Osprey Talon Pro 30/Tempest Pro 28

Our take We would describe our relationship with the Talon Pro as “codependent.” Thanks to its best-in-test combo of cushion, breathability, and support, we found ourselves using it on everything from sweaty epics to after-work scrambles. The broad, wraparound hipbelt wings and flexible shoulder harness provide a close-to-body fit that eliminates pack sway, even when we had 20 pounds on board. “I did some intense scrambling on Adirondack slides in this thing and it stuck to my body with every step,” reports one tester. Osprey manages to balance that close fit with excellent ventilation: Air channels in the backpanel kept the air flowing up and away from the body, even in 80°F temps and Pacific Northwest humidity. The Tempest Pro (pictured) is the women’s version.

The details A thoughtful feature set impressed. Testers found the stow-and-go trekking pole attachment on the shoulder harness fast and easy to use without taking off the pack. They also appreciated exterior access to the hydration reservoir, which slides into a sleeve between the back panel and the main packbag. Two generous hipbelt pockets each fit three energy bars, and a stretch-mesh pocket on each shoulder strap accommodates sunglasses, lip balm, and assorted sundries. Two side stretch-mesh pockets each fit a Nalgene, and the external shove-it pouch holds a raincoat, snacks, and an inflatable sit pad. Though a lightweight ripstop-and-100-denier-nylon combo fabric comprises most of the pack, beefier 420-denier nylon protects the packbottom.

m’s S/M and L/XL, w’s XS/S and M/L