Wenger Almer 30L

Bells and Whistles

If you like luxe features and don’t mind carrying extra weight, consider this fully outfitted mountain pack. It has a comfortable, supportive, stay-reinforced backpanel; broad, memory-foam shoulder straps and hipbelt; and an easy, secure torso-length adjustment. (But testers noted you need to bend the aluminum X-stays for a custom fit.)

The packbag has a dizzying array of features, from stiffened mesh bottle holsters to a front pocket organizer and reinforced, quick-release compression straps, all with Velcro strap captures to prevent flapping in high wind. You also get a large shovel pocket, rubberized gear loops, built-in raincover, a small organizer pocket near the pack bottom, a three-compartment top lid with clear vinyl map flap, a fleece-lined MP3 pocket, and Velcro lash-on points for poles and tools. The usable capacity is much higher than the numbers suggest. The tradeoff: It’s heavy. $249; 3,000 cu. in.; 5 lbs. 9 oz. Wengerna.com

Key features:

Fabric: 630D Ballistic, 500D Kodura, 210D Kodura Double Rip, 190T Taffeta
-Top loading with quick release compression strap
-Fitted lid w/ zippered mesh pocket
-Integrated media pocket
-Two hypalon-reinforced side compression straps on each side
-Two front compression straps on each side
-Two water bottle receptors
-Ergonomically-enhanced waist belt
-Two rubberized gear loops with reinforcements
-Sleeping bag attachment points
-Ice axe loop
-Expandable quick stash sleeve
-Front access pocket with organizer
-Trekking pole mounting points
-Fitted rain cover
-Integrated knife pocket