Osprey Argon 70

Expedition Master

This back-hugging load monster accompanied one editor to the summit of Mt. McKinley. He came back after 17 days calling it “a superb expedition hauler, very stable when cramponing along the ridgetop, and comfortable enough for day-long carries.”

The curved backpanel, well-tailored shoulder harness, and thermo-moldable hipbelt distributed weight so well they made 60-pound loads painless. The deep packbag had more than enough capacity for our bulkiest items, like frozen tents and gallon gas cans. Generous side and front compression straps make it easy to lash on bulky snowshoes, and the stretch bottle pocket on the right has a side port so you can snag energy bars without dislocating your shoulder.

The lack of hipbelt pockets is annoying, but at least the gear loops hold accessory pouches in good position. Our only quibble? The zippered bottle pocket on the left side is awkward to reach and close. $379; 5,300 cu. in.; 6 lbs. 8 oz. Ospreypacks.com

Backpacking – deluxe custom fit

Osprey has teamed up with MountainFund.org to create the Pass on the Passion program. You can send your used Osprey Pack to the Mountain Fund to be sent to people/programs around the world in need of them.