Kelty Asher 55

If you’re on the fence about shelling out for your first pack, ease in with the Asher. This all-purpose weekend warrior is kitted out with the essentials—adjustable fit, bottom sleeping bag access, a big U-zip-access external pocket, and a decent suspension that transfers moderate loads to the hips—at a killer price. Unlike most folks’ first packs (and any external-frame hand-me-downs in the family attic) the sparse feature set and basic spring steel perimeter frame keep it under 3 pounds. The Asher’s burly 600-denier Oxford polyester bottom (roughly comparable to 420-denier nylon in terms of durability) and 420-denier Stafford polyester body withstood rough treatment and scrapes against rock during overnights in the Colorado Front Range. Caveat: Testers found the trimmed-down suspension most comfortable for loads up to 30 pounds.

unisex and w’s, one size each