ARC'TERYX Bora 50

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

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