ARC'TERYX Khamsin 40

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

This generous mountaineering day-tripper holds plenty of extra gear, and is also roomy enough for the organized minimalist to overnight on a peak. Highly modular for shaving weight, this tricked out pack can be stripped of many components, including the suspension.

Top loading • Compressible kangaroo pocket with Hypalon™ reinforcement and top closure • Large removable top lid • Full length WaterTight side zipper
• Removable laminated dual density framesheet • Twin removable aluminum stays
• Composite horizontal frame members • Two front compression straps • Removable hipbelt with thermoformed hip pods • Laminated shoulder straps • Two Axio ice tool holders • Two modular ice axe keepers • Glove friendly snow-shedding buckles