ARC'TERYX Bora 35

Light and Stable

“Very stable and simple, with the ability to shrink or expand with your load,” wrote one tester after carrying this stripped-down pack on Bryce Canyon’s 24-mile Under-the-Rim Trail. He found the flexible, no-stay suspension carried up to 35 pounds well (above that, the weight hangs too much off the shoulders).

The single-compartment packbag is sized just right for mountain layers, a down bag, small tent, pad, ministove, and two to five days of supplies. But it’s not completely stripped-down; there are quick-release side compression straps, an extendable top lid, deep stretch wand/bottle pockets, and front compression straps. It’s a versatile pack that’s in its element on any ultralight trip and especially on scrambles where stability is key. Quibbles: The stretch bottle pockets are tough to reach, and we’d love a pair of pockets on the hipbelt. $180; 3,600 cu. in.; 3 lbs. 1 oz. Granitegear.com

For gear intensive day trips our smallest Bora is a master jack-of-all-trades, and is loaded with practical features such as a removable top lid, stowable water bottle holder, and wand pocket. Equally adept at skiing, hiking, cragging or hauling groceries the rugged Bora 35 does it all with comfort.

• Double layered fabric bottom
• Four external compression straps
• Dual density shoulder straps
• Hydration bladder pocket
• Hose clip
• Kangaroo pocket with drain hole
• Key clip
• Laminated internal kangaroo pocket
• Removable stowable lid
• Thermoformed back panel
• Two external daisy chains
• Two ice axe loops and holders
• One water bottle holder
• One wand pocket
• 5cm/2″ webbing hipbelt
• WaterTight zippers