ARC'TERYX Blade 13

Killer Deal

Get a lot of pack for a little money with the Manang. “I hauled more than 40 pounds on a 35-mile trip through the Wind River Range,” said one tester, “and this top-loader performed way above its price range.” How? The Manang’s well-padded suspension includes shoulder straps with extra-cushy gel inserts, and the frame is plenty stiff for big loads, thanks to two aluminum stays and a rigid U-shaped tube.

The packbag is easy to load and organize, with a cavernous main compartment that has a vertical access zipper, lid and hipbelt pockets, and plenty of lashing options. Even more impressive: The mix of 840- and 420-denier fabric is bushwhack-durable, yet the pack is reasonably lightweight for the capacity. The catch? No sleeping-bag compartment, and the ladder-style, adjustable harness is not as stable as the best in this category. $180; 5,190 cu. in.; 5 lbs. 2 oz. Lafumausa.com

In hectic and hurried surroundings, rely on the organized assistance of the Blades to keep it all together. Thoughtfully designed for work and travel with side-load file and laptop compartments, a moulded grab handle and ballistic nylon toughness.
• Padded laptop pocket (17″/43cm x 10 1/2″/26.7cm)
• Accessory pocket
• Dual density shoulder straps
• Key clip
• One cell phone slot
• One outside front pocket
• One internal stash pocket
• One top pocket
• Side zippered access for files and laptops
• Thermoformed back panel
• Three pen holder pockets
• Top and side grab handles
• Two main compartments
• HDPE framesheet
• 7075 aluminum stay
• 1260D Ballistic Nylon
• 630D superpack nylon
• Hypalon trim

Colors: Black, Gravel