ARC'TERYX Bora 50

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

Multi-day trips into the backcountry require substantial amounts of food and gear, and the Bora 65’s thermoformed suspension system comfortably shoulders the extra load. With a larger volume kangaroo pocket, sleeping bag compartment, and full-length WaterTight side zipper, loading and finding gear is quick and easy.

• Hydration bladder pocket
• Hose clip
• Double layered fabric bottom
• Fanny lid
• Four external compression straps
• Full length side zip
• Interchangeable dual density shoulder straps
• Interchangeable thermoformed hipbelt
• Kangaroo pocket with drain hole
• Key clip
• Laminated internal pocket
• Occipital cavity
• Sleeping bag compartment
• Thermoformed back panel
• Two external daisy chains, ice axe holders and water bottle pockets
• WaterTight zippers