The North Face Primero 85

[most stable]

“The hipbelt has enough padding and support to carry a small building,” says one tester who humped this pack on a two-day, 42-miler along the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail in North Carolina. Stability and load transfer are good enough for 50 pounds, and freedom of motion is excellent on tricky terrain.

Key ingredient: tubular X-configured stays that underlay the plastic framesheet. How it works: The top two points of the X are positioned just above each shoulder and they connect directly to the load-lifter straps; the bottoms anchor into the hipbelt next to each of your iliac crests. These precise connections transfer weight, while the X’s junction (located at the center of your back) allows the pack to twist, torque, and pivot—just like your spine. The result is top-notch support and mobility. It also ventilates better than average, thanks to thick, open foam that “literally pumped air across my back,” says one tester.

The Lobo has plenty of loading options—lower and side zippers, plus a wide top opening and a huge shove-it pocket. Smart: A deep head scoop allows for clearance even when the lid is extended with whopper loads. Quibble: Some testers found the wide hipbelt restrictive on high-step climbs.
X Radial™ frame + Injection-molded EVA back panel with air flow channels + Unique Dual Pivot hipbelt evenly
spreads load + Contoured E-VAP™ foam hipbelt + 3-point hipbelt closure + Adjustable torso length with
interchangeable hipbelt + E-VAP™ shoulder harness + Load lifters with thumb loops + Contoured cranial cavity
+ Removable, floating lid with mesh pocket and key clip + Hydration sleeve + Side access to main body
+ Trampoline sleeping bag divider + Side and removable bottom compression + Waterproof bottom and hood
with welded construction + Highly water-resistant pack body + Lash point on hood + Dual access stretch woven
side water-bottle pockets + Dual trekking-pole loops + Front tool loop and daisy chain + Zippered sleeping bag
compartment + Three side compression straps with integrated attachment buckles