JanSport Air Vital

Killer Deal

Get a lot of pack for a little money with the Manang. “I hauled more than 40 pounds on a 35-mile trip through the Wind River Range,” said one tester, “and this top-loader performed way above its price range.” How? The Manang’s well-padded suspension includes shoulder straps with extra-cushy gel inserts, and the frame is plenty stiff for big loads, thanks to two aluminum stays and a rigid U-shaped tube.

The packbag is easy to load and organize, with a cavernous main compartment that has a vertical access zipper, lid and hipbelt pockets, and plenty of lashing options. Even more impressive: The mix of 840- and 420-denier fabric is bushwhack-durable, yet the pack is reasonably lightweight for the capacity. The catch? No sleeping-bag compartment, and the ladder-style, adjustable harness is not as stable as the best in this category. $180; 5,190 cu. in.; 5 lbs. 2 oz. Lafumausa.com

A large-capacity pack with AirLift suspension and a convenient front stash sleeve.

Features include:

AirLift™ shoulder straps
One large main compartment
Front utility pocket with deluxe organizer keeps essentials handy
Fully padded back panel for cushioning comfort
Slip-in magazine stash sleeve
Side compression straps keep pack close to the body and manage the load
Reflective details for nighttime visibility
Easy access V-Loft pocket
Side mesh pocket
Padded grab handle

Fabric: 600 Denier Polyester / 420 Double Diamond Dobby / 840 Denier Mesh