ARC'TERYX Khamsin 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

Ideal for gear laden day trips and overnight forays into the alpine, the Khamsin 50 is a well balanced mid-sized mountaineering pack. Loaded with alpine features and highly strippable, this pack can deliver a payload and then be compressed for a close to the body fit when traveling light to the summit.

Top loading • Compressible kangaroo pocket with Hypalon reinforcement and top closure • Large removable top lid • Full length WaterTight side zipper
• Removable dual density framesheet • Emergency bivouac insulation pad • Twin removable aluminum stays • Composite horizontal frame members • Two front compression straps • Four side compression straps • Removable hipbelt with thermoformed hip pods • Removable webbing hipbelt with two injection moulded reversible/removable gear loops • Laminated shoulder straps • Two Axio ice tool holders • Two modular ice axe keepers • V-frame suspension • Glove friendly snow-shedding buckles • One compressible side stash pocket • Lid hydration bladder pocket and hose port