials and waterproofing technologies than most folks in the industry. Sheā€™s currently based in Missoula, Montana where she conducts most of her testing with her two kids in tow.

is a science writer, naturalist, and PhD student at North Carolina State University. Gear-testing claim to fame: he once put a waterproof daypack to the test by strapping it on and swimming up a creek. When heā€™s not in school, you can find Allf scouring the North Carolina woods for snakes, trail-running, or busting out long backpacking loops in the Appalachians.

The Reviews: The Best Day Packs of 2023

Best Organization: Rab Veil 6L ($165)

Weight: 8 oz. (M)
Size: S-L (unisex)
Pros: Tons of pockets and wide, supportive shoulder straps
Cons: No womenā€™s fit, below-average breathability

Itā€™s not often gear samples get nicknames. But after six months of wearing the Veil 6 for everything from day hiking to wildlife monitoring to adventure travel, our testers started referring to it as simply ā€œThe ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų Vest.ā€ The moniker couldnā€™t be more accurate: with six pockets on the chest harness and four larger pouches spread across the back and sides of the pack, it could easily fit sunglasses, a headlamp, phone, beer cans, climbing shoes, snacks, water, and raingear. In other words, the ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų Vest kept us prepared for anything the weekend could throw at us. Credit that outsized capacity to the pocketsā€™ springy (but surprisingly strong) stretch mesh, which allowed the pack to swell to 10 liters of volume. The main chassis is made of a similar, albeit sturdier, ripstop mesh thatā€™s cut on a bias to both reduce vertical stretch and maximize lateral stretch. As a result, we never had to worry about saggingā€”even when the pack was stuffed with 12 pounds of gearā€”and never felt restricted by the contoured fit. ā€œI used the Veil for a week of hiking and trail-running in southern Iceland. Even when I was charging up hills or flying down hairpin turns, I forgot I was wearing it,ā€ says category manager Corey Buhay, crediting the wide shoulder straps and body-hugging fit for the sway-free support. The only ding pertained to the packā€™s breathability: ā€œMy back definitely got sweaty on long hikes,ā€ Buhay said.

Bottom Line: Perfect for fast-moving hikers who want to be able to access all their gear without ever having to take their pack off.

Most Comfortable Carry: Black Diamond Pursuit 15 ($150)

Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz. (menā€™s M), 1 lb. 8 oz. (womenā€™s M)
Size: S-L (menā€™s), S-L (womenā€™s)
Pros: Sway-free carry, good organization
Cons: Loose side pockets, sub-par breathability

To put it simply: this is the most stable, secure 15-liter daypack weā€™ve ever tested. °æ³Ü³Ł²õ¾±»å±šā€™s shell category manager, Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, loaded her Pursuit with 15 pounds of gear for a summit hike up Montanaā€™s Mt. Sentinel and experienced zero stiffness or sway. ā€œSticks like glue to my lumbar spine and follows my every move,ā€ she gushed. Thank the dual sternum strapsā€”a common feature on running vests but rare on day packsā€”as well as the broad shoulder straps and hipbelt. Both of the latter connect seamlessly to the backpanel and provide a continuous wrap around the body. This system also pulls the stiff, PE framesheet tight to the spine, keeping loads vertically stacked and maximizing transfer to the hips. The only downside to the backpanelā€™s close-to-body fit was its substandard breathability; testers found themselves swamped out in temps higher than 80 degrees. Still, the great organization more than made up for it. Four shoulder-strap pockets meant testers could keep snacks and bear spray close at hand while on the moveā€”a feature Kwak-Hefferan appreciated during longer hikes in the Montana backcountry. (Although the lateral pockets are a little loose; slender bottles are prone to falling out.) We also appreciated the light-but-strong 140-denier nylon/150-denier polyester blend, which survived a season of scuffs in both Montana and New Mexico.

Bottom Line: A very stable and feature-rich daypack.

Best Plus-Size Pack: Gregory Miko/Maya 20 Plus Size ($130)

Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz. (womenā€™s), 2 lbs. 4 oz. (menā€™s)
Size: one size (menā€™s), one size (womenā€™s)
Pros: Inclusive fit, decent breathability, good load-carrying capacity
Cons: Some testers found its narrow shape hard to pack

Plenty of packs come with extended hipbelts, but few are built from the ground-up with bigger bodies in mind. Enter the Miko/Maya 20. Designed specifically for plus-size hikers, the Miko/Maya features wider angles on the shoulder harness, adjusted buckle locations for easier access, and pulled-forward hipbelt fins. The result is a secure wrap, even on wider hips, and pockets that remain easily accessible no matter your body shape. The improved fit maximizes not just comfort but load transfer: West Virginia hiker Ashley Manning was able to take a 20-pound load for two mile out-and-back on the Old Kaymoor Miners Trail in New River Gorge National Park and experienced zero chafing, rubbing, or sway. Credit goes to the multi-density foam backpanel, which provides enough rigidity to stabilize heavier loads without barreling or buckling. Mesh-wrapped channels in the foam kept the Miko/Maya breathable, even in 80-degree West Virginia humidity. We had no complaints about durability: a 210-denier high-density nylon lines the pack bottom, and a water-repellant 100-denier version comprises the main pack bag. Over the course of the summer, Manning hiked just about every trail in the New River Gorgeā€”including some with mandatory bushwhacks and butt-slides. And yet, no holes. ā€œIt still looks almost brand-new,ā€ she reports.

Bottom Line: A supportive, well-organized bag designed specifically for bigger bodies

Best Summit Pack: Montane Trailblazer LT 20 ($139)

Weight: 11 oz.
Size: one size (unisex)
Pros: Lightweight, great organization
Cons: Fiddly buckles, sub-standard abrasion-resistance

The Trailblazer LT is one of the lightest 20L packs weā€™ve seen. And unlike a lot of ultralight summit packs, itā€™s bursting with organizational options, making it the perfect companion for both side trips from basecamp and standalone quick-hit missions. Trail runner and new mom Ella Nuttelman was able to fit snacks and sunscreen in the zippered vest-style pockets (each of which will hold a 500-liter soft flask) and bear spray and extra water in the side pockets. Her max weight clocked in just under 10 pounds (average for most fast-paced day outings), and she found the broad shoulder harness and air-mesh hipbelt were more than enough to disperse and stabilize the load, even while tiptoeing across the Yukonā€™s exposed Angelcomb Ridge. Between that outing and several others across Canada and Alaska this season, the Trailblazer has seen a fair bit of the north, with few scuffs to show for it. That could be due to its strategic use of materials: the main pack body sports a light-but-strong 40-denier silnylon. A proprietary polyester mesh on the shoulder straps and back panel helped promote breathability even on humid 70 degree days in Canmore, Alberta. One ding: though lightweight, the Trailblazerā€™s tiny buckles are tough to operate with gloves on.

Bottom Line: A great grab-and-go pack for peak-bagging trips and side missions

Most Durable: FjƤllrƤven Kajka 35 ($275)

Weight: 4 lbs. 12 oz. (S/M)
Size: S/M and M/L (unisex)
Pros: Top-notch durability, eco-friendly materials
Cons: Weight, poor waterproofing, sub-par breathability

The Kajka 35ā€™s plentiful pockets, rugged practicality, and timeless look led one tester to compare it to a pair of cargo shorts. And heā€™s not wrong (except maybe about the timeless look). The pack sports three toplid pockets, a single hipbelt pocket, and two water bottle pockets. Because all are made of Vinylon Fā€”FjƤllrƤvenā€™s signature burly synthetic canvasā€”we never had to worry about ripped or overstretched pockets. ā€œI dragged this thing through a whole mess of greenbriars coming down Shortoff Mountain, and there are no visible tears,ā€ says PhD student Bradley Allf, who used the Kajka 35 to backpack the 30-mile Grand Loop through North Carolinaā€™s Linville Gorge. His load clocked in at 25 pounds, a testament to the frameā€™s strong-but-flexible birch-wood stays. (They connect to the hipbelt just behind the ilia for a wider, more stable suspension than youā€™ll find on many other daypacks.) While we loved the durability of the thick canvas, it did have its downsides: it adds weight, and itā€™s pretty absorbent. The fabric wets out quickly, even with its included rain cover, and though the mesh-wrapped foam on the backpanel and shoulder straps provided plenty of cushioning, it wasnā€™t breathable. ā€œMaybe not a pack for the Southeast,ā€ Allf notes.

Bottom Line: A burly bag for bushwhackers, four-season adventurers, and anyone who never wants to have to buy a replacement pack.

Best All-Around: Mystery Ranch Bridger 35 ($289)

Weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz. (menā€™s M), 3 lbs. 11 oz. (womenā€™s M)
Size: S-XL (menā€™s), XS-L (womenā€™s)
Pros: Superior load-carrying capacity, comfort, durability
Cons: Weight and price

The Bridger 35 knows no compromises. With the organization of a running vest, the load-carrying capacity of an overnight pack, and the close-to-back fit of a truly athletic daypack, it emerged as our top choice for gear-intensive, all-day adventures this season. Thanks to a 4-millimeter, spring-steel perimeter frame (a direct descendant from Mystery Ranchā€™s backpacking frames) and a cushy, EVA-foam-padded hipbelt, we were able to load the Bridger 35 with up to 40 pounds. In fact, Utah tester Mark Maleski carried that weight for a 16-mile hike this summerā€”and reported zero rubbing or next-day soreness. Organizational features hit all the marks: chest pockets, top lid pocket, hipbelt pockets, and dual stretch-mesh side pockets. Our only real feature complaint was that the compression straps had to be unbuckled to access the zipper. As for durability? The Bridgerā€™s main pack body uses a 100-denier recycled ripstop Robic nylon (the first-ever fully recycled high tenacity nylon to be used in a pack), while the boot boasts a 330-denier ripstop Robic. Both fabrics emerged with zero tears after a season of bushwhacking and Colorado ridge scrambling. The Bridgerā€™s biggest drawbacks? Weightā€”and price. It was both the heaviest and the most expensive day pack in the testing pool this season.

Bottom Line: Ideal for overpackers and outdoor professionals who need to hump big loads.

How to Buy a Day Pack

Having the right day pack can make or break a hike. Here’s how to choose wisely.

Fit

Just because you’re carrying less weight doesn’t mean fit is any less important. Unless you know your torso is of average length (usually 18 to 19 inchesā€”a men’s medium or a women’s medium/large), beware of day packs that come in only one gender and size. We recommend going into your local gear shop to get fitted professionally or, at the very least, trying on several fully-loaded packs in the store before you buy. Make sure the hip belt wraps your hips securely enough to take the weight off your shoulders, and that you don’t hit your head on the top lid when you look at the ceiling.

Suspension

Plenty of day packs come without any real suspension to speak of, but most hikers find they’re more comfortable with a well-padded hipbelt and at least some kind of rigidity in the back panelā€”whether thatā€™s an actual metal frame or just a rigid foam frame sheet. These features help transfer the force of your load to your hips, which can prevent back and shoulder pain on long hikes.

Capacity

Practice loading your usual kit into the pack before you buy to make sure it all will fit. Note that 15 to 20 liters is often standard for summer hiking, but four-season adventurers may need at least 30 liters to accommodate bulky winter layers.

Features

Feature preferences are highly personal. Consider whether youā€™d rather to take lots of sit-down breaks, or snack and drink on the go. If the latter, look for hip or chest pockets. Make sure you can reach your water without having to take the pack off. If youā€™re the kind of person whoā€™s constantly swapping layers, prioritize stretch-mesh pockets or a dorsal bungee net or shove-it sleeve.

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The answer to the question, ā€œAre fanny packs still cool?ā€ will always be a resounding yes for meā€”Iā€™m Team Hip Pack all the way (though I am aware that others are not so sure). Iā€™ll still reach for a backpack when Iā€™m going for a long hike or have my kid with me, but for most quick outings, I think a fanny pack is the way to go. But for such a ubiquitous piece of gear, theyā€™re not all created equally.

What Features Make Up the Best Fanny Pack?

A good fanny pack should sit nicely against the body, not pull down (or ride up), pinch, or rub, and it should have the right features and capacity for whatever you plan to do with it. A nice size for everyday essentials is in the one to three-liter range, and for moderate day outings, three to five liters is typically enough volume. For whatever you like to do, here are the ten best fanny packs that get the job doneā€”and look good doing it.

Best for Everyday

FjƤllrƤven ±«±ō±¹Ć¶ Medium Hip Pack ($55)

Volume: 2 liters
Pockets: One main compartment and one security pocket

For carrying everyday essentials, the is the only fanny pack youā€™d ever need. Itā€™s functional without feeling over-designed and comes in solid muted colors that will never go out of style. The unique shape lays comfortably against the body, and looks good worn crossbody or on the waist. The main compartment has a two-way zipper and an internal mesh sleeve for organization, and the zippered security pocket on the back keeps important items like cards or a passport safe. The durable material is waterproof enough should you get caught in the rain, and though the zipper isnā€™t watertight, thereā€™s a storm flap for added protection. The ±«±ō±¹Ć¶ has enough room to carry what you need for a quick hike, running errands, or traveling through the airport, but if space is a concern, thereā€™s a ($65).

Best for Travel

Cotopaxi Allpa X Hip Pack ($75)

Volume: 4 liters
Pockets: Two large compartments and one security pocket

The is a two-compartment fanny pack with multiple mesh internal pockets that makes organizing travel items a cinch. The discreet back panel security pocket is large enough for a passport, cards, and travel docs, while the butterfly-style opening (when unzipped, the pack lays out like a book) makes packing and finding your stuff more manageable. If you’re using it as part of a travel system, the strap tucks away from sight in the back panel, allowing it to double as a Dopp kit. Other four-liter packs can be bulky, but the Allpa has a comfortable dome-like shape with side-release buckles that compress it to fit the contents. It’s especially great for camera gear because of the fully padded internal pocket. It keeps small day-trip items close at hand, and it has major style points.

Best for Day Hikes

Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack ($69)

Volume: 5 liters
Pockets: One main compartment and one front zippered pocket

For days on the trail when you want to give your shoulders a rest or itā€™s just too damn hot to wear a backpack, the has enough internal storage to carry hiking essentials, two mesh water bottle pockets. Itā€™s more banana-shaped than rectangular, so it doesnā€™t bounce around or pull down on the hips when loaded (compression straps help keep it snug), and the waistband doesnā€™t loosen while hiking. The lumbar padding adds comfort with mesh fabric that keeps it breathable enough for all-season use. The main compartment has a double zipper so you can access each side of the pack, and the internal mesh sleeve prevents small items from spilling out. We loved the small exterior pocket for our phone. The Black Holeā€™s durable recycled polyester ripstop fabric is treated with a TPU-film laminate, which makes it highly weather resistant against everything but a heavy downpour.

Best for Watersports

Matador Freerain Hip Pack ($60)

Volume: 2 liters
Pockets: One main compartment and one front zippered pocket

The main zippered roll-top compartment on the is fully waterproof, making this ultralight fanny pack ideal for days on the water or being out in the rain. When rolled down, it has two liters of storage, but when left unrolled (and still secured by a zipper), you get almost double the extra space. I can stuff a lot into this fanny pack for a day of paddleboarding or hanging at the beach: a packable towel, goggles, phone, keys, cards, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a few snacks. The nylon fabric is durable and ultralight, the zippers are coated with sealant, and it compresses down into a mesh sack that takes up just a few inches of space. Adjustable straps snug the fit on the fly, and though the buckles are a little delicate, the tradeoff is that it weighs next to nothing.

Best for Dog Outings

Ruffwear Home Trail Hip Pack ($45)

Volume: 1.8 liters
Pockets: Two zippered pockets and one stash pocket on the back panel

Sometimes, I wear two fanny packs: one for my kidā€™s crap (not literally) and another for my dogā€™s crap (literally). I keep them each stashed with ready-to-go essentials to get out the door more quickly. Any small hip belt will work for carrying everything you need for a dog walk, but the has a few details that make it the best for dog owners who want a dedicated pack. It wears close to the body, so it doesnā€™t get in the way of active play, and the internal ā€œmess pocketā€ inside the main compartment keeps smelly treats or a slobbery ball separated from everything else. Thereā€™s a small external mesh pocket for dog waste bags, a quick-access stash pocket on the back panel for your phone, and the small front pocket has enough room for keys and cards.

Best for Simplicity

Dakine Classic Hip Pack ($32)

Volume: Roughly 2.5 liters
Pockets: Two zippered pockets

is a simple and versatile pouch thatā€™s best for when you want to travel light. This small basic pack has two zippered compartments with enough room to store everything you need to run a few errands or walk the dog. Itā€™s lightweight and durable, with an adjustable waistband and heavy-duty buckle. The belt is a little thick for the size of the fanny pack, but itā€™s comfortable to wear and doesnā€™t look excessive when worn on the waist or crossbody. Plus, it comes in a ton of colors and patterns. If you want to lean into the traditional fanny pack style, the Classic is just that.

Best for Muddy Outings

Mountain Hardwear Road Side Waist Pack ($40)

Volume: 4 liters

Pockets: One main compartment and one front stash pocket

The hard-wearing is a no-frills fanny pack thatā€™s durably constructed and holds a ton of stuff for its size. The main compartment has a small sleeve against the back panel for stashing a wallet or keeping other small items separate, but itā€™s essentially one big rectangular holder that makes packing items in easier (the double zippers help, too). The Road Side is large enough for a few aluminum cans, snacks, and even a couple of small clothing items. The smaller front pocket can hold sunglasses, keys, cards, and other little things you donā€™t want to dig around in the main pocket to find. The tough nylon fabric is easy to wipe clean, so thereā€™s no worry if it gets covered in mud while youā€™re biking or at an outdoor festival. The belt and buckle tuck into a sleeve on the back panel, so itā€™s also pretty travel-friendly. One ding: the thin waistband isnā€™t the most comfortable for long days when the Road Side is packed to capacity.

Best for Wallet Replacement

Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack ($49)

Volume: 1.7 liters

Pockets: One main compartment and one exterior zippered pocket

While other fanny packs blend in, the Mini Quick Pack stands out in the bold, vibrant colors, with a hardy shell that makes it impervious to most weather. A smaller version of the popular seven-liter ($69), itā€™s got room to store essentials but not much more. The main compartment is fully padded, so itā€™s a good spot for sunnies and a phone; plus, thereā€™s an internal hanging pocket suitable for Chapstick and a couple of cards. The front diagonal pocket features an internal key clip, and there are a handful of other attachment points on the outside, including two bottom compression straps that you can clip onto or use to stash a packable jacket. The long rectangular shape is a bit bulky, and the thick strap is a little overkill and doesnā€™t stow. But all the components are high-quality, and this maximalist fanny pack is sure to last for years.

Best for Parents

No Reception Club Sidekick ($75)

Volume: 3 liters

Pockets: One main compartment and diaper wipes back pocket

lets parents carry baby essentials without lugging around a cumbersomeā€”and often uglyā€”diaper bag. For baby-wearing, itā€™s much easier to strap a fanny pack around your waist than deal with backpack straps or an over-the-shoulder bag. The Sidekick can fit about six diapers, hand sanitizer, a backup onesie, and a few other small items like a pacifier or teething toy. It comes with an easy-to-wipe removable changing mat, and the back panel has a diaper wipe dispenser with magnetic closure so you can open it one-handed. The Sidekick is designed to pair with the ($235), a highly compartmentalized and stylish backpack that makes traveling with baby gear more organized.

Best for Hydration

Deuter Pulse 3 Hip Pack ($115)

Volume: 5 liters
Pockets: One main compartment, one zippered front pocket, and two small zippered mesh pockets

is best suited for hikers or mountain bikers who want quick access to water without stopping. The advantage of a hip pack with a reservoir is that you wonā€™t have a clunky water bottle shifting around while you moveā€”and youā€™ll probably stay more hydrated too). The 1.5-liter hydration bladder conforms perfectly to the shape of the hip pack, filling out the back panel and wings with enough water for a few hours of hiking. Even with a full bladder, the hip pack has enough room for food, a first aid kit, and other supplies, and there are mesh pockets in the front compartment to securely stash smaller items. The ventilated back panel has breathable mesh fabric and a soft spongy lumbar pad thatā€™s noticeably comfortable on summer days, which is why the Pulse 3 has all but replaced my backpack for hot weather use.

The post The 10 Best Fanny Packs for Every Type of ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų appeared first on ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų Online.

Backpacks Help Me Stay Prepared

By Annastasia Sewell

In the summer of 1995, my family headed to Wyomingā€™s Medicine Bow Peak for a quick 30-minute hike. Between all of us, we carried two granola bars in our pockets and three bottles of water in our hands. After seven hours, two boulder fields, and a lightning storm, I found myself limping across the vast wilderness, vowing never to leave the house without a fully stocked daypack again. Iā€™d learned my lesson: any adventure can go awry.

And thatā€™s exactly why I carry a backpack instead of a hip pack. Even a daypack has enough space to hold the absolute essentials (and more), while a hip pack is most lacking in precisely this area. My ten-liter ($140) is more than ample: I can fit a water bottle, a first aid kit, food, layers, and a rotating cast of other supplies, depending on the terrain, weather, and time of the year. Additionally, no matter how modest the hike, I always fill the packā€™s 2.5-liter hydration bladder. Try fitting one of those in a measly hip pack!

Fast-forward to last summer. As a result of heavy traffic on the trail, a planned six-mile hike with my dog turned into a 12-mile bushwhack during which we summited three peaks. We were able to make significant adjustments to our plans only because I had with me a fully loaded backpackā€”and it ended up being one of the most memorable days of the season. Bringing a bare minimum of supplies into the backcountry is not only dangerous, but it limits your ability to call an audible. And thatā€™s why you will never see me on the trail without my overloaded, perfectly prepared daypack.

When Sewell isnā€™t hard at work as °æ³Ü³Ł²õ¾±»å±šā€™s shared-services manager, sheā€™s in the mountains near Santa Fe with her dog and her daypack.

Hip Packs Are Minimalā€”but Accessible

By Zach Rachlin

The funny thing about a backpack is right there in the nameā€”itā€™s on your back. I donā€™t know about you, but I can barely reach those pockets, let alone unzip a pocket and grab a snack, headphones, or keys without losing something valuable in the process. You may ask: Hey hardo, why donā€™t you just, like, take a quick break for that? Yet why should I bother when the humble hip pack exists, so that I can never stop never-stopping? The hip pack I use most frequently, ($90), is always conveniently at my fingertips, making it a no-brainer for day hiking, paddling, concertgoing, and traveling. Itā€™s also my constant companion on bike rides, no matter how long or short the distance. I use it in fanny mode, with a two-liter bladder (measly indeed!), which keeps me hydrated and free of the back pain I inevitably sustain on any long ride with a backpack.

You might then ask: What about adventures requiring tons of stuff? Use both. The hip pack is ideal for backpacking; mine sits comfortably (I promise) lower than my backpackā€™s hipbelt, affording safe, accessible storage. And water refills are minimally invasive with the bladder placed at the hip; gone will be the days of completely emptying out your gear hauler to refit the bladder once replenished.

Try the hip pack alone, or in conjunction with the other kind, and youā€™ll never go back. You can thank me out on the trail with a celebratory hip-pack bump.

A software developer with a passion for splitboarding, biking, and backpacking, Rachlin can be found in and around Jackson, Wyoming, with his dog, Reece.

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A reliable day-hiking pack is the gateway to everything from dog walks and after-work sunset summits to 30-mile alpine pursuits. Choosing one from the overwhelming number of options isn’t easy, though. To help you out, we spent three months testing more than 25 of the best day-hiking backpacks on snowcapped fourteeners, in basalt canyons, and along tree-lined rivers, and in the rain, wind, and baking sun. These six came out on top.

Best Value

Kelty Asher 35 ($100)

A 35-liter pack weighing under two pounds for just $100 is almost unheard of, but the Asher nails those specs and provides performance to boot. Its impressive host of features includes a U-shaped zipper that wraps around the top and halfway down both sides, so you can easily flay the pack open to dig out that buried hat. Water bottles fit into twin side pockets, while extra layers tuck into a stretchy dorsal pocket. Weā€™ll note that while the shoulder straps are padded, the waist belt is cushioned only at the hip bones, and the flat nylon back panel lacks the weight redistribution required for loads over 20 pounds. Some testers found it most comfortable carrying less than ten pounds. This pack is best for hikers who consider their pack weight judiciously but still want extra space for stashing a spare puffy. 1.75 lbs

Best for Hydration

Gregory Inertia 24 H20 / Swift 22 H20 ($120)

For years, the Swift/Inertia has been among our favorite basic daypacks. This season was no exception. The pack comes with the brandā€™s increasingly popular 3D Hydro reservoir, made from extra-stiff plastic that keeps the sides from sticking together, allowing the inside to dry thoroughly and avoid bacteria buildup. A molded foam back panel (perforated for breathability) and padded shoulder straps and hipbelt sat comfortably under a full day-hike load that included lunch, snacks, layers, and three liters of water. We love the ample storageā€”hipbelt pockets that each fit a small smartphone and energy bar, plus angled side pouches, one stretchy mesh and one zippered. And we were grateful for the brightly colored interior, which makes sundries easy to find. 1.7 lbs (menā€™s) / 1.6 lbs (womenā€™s)

Best for the Urban ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶųr

Mountain Hardwear Huell 25 ($90)

If you want a work bag thatā€™s durable enough for mellow trail adventures after hoursā€”or a travel pack that can pull double duty on trips that involve a combination of touristing and low-key adventuringā€”the Huell is your answer. Its 1,200-denier, 100 percent recycled polyester fabric stood up to sandstone and cactus spikes with no rips. It also lends a ruggedly fashionable aesthetic. Otherwise, the Huellā€™s feature set prioritizes city sleekness over technicality: non-elasticated side pockets with snap-operated expansion pleats, a laptop sleeve, a single wallet-sized interior zippered pocket, lightly padded shoulder straps, and a sternum buckle but no waist belt. That minimal suspension system means this pack is best suited to loads of 15 pounds or less. 1.68 lbs

Best for Doing It All

Big Agnes Impassable 20 ($150)

This is the all-around pack youā€™ll want to use every day. It has all the comfort and features of other technical packs on this list, plus a padded laptop sleeve thatā€™s sewn shorter than the pack body to keep your computer off the ground. We hiked in it, climbed with it, brought it to work, and basically just never wanted to leave it at home. Designers used a similar suspension system to the one in Big Agnesā€™s 60-liter packs: a molded foam back panel that promotes airflow, stretchy mesh straps that donā€™t chafe, and a hipbelt made with a laminate-EVA foam similar to many climbing harnesses. The result feels weightless, even under 15-plus pound loads. The Impassable cuts weight via a 100-denier ripstop nylon gridded with 210-denier yarn. We tossed it against cobbly New Mexican rock faces without causing any damage. 1.5 lbs

Most Comfortable

Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 ($160)

When big days call for large loads, we want this pack. Itā€™s been among our favorites for years. For 2022, designers did away with multiple sizes and instead added extra torso-length adjustability, so the back panel can expand from 18 to 22 inches long. A new, lighter mesh material also boosts breathability on the top portion of the shoulder harnessā€”one tester came home with a dry shirt even after 8.5 miles and 5,500 feet of climbing on a crisp fall day on Coloradoā€™s 14,070-foot Humboldt Peak. The padded hip belt was the most thickly cushioned of any we tested, and an external trampoline mesh suspension system kept our backs comfy under 20-pound loads. Bonuses: multiple small pockets, a rain cover, quick-stow trekking-pole attachments, and two stretchy side pockets. 2.78 lbs (menā€™s) / 2.7 lbs (womenā€™s)

Best for Going Fast

Rab Aeon LT 12 ($100)

Rabā€™s first backpack looks and acts a lot like a running vest, with wide panels that wrap around the side body for a snug fit, plus roomy pockets on the shoulder straps and waist belt for keeping snacks, phone, and soft flasks easily accessible so you can fuel without having to break stride. But the Aeon LT also preserves the best elements of a daypack: side pockets that each fit up to a 40-ounce water bottle, and a molded foam back panel that adds cushion and support for moderate, 15-pound loads. The resulting bag fit bounce-free on a scrambly hike in New Mexicoā€™s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, even when we ran for cover from late-afternoon showers. The main pocket accommodates one thick layer or a light shell with room to spare and has a hydration bladder sleeve. Itā€™s perfect for days when youā€™re packing light and donā€™t want to stop. 1.1 lbs

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This year, there are tons of great new packs for skiing and climbing, which we highlight in our 2022 Winter Buyerā€™s Guide. But our testers also came across two other bagsā€”a cross-country ski pack and a boot bagā€”that warrant your attention even though we didnā€™t have space for them in print.

USWE Nordic 10 ($120)

USWE built this entire pack around keeping water flowing. A mesh back panel funnels body heat into the area around the hydration bladder, while a heat-reflective liner locks it in to keep your fluid from freezing. In temperatures where we normally give up on bladders, we were drinking freely, which meant we stayed moving. The stretchy four-point harness system, which unites the shoulder straps at a single chest buckle, locked the pack to our body without constricting. Itā€™s designed specifically for nordic skiing, so it didnā€™t quite make the cut in a pack line-up focused on big tours. But we found it worked well for any cold weather aerobic activity, like bike rides or hikes that donā€™t require loads of carrying capacity. ā€”Ryan Stuart and Elizabeth Miller, pack test managers

Switch Ski Boot Bag ($239)

Most boot bags are awkward and ugly. Not this one. The three-segment design herds boots into padded corrals, leaving a spacious area in between for all the accoutrements. For travel, undo one buckle at the front of the backpack-style boot bag; this makes the boot compartments pivot, converting the pack into a narrower duffel that fits in overhead bins. The 500-denier Cordura outer is tough enough for shuttle-bus abuse. This is the boot bag, refined. ā€”R.S. and E.M.

The post Runner-Up Review: The Packs That Almost Made Our 2022 Winter Buyerā€™s Guide appeared first on ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶų Online.

Packs play an important role in the winter backcountry, helping us get out faster, stay out longer, and do it all more safely. This yearā€™s crop uses every trick in the book: fabrics that lighten the load without compromising strength, new pockets that add volume without bulk, and designs that blend the space between clothing and equipment storage. In the process, packs have also become more versatile. You might just find a reason to use these bags year-round.

Mountain Hardwear Powabunga 32 ($200)

The Powabunga changed how we pack for ski touring. At first glance, it doesnā€™t look revolutionary. It weighs a very average 3.1 pounds, with tough 500-denier Cordura fabric, an Ā­avalanche-tool pocket, a fleecy goggles-storage pouch, and zippered back-panel access to the main compartmentā€”everything weā€™d expect from a backcountry ski pack of this size. The surprises are the two side pockets. Without eating up any interior space, they fit all the gear we need on the go and used to store inside our pack, including skins, snacks, a 32-ounce water bottle, a multitool, and sunglasses. They open vertically, so things donā€™t fall out if the pack is lying in the snow. As a result, we wound up choosing the Powabunga for days when weā€™d normally use a 40-liter. It carries nicely, even when itā€™s overloaded, thanks to a steel frame that transfers weight onto the pivoting padded hipbelt. Of the 15 bags we tested last winter, this was the only one that had us hollering its name. Powabunga indeed! 3.1 lbs

Mystery Ranch Gallatin Peak 40L ($249)

Best for Hut Trips

The Gallatin Peak is a full-featured Ā­backcountry workhorse. A massive interior easily swallows an overnight kit, while the orange lining makes everything visible. Zippered pockets in the main body and lid keep small items organized. Brightly colored glove-friendly zipper pulls make it easy to find and open the avalanche-tool pocket, which fits even big shovel blades and probes. It also has a third slot for a snow saw. Those arenā€™t the only new features: thereā€™s reinforced nylon to shield the pack body from ski edges, straps for ropes and ice axes, long zippers to open both sides of the main pocket, a torso and hipbelt that are both adjustable, and generous padding. All that in a pack that weighs only three poundsā€”impressive. 3 lbs

Black Diamond Cirque 22 Ski Vest ($159)

Best for Going Fast and Light

Simply put, the Cirque made us faster. Yes, itā€™s lightā€”1.5 pounds. But what sets it apart is the design, which marries a running vest and a ski pack. Without stopping, we could grab snacks from the two shoulder-strap pockets, pull skins out of a dedicated basement compartment, rack skis diagonally (plus remove them for the descent), and adjust the fit with a pull-cord side compression system. ā€œI donā€™t think I took the pack off all day,ā€ said a tester. Just donā€™t overload it. Pushing the 22-liter capacity caused the pack to bulge, which made for a less comfortable fit. For minimalist missions, ski-mountaineering racing, or anyone interested in doing more skiing and less standing around, this pack delivers. 1.5 lbs

Ortovox Free Rider 28 ($190)

Best for Day Trips

Whether youā€™re hiking a ridge or making quick turns through steep chutes, the Free Rider makes heavy loads disappear. Thatā€™s thanks to a host of features usually found only on bigger packs, like a wide, stretchy, Ā­hip-hugging waist belt, a well-cushioned back panel, and load-stabilizer straps. Even schlepping heavy alpine boards, we felt stable. A small top zipper makes essentials easy to grab from the main compartment, and a huge back-panel U-zip allows you to get to the bottom of the pack during transitions without an excavation. The Ā­avalanche-tool pocket is tight for big shovel blades. But with straps to carry everything from ice axes to snowshoes, the pack is ready for any outsize winter day mission. 2.5 lbs

Black Crows Dorsa 27 ($190)

Best for Slackcountry

Youā€™d be hard-pressed to find a more minimalist winter pack than the Dorsa, which is exactly what makes it perfect for playing just outside the resort. To keep weight down, designers nixed a dedicated avalanche-tool area. Instead, your skins, shovel, and probe share the main compartment with clothes and water. Valuables and goggles go into the top pocket, which one tester squeezed full of cookies, granola bars, and a breakfast burrito, along with a phone and keys. A roll-top closure means you can even fit a bulky resort jacket inside if you decide to hop into the sidecountry midway through an in-bounds day, while a vertical zipper down the center of the pack body gets you to your gear swiftly when you have skis racked A-frame. 2.5 lbs

Osprey Glade 12L ($110)

Best for In-Bounds

Last winter, COVID safety protocols meant base lodges were either closed or had restricted capacity. This lean, low-profile pack became our mobile locker for a ski season short on indoor breaks. A 2.5-liter hydration bladder tucks into a full-length back pocket with room to spare for a sandwich, skins, and a layer. (The insulated hose resisted icing well below freezing.) If youā€™re in a pinch, the second large compartment even fits avalanche tools. A small zippered pouch keeps hand warmers and a spare neck gaiter close at hand. But what impressed us the most about the Glade is how well it carried, even stuffed full. It didnā€™t balloon out, so lift rides were a cinch, and it rode smoothly zipping down our favorite bump runs. 2 lbs

The North Face Phantom 50 ($199)

Best for Climbing Ice and Snow

The Phantom doesnā€™t just offer a great bang for your buckā€”it squeezes maximum performance out of every pound. Its organizational features are few (just two small pockets, one in the lid and one at the left hip), but the 50-liter top loader easily swallows a technical missionā€™s worth of gear and has enough straps to carry ice tools, skis, and a rope. The body is nearly waterproof and made of durable 210-denier recycled nylon reinforced with Spectra, with a carbonite coating on the bottom. But our favorite feature is the compression straps, which are partially Ā­routed through the shell fabric and encircle the pack. Tightening them squeezes the whole bag, not just the sides. ā€œOverflowing or half full, it always felt stable,ā€ said a tester. 2.2 lbs

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Osprey UL Dry Stuff ($60)

For Soggy Treks

Sometimes the simplest setupĀ is the most effective. When packed into its front pocket, this seam-sealed waterproof bag fits into the palm of your hand, and at just 6.9 ounces it feels like a whisper. Adjustable mesh shoulder and sternum straps make it a comfortable carry despite its lack of frame, while external water-Ā­bottle compartments, compression webbing, and gear-Ā­attachment loops keep you organized. Whip it out of your full-size hauler for a summit push, or throw itĀ on for a rainy day hike.

CamelBak Octane 25 70-oz Hydration ($145)

For Quick ŗŚĮĻ³Ō¹ĻĶųs

Our key pack criteria are accessibility, capacity, comfort, and organization. The Octane scored perfect tens across the board. It combines the body-cradling support and minimal bounce of a running vest with enough volume to store snacks and layers for long days and variable conditions. Throw in an integrated rain cover, an extended U-shaped zippered front panel for excellent accessibility, and 16 pockets and you have one dreamy daypack.

Timbuk2 Parker Commuter ($219)

For Workday Shuttles

Aside from a jet pack to cutĀ your travel time in half, thereā€™s virtually nothing Timbuk2 hasnā€™t thought of with this city-friendly sidekick. In addition to the standard requirement for an everyday urban bagā€”numerous pockets, including one for a laptopā€”the Parker Commuter expands from 26 to 35 liters when you need additional space, it has a zip-away rain cover, and it includes magnetic buckles that open and close easily, even with gloved fingers. Bonus: a large reflective patch keeps you visible.

FjƤllrƤven High Coast Ā­Totepack ($70)

For Low-Key Rambles

This fully recycled nylon bag Ā­preserves the Swedish brandā€™s iconic styling and durable construction while adding functionality. Along with handles and pack straps, the High Coast has a removable over-the-Ā­shoulder sling for truly customizable carrying whether youā€™re hitting the road or the shops. Features like extra padding at the base of the laptop sleeve and a front pocket that can stow the whole bag make it a great choice for tossing in your suitcase and then unfurling for your around-town agenda.

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Granite Gear Perimeter 50 ($220)

The Perimeter was one of the most versatile packs in our test: equal parts big-load mule and gram-counterā€™s dream, and suited to a huge spectrum of body types. With a quick flick of two buckle latches, you can adjust the shoulder width and torso length to your frame. The pivoting waist belt also expands from 26 to 42 inches on the unisex version and 24 to 40 inches on the womenā€™s version. (You can also opt for a larger belt that goes up to 52 inches.) Granite Gear is one of the few packmakers to deliver such a wide fit range while preserving comfort and capacity. On paper, the Perimeter is a 50-liter pack, but the top-loading, potato-sack-shaped hull simply devours cargo. Partial thanks goes to the frame, which is just curved enough to enhance fit without getting in the way. Compression straps, four stretch-woven pockets, and extendable top and bottom flaps for securing bulky items further broaden its capability. We easily stuffed in 40 pounds of gear, and the lightweight back panel still held its shape. Thatā€™s impressive for a pack that weighs almost half of some others in our test. Donā€™t expect luxuries, like extra cushioning or even a key clip. But if youā€™re looking for a pack that can fit both Mom and Dad and pivot from through-hiker to family wagon, the Perimeter is hard to beat. 3.1 lbs

Gregory Kalmia 50 ($260)

Best for Hiking in the Heat

The Kalmia 50 (and menā€™s Katmai 55) utilizes the same trampoline-style mesh back panel that helped Gregoryā€™s Deva/Baltoro, nab Gear of the Year honors in 2018. That breezy suspension does push the load a bit farther from your center of gravity, but its form-hugging shape and superior ventilation yield blissful comfort on the trail. This pack combines all of that with a host of niceties, like rugged 210- and 420-denier fabrics, six zippered compartments, a stashable water-bottle hip holster, extendable tongues that pad the waist buckle, and pivoting shoulder straps. Still, the pack somehow weighs in below the magic five-pound mark that so many other feature-rich models exceed. Polygiene anti-odor treatment quells stink on long trips. 4.7 lbs (menā€™s) / 4.4 lbs (womenā€™s)

REI Traverse 60 ($229)

Best for Backpacking on a Budget

The Traverse proves that fancy technology is never a substitute for smart design. This dual-compartment utilitarian workhorse may not have the high-tech fabrics or cutting-edge suspension of its competitors, but it excels in what matters most: carrying heavy loads comfortably, without fuss. A deep air channel bisects the back panel, which is made of thick mesh-covered foam and contoured to keep loads close to your spine. That and a meaty waist belt lend stability, which was handy on gear-intensive family outings in Coloradoā€™s Elk Mountains. Still, the Traverse has plenty of extras, like a lid that doubles as a daypack (with padded straps) and forward-leaning water bottle pockets you can actually reach while hiking. 4.4 lbs (menā€™s) / 4.3 lbs (womenā€™s)

Osprey Aether Plus 60 ($340)

Best for Bringing the Kitchen Sink

Meet the everything bagel of backpacks. The new Plus generation of Ospreyā€™s Aether (and womenā€™s Ariel) line is so bedecked with features, pockets, and external storage mechanisms that you need GPS just to navigate them all. With thickly padded straps and a stout suspension system, this multi-day rig easily handled loads over 50 pounds. You can even shorten or lengthen the suspension on the fly, with a drawcord located near your kidneys. At camp, ditch your heavy gear and explore with the breakaway lid, which doubles as a 17-liter summit pack complete with a sternum strap and hydration sleeve. Accordingly, the Plus weighs almost six pounds, but for those who prize comfort under oxen loads, itā€™s pure decadence. 5.8 lbs (menā€™s) / 5.5 lbs (womenā€™s)

Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 ($180)

Best for Ultralight Backpacking

When it launched over two decades ago, Gossamer Gearā€™s G4 set a standard for shedding base weight while still fitting a full-size backpacking kit. That tradition continues with the new G4-20, an ultralight bag built with through-hikers in mind. The roll-top closure expands to fit gargantuan loads, then cinches down with side compression straps when you want to minimize your setup for lighter trips. We like the front stretch pouch and asymmetrical side pockets for water bottles and layers; but the left one is deep enough for a rolled tarp or sleeping pad. While the pack is frameless, with a removable closed-cell foam back panel that doubles as a seat pad, we comfortably carried up to 30 pounds. One downside: the unisex design offers little fit adjustability. 1.6 lbs

Arcā€™teryx Aerios 30 ($190)

Best for Going Far Fast

Whether youā€™re loading up for a long day out in the mountains or stripping down your gear for a fast-and-light overnighter, the Aerios delivers big on technical details. The body fabric, a ripstop Cordura grid impregnated with liquid-crystal polymer, is supremely durable. In testing, it held up against snagging tree branches and even the occasional squeeze through a sandstone slot canyon. A heat-molded back panel breathes well, even on steep climbs in hot weather. Meanwhile, two zippered shoulder pockets and two padded pouches on the waist belt (one zippered and one stretch) hold on-the-go sundries like energy bars and sunscreen. Stretchy loops on each shoulder keep folded trekking poles at the ready. 2 lbs (menā€™s) / 1.9 lbs (womenā€™s)

Patagonia Altvia 22 ($119)

Best for Day Hiking

Our ideal go-to daypack is just technical and featured enough to handle a big mission without needing an instruction manual to operate. The Altvia fits the bill. Itā€™s simple yet covers all the most elemental needs, with a padded waist belt and shoulder straps, included rain cover, and stretch-mesh pockets on either side of the body. Aside from the main compartment, it has just one small zippered pocket thatā€™s big enough to fit a trail map but not so big that youā€™ll need to mount a search and rescue mission to find your keys. Stretchy compression cords on the back are perfect for quickly stashing a spare jacket, while the main zippered interior area swallows more layers and a sizable lunch. We also love that the polyester-nylon body fabric is entirely recycled. 1.5 lbs

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