Arc’teryx Voltair

Airbag system You can deploy this electronic, fan-powered Arc’teryx airbag an impressive 10 times on one charge—and take it on an airplane. We liked that we didn’t have to stress about getting new cartridges or having a full charge before heading into the backcountry. Also, we could practice without feeling like we were “wasting” our only deployment. Nice touch: There’s no complex origami system to getting the airbag back in the pack after you deploy. “Just cram it in, like a sleeping bag in a stuffsack,” one tester says.

Pack design The 400-denier ripstop packbag is waterproof, with a cavernous top-loading body and a tool pocket. We loved the easy-to-attach leg safety loop; instead of threading a leash around the hipbelt (cumbersome with big loads), you simply clip it on with the biner.

Price Tech this savvy ain’t cheap. Ouch. 20L: 7 lbs. 2 oz., 30L: 7 lbs. 10 oz.;