Bergans of Norway Helium Pro 40

Versatility “This pack swallowed two magnums of wine, a bulky speaker, gourmet dinner supplies, a sleeping bag, and warm clothes for a two-night stay in a Three Sisters backcountry hut in Oregon, yet compressed to daypack size for ski touring,” says one tester. Five compression straps on the Bergans Helium Pro shrink the pack down tight.

Durability With a pack this much lighter than others, something’s gotta give. One tester sliced a ½-inch hole in the wispy 70-denier lid on sharp, overhanging granite.

Adjustability Hard-to-fit testers loved the 5 inches of play in torso length. It adjusts via a simple Velcro flap and D-ring system. 40 liters; m’s and w’s