CamelBak Fourteener 24 Daypack Review

[best support]

Got a big day ahead? The Fourteener’s robust suspension system—rigid plastic framesheet, a firm lumbar pad, and a wide, lightly padded hipbelt—makes it ideal for heavy, dense loads. These key ingredients, more common in a multiday hauler than a daypack, combine for extremely effective load transfer. One tester carried 30 pounds on a long day in Shenandoah National Park and reported dawn-to-dusk comfort and top-notch stability. Plus, two foam-padded “pods” on the upper- and mid-back raise the suspension away from your body, enhancing airflow. The narrow packbag has a single main compartment for bulkier stuff and a separate zippered hydration sleeve that doubles as a padded laptop compartment. The outside has a front pouch for essentials like headlamp, knife, and whistle, and a single hipbelt pocket. “The main packbag held up well through three months of abuse,” says one tester, noting the 420-denier material on the pack’s bottom is particularly durable. But he also adds, “One of the two stretchy side pockets developed two small holes where it wraps around to the bottom of the pack.” Note: The Fourteener comes with a 3-liter reservoir (which also boosts the price). Gripe: The hipbelt pocket is too small for an iPhone. $145; 2 lbs. 14 oz.; 21 liters ; 1 size; camelbak.com