Nancy Prichard Bouchard

A hydration pack made for big days.

Looks like a backpack, protects like a raincoat.

Your stuff disappears into this daypack, and it disappears on your back.

A simple, clean, top-loading rucksack.

A breathable pack for sweaty testers.

A low-profile bag that the wily climbers loved.

We tested a slew of load monsters to find the best in comfort, support, and organization.

Treat your back to the perfect load-hauler.

Check out these additional tester picks.

For big, big loads (think parents or mountaineering) this pack is ideal.

The more you pack, the better it will carry.

Clever features, plentiful pockets, and easy-access side zips have earned this pack "best organization."

Best all-around: this pack will melt into your body and accomodate any quick-access needs as it supports over 50 pounds.

Mountainsmith Lariat 65 is a big-load bargain pack that'll last.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Cure for back sweat takes the form of pack with the Kelty Fleet 55.

This pack's balance and close-fit is made complete with it's most exhaustive compression system.

This pack will fine-tune fit, carry 50-pound loads, and ease the burden with its ultralight weight.

With incredible load distribution, this pack's easy on the shoulders.

This "best travel pack" can check as luggage, keep your electronics dry, and accomodate your travel needs.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Tough fabric, compact, and room to spare. What more could you want?

Anywhere, any activity, this pack will carry your goods from bushwacking in Arizona to climbing Mt. Sneffels with an ice axe.

In constant downpour, the impermeable thermoplastic, PU-coated nylon material of this pack kept our tester's gear bone-dry.

Best-in-class air circulation keeps sweat off your back while maintaining stability, ideal for intense dayhikes.

This Mammut pack hugs your back for balance while maintaining freedom for movement, creating the ideal alpine pack.

Stability for heavy loads from a stiff nylon framesheet allow for minimal rubbing and improved balance with this "carry-anything workhorse" daypack.

Durable, efficient, comfortable, surprisingly roomy, this pack survived 200 trail miles and 200,000 air miles and landed its spot as "best all-around."

A single-wall tent is roomy enough for three adults

Find the perfect load hauler for any type of trip.

These multiday packs provide excellent load support with comfortable designs that will help you move easily with any kind of terrain.

These daypacks offer plenty of comfort, easy to access pockets and the kind of durability you need for any climbing adventure.

An extraordinary toughness-to-weight ratio makes this pack both durable and supportive.

With effective compression and great load stability, this lightweight pack offers great balance and comfort.

Great for family camping trips, this pack has plenty of useful features that everyone in the family can enjoy.

An innovative cinching hipbelt and customizable torso helps create a support system tough enough to handle your heaviest loads.

This pack is equipped with a suspension system that helps increase mobility and overall stability.

This pack handles heavy loads without compromising your ability to move efficiently, offering improved suspension and great versatility.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

Take this pack on any trip as its design is made to handle big days, weekend trips and even ultralight expeditions.

Carry this pack sweat-free with its improved suspension that allows for dynamic movement wherever you take it.

Take on wet conditions with this waterproof pack that offers welded seams and waterproof closures.

Ultralight and climber-friendly, this pack can carry large amounts of gear while remaining light and stable.

This pack offers easily accessible zippers and great suspension for carrying heavy loads comfortably.

A great fit and excellent load transfer is what you'll get with this multiday pack.

This anatomically friendly pack is great for women, offering suspension and comfort when carrying heavy loads.

This ultralight daypack is perfect for spring skiing and offers a U-shapped zipper that's great for quick packing.

Keep air circulating with this highly ventilated daypack.

Easily accessible and plenty durable, this daypack offers plenty of organizers from your GPS to your headlamp.

This daypack easily handles heavy loads and transfers weight well, making warm weather hikes a breeze.

Protect yourself from the worst of nature in these hardshell jackets.

Absolute rain protection in a well-priced package

This shell is a good lightweight option for when you hit showery weather and need solid waterproofness and breathability.

A super durable jacket for the multisporter

A super breathable jacket for those foggy, humid hikes

A streamlined shell that achieves a low weight-to-performance ratio without scrimping on features.

Winner of our 2011 Editors' Choice Snow Award

A jacket that combines packablity, breathability, and durability, all at a great price.

This hardcore shell has everything you need to weather a monster blow without weighing you down

A convertible jacket that doesn't compromise

A jacket made for a mountaineer

Don’t muck up the performance of your pants by wearing cotton undies underneath.

This baselayer fits like a cycling skin suit without looking like underwear

You’ll get your money’s worth out of this spendy but multifunctional merino hoody

Check out Nancy Prichard Bouchard's author page.

This midweight merino top sports a hidden 7-inch diagonal zip

With Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology you get the warmth of a much thicker baselayer from a thin fabric

Check out Nancy Prichard Bouchard's author page.

It looks like a button up, but is amazingly functional in the backcountry

Keep your top and bottom warm and dry through any outdoor activity with these baselayers.

Load and go: Our test crew logged 1,689 miles to find the perfect short-haul pack for every type of hiker.

Check out the Venturi 45 for its significant space and plentiful pockets.

If you're going light, choose the Osprey Hornet 46, which is durable despite its minimal weight.

Stability is good in relationships and backpacks. It's guaranteed in the Mountain Hardwear's Kanza 55/Tadita 50 with its ability to flex to fit any spine position.

Beefy and adaptable, the Deuter ACT Zero shrinks sizes from week-long adventurer to afternoon excursioner without compromising comfort.

The dynamic suspension system of the Black Diamond Epic makes carrying loads up to 45 pounds a walk in the park.

A perfect weekend pack for mountaineer and ice climbers.

Keep your bod warm & toasty all fall and winter long.

A new fabric makes this synthetic zip-t odor free.