Steve Howe

From this year's Editors' Choice winner to the ultimate organizational wonder, these weekend packs are perfect for heading to the hills Friday to Sunday.

Heading out for the day? We have your can-do ultimate daypack. From the best bargain to the lightest on the market, these packs have everything you need.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

How do we know this year's packs are lighter and more comfortable than ever? We spent the last 12 months lugging loads from Denali to the 'Daks to bring you the 32 best.

Conquer all the fourteeners and beyond with this stable and well-ventilated pack.

Climb, scramble, and mountaineer with the stable Variant pack.

No rips, tears, or fraying here: The Peuterey is one rugged pack.

Make the Eclipse your go-to pack for long treks and backcountry bushwhacks.

If you want super breathability and an awesome warmth-to-weight ratio this Feathered Friends bag is for you.

Great bag all around that also costs less than most competitors.

This lightweight summer bag is great for big guys or active sleepers.

Turn your sleeping pad into a comfy camp chair.

You won't roll off of this foam, self-inflating pad.

This pad features Aspen Aero Gel for warmth and recycled PET nylon for green-ness.

This two-layered pad weighs a few more ounces, but it's worth it to get the sleeping-at-home feeling.

A simple pad with that's easier to pack than you might think.

We like almost everything about this winter bag.

A high-performance winter bag for the thrifty shopper.

This storm-proof bag will keep you warm, dry and cozy.

This synthetic bag is a killer deal and offers a "tucked in" fit.

Last year's Editors' Choice Gold Award winner stands out again with its minimalist design and excellent fit.

This fitted bag packs small and weighs just over a pound.

Attention cold sleepers: This bag is so warm we almost put it in the winter section.

Want a great bag at a great price? Look no further than the Chrysalis.

Staying warm well below its rating, this bag is perfect for when the clouds roll in.

A warm bag at a great price, simple as that.

This ultralight bag will stuff-to-fit anywhere you've got room.

Grabbing our best fit award, this three-season bag is perfect for any cold sleeper.

This pricey three-season bag has a waterproof shell and can function as a wet bivy.

Last year's Editors' Choice bag features the same functional zipper design and low weight.

This 10°F bag is ruthlessly pared down for low weight and high performance–and it works.

A super-light, three-season bag that stuffs smaller than you'd think.

A three-season bag that is roomy and light, but not for side sleepers.

This high-end fitted bag may just be worth the extra bucks.

This retro-inspired bag is tough and simple.

This full-featured bag is light, warm and comfy. It gets our best all-around summer bag tag.

Warm below its rating, and made of eco-products, this bag should have even the biggest green-thumbs sticking straight up.

This summer bag had one tester wondering if it really was a summer bag– it was just that warm.

This down bag is super warm and great for saving weight.

This full-featured bag has it all, except a high price tag.

Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.

Scramble over rocks and hike in a downpour with the stable and weather-resistant Skareb 65 pack by The North Face.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

The customizable Intention 75 pack by Mountain Hardwear accommodates large loads and day hikes alike.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For large loads and great support, check out the lightweight Gregory Z65 backpack.

If you want ultralight, look no further than Deuter's tough and roomy ACT Zero 60+10 pack.

The comfortable Arc'teryx Arrakis 65 is the perfect waterproof pack for heavier loads.

Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.

Reach for snacks and extra layers with ease while wearing Mountain Hardware's Koa 55 backpack.

Tackle trails, boulder fields, and steep peaks with the climber-geared Marmot Eiger 48 backpack.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

Kelty's practical Pawnee backpack offers heavy load comfort for a good price.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

Take Black Diamond's practical Predator 50 with you on any trail, anytime.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

The Vaude Cross Ultralight Comfort 35 is the ideal lightweight bargain pack for dayhikes or weeklong treks.

Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.

The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

For dayhikes and light overnights, strap on the simple and smartly configured Deuter Speed Lite 30 pack.

Want rugged? Go for the Crumpler Bumper Issue, a rough and tough pack that takes on narrow slot canyons and unforgiving brush fields.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

A sudden swim in a glacier-fed river nearly finishes a ranger.

Stunned by the loss of his friends, a stranded climber struggles down one of Alaska's toughest peaks.