Readers' Choice 2014: Gregory Maya 18 Backpack

This little pack is a great all-arounder for bike commuting and dayhikes. It’s frameless, so I can roll it up and stow it inside a duffel or larger backpack (I often use it for summiting on multiday trips). It holds a 3-liter hydration system (not included), which I can access from the outside, and still has enough room in the main compartment for a jacket, lunch, and a few necessities. Deep, stretchy side pockets, a big front shove-it pocket, and two hipbelt pockets keep me organized. And the dual side compression straps mean I can cinch it down and keep it close to my back even when it’s nearly empty. $99; 1 lb. 9 oz.; 18 liters; gregorypacks.com