ARC'TERYX Naos 45

Best Peakbagger

Our tester loved the “load and go” simplicity of this single-compartment pack. After a heavily laden overnight on the south slopes of Longs Peak, he reported “no pack-flop at all when I jumped rocks and creeks,” and credited the shallow, back-hugging pack shape and suspension, which consists of a dual-density framesheet, twin aluminum stays, and closed-cell foam bivy pad. The framesheet, stays, and pad are all removable, so testers could beef up support or shave ounces, depending on the trip.

The thin, soft-flexing, removable hipbelt did a decent job of transferring weight, but like most climbing packs, the emphasis is on freedom of motion, low bulk, and easy high-stepping. Stripping all frame and hipbelt components trims almost two pounds.

The narrow packbag proved tight for bulkier sleeping bags, but quick-release compression straps and a front bungee net compensate. The top lid extends for high stacking, plus you get the usual gear loops and tool attachments. Bummer: no hipbelt or bottle pockets–although a hydration sleeve located in the top lid makes refilling easy, even with the pack loaded. $249; 3,661 cu. in.; 4 lbs. 4 oz. Arcteryx.com

The smallest of the Naos series, this pack is full of functional features and contains no fluff. Radially formed shoulder straps and hipbelt, in conjunction with the Spacermesh cushioned Monoframe and rotating Load Transfer Disc, create the most comfortable carrying system around.

• RollTop closure
• Fully seam sealed
• Hydration bladder pocket
• Laminated map pocket
• Laminated moulded AC2 Fusion Points Points
• Load Transfer Disc
• Monoframe backpanel
• Pigment dyed WaterTight Zippers
• Radially formed Binary hipbelt
• Radially formed shoulder straps
• Removable WaterTight top lid
• Side access kangaroo pocket
• Four external compression straps
• Waterproof Hydroport
• 3D shaping