ARC'TERYX Naos 70

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

Carrying a large load has become much easier with the Naos 70. The anatomically structured hipbelt hinges on the innovative Load Transfer Disc, which is directly linked to the fully integrated MonoFrame back panel connecting load to hiker like never before.

• RollTop closure
• Fully seam sealed
• Hydration bladder pocket
• Laminated map pocket
• Laminated moulded AC2 Fusion Point
• Load Transfer Dis
• MonoFrame backpanel
• Pigment dyed WaterTight zipper
• Radially formed Binary hipbelt
• Radially formed shoulder strap
• Removable WaterTight top li
• Side access kangaroo pocket
• Six external compression strap
• Waterproof Hydroport
• 3D shaping
• Gridlock adjustable shoulder-strap suspension system