High Sierra Sport Company Sentinel 65

Best Hydration Pack

After two weeks of dayhikes and scrambles in Alaska and Utah, our Southwest-based tester did not want to part with this pack. It combines the standard-setting 100-ounce Omega Hydrotanium reservoir (included) with a packbag made for drinking and hiking. A separate zippered bladder compartment simplifies loading and allows easy refilling on the trail. And a semi-rigid backpanel—made of deeply-ribbed, closed-cell foam covered by soft mesh—is breathable and supportive.

“My back never sweated out on a hot, 3,000-foot climb on the Harding Icefield Trail,” he says. “And it proved exceptionally comfortable even when carrying 20 pounds of camera and cold-weather gear.” Later, during a week of guiding in Zion Canyon, our tester stuffed the simple, top-loading packbag with first-aid kits, group lunches, and emergency water. Thick shoulder straps anchored to the pack by C-shaped fittings allow the straps to cant snugly to a variety of body shapes, giving a custom-fit feel to multiple testers.

Quibbles: The top pocket is too small for lunches or bulky layers, and testers would have liked a second hipbelt pocket. $150; 2,440 cu. in.; 2 lbs. 12 oz.The Sentinel 65 boasts a 65-liter top-load main compartment with a gusseted drawstring closure and adjustable top lid. Additional features include front-load sleeping bag compartment with divider; Ergo-Fit shoulder harness, with adjustable load-lifters, is constructed with Vapel mesh Airflow and high-density foam padding; dual, contoured aluminum frame bars can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back; molded foam back panel with Airflow channels to keep your back cool and dry; hinged front pocket holds ropes; removable media pocket is attached to the backpack strap; dual mesh pockets hold 1000ml water bottles; tuck-away rain cover, stored in a bottom pocket, also protects the pack when checked for air travel.