Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Bacon Pack

Verdict

“If measured by function per ounce, this may be the best daypack I’ve ever used. At only 1 pound, 7 ounces, this 28-liter, frameless, single compartment top-loader was easy to roll and stuff into its own envelope-size pocket and carry in my larger pack for four days below Capitol Peak near Aspen. But when I pulled out the Bacon for summit days, it proved more sophisticated than just a rucksack with straps. A perforated foam back panel, padded shoulder straps, and an interior web skeleton—essentially two parallel pieces of webbing that run from top to bottom and compress via connected side compression straps—made it easy to manage 20 pounds of layers, food, and summit gear. And it packs in the features: retractable tool loops, ski attachments, load lifters, four pockets, and a removable padded hipbelt. Plus, the 210-denier ripstop nylon is super durable, proving impervious to wear after many dragging episodes.” $100; 1 lb. 7 oz.; one size; eddiebauer.com

Best for

Dayhikers and peakbaggers

Tester Data

Will Rochfort

When June to Sept.

Where Colorado Fourteeners

“The narrow alpine profile and compression straps kept the pack well balanced while I was navigating class 4 terrain like Capitol Peak’s notorious Knife Edge.”