ARC'TERYX Naos 55

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

Made with revolutionary 420ACT pack material, this pack will keep your load dry. More than a conventional drybag, it also carries comfortably with the frictionless Load Transfer Disc, features a side access kangaroo pocket for easy entry, and includes extra side straps to hold skis, tools or equipment.

• RollTop closure
• Fully seam sealed
• Hydration bladder pocket
• Laminated map pocket
• Laminated moulded AC2 Fusion 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
• Six external compression straps
• Waterproof Hydroport
• 3D shaping