Deuter USA ACT Lite 50+10
With incredible load distribution, this pack's easy on the shoulders.
Gear Reviews
Gear Reviews
Find the best backpacking gear with help from our expert reviewers and gear testers at Backpacker. We review the best backpacking gear on the market, from sleeping bags, to cookware, to backpacks, to the best hiking boots, in the most rigorous trail conditions imaginable so you can find the perfect setup for all your adventures.
At Backpacker, we take our responsibility to provide readers with fair and accurate gear advice seriously. When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
Find the best backpacking gear with help from our expert reviewers and gear testers at Backpacker. We review the best backpacking gear on the market, from sleeping bags, to cookware, to backpacks, to the best hiking boots, in the most rigorous trail conditions imaginable so you can find the perfect setup for all your adventures. At Backpacker, we take our responsibility to provide readers with fair and accurate gear advice seriously. When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
ARC'TERYX Khamsin 70
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Osprey Aura 65
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
The North Face Ligero 50
This pack moves with you.
The North Face Cam 26
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
ARC'TERYX Bora 95
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
JanSport Soloist
Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.
Gregory Mountain Products Jade 35
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Granite Gear Meridian Vapor Ki
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
The North Face Fulcrum 35
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
Bergans of Norway Rondane 65
Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.
Millet Prolight 27 LD
This pack moves with you.
Lafuma X Raid 40
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
Deuter USA ACT Lite 65+10
This pared-down pack hauls big loads.
Jandd Mountaineering Keshet Alpinist
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
ARC'TERYX Blade 15
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Osprey Ace 48
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
Deuter USA Futura 28
Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>. Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
The North Face W Mejor 35
This pack moves with you.
Mammut Lithium Z 20
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
ARC'TERYX Bora 50
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Catalyst
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
The Coleman Company, Inc. Kwanzan(TM) X40
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Twitch(TM) X30
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Mountainsmith Youth Pursuit
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Bergans of Norway Viking I
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Jandd Mountaineering Mogen Daypack
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
ARC'TERYX Arrakis 40
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Granite Gear Virga
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Osprey Talon 33
The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.
Equinox Ltd ARAS Ultralite Eagle Pack
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Kelty Pawnee
Kelty's practical Pawnee backpack offers heavy load comfort for a good price.
Bergans of Norway Rask 60
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Millet Peuterey 50
This pack moves with you.
Jandd Mountaineering Zoor Alpinist
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Flash 18
Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.
Mountain Hardwear SuperNatural 55
Reach for snacks and extra layers with ease while wearing Mountain Hardware's Koa 55 backpack.
Mountain Hardwear Drifter
This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light.
The North Face Enduro 20
Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.
Mountainsmith Maverick
The Tahoma wins out as a high country favorite.
Granite Gear Vapor Day Ki
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack Pro 45+10
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Lafuma Landcruiser 50 + 10
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
Lowe Alpine TFX Summit 65+15
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
The North Face Angstrom 30
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
Millet Odyssee 60 + 10
This pack moves with you.
Deuter USA Futura Zero 40 SL
Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
Lowe Alpine TFX Cerro Torre 75+20
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
GoLite Pinnacle
Reach for snacks and extra layers with ease while wearing Mountain Hardware's Koa 55 backpack.
ARC'TERYX Naos 45
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
High Sierra Sport Company Summit 45
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Vaude Versametric 70 + 10
Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.
Eastern Mountain Sports Trail 50
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Ultralight Backpack
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
LL Bean Stowaway Daypack
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Wenger Almer 40L
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Mystery Ranch Backpacks G-5000
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
ARC'TERYX Khamsin 50
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Millet Elevation 50
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
Gregory Mountain Products Drift
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Mammut Ice 45
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
Backcountry Access Alp40
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Bergans of Norway Alpinist II
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Venturi 40 Womens
Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.
CamelBak Fourteener
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
JanSport Big Bear 78
Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.
Gregory Mountain Products Deva 85
Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.
Granite Gear Wisp
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Kelty Acute 32
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
ARC'TERYX Cierzo 35
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
DEUTER USA TransAlpine 30 AC
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
JanSport Scout
Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.
Eagle Creek Thrive 90L
Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.
Vaude Cross Ultralight Comfort 35
The Vaude Cross Ultralight Comfort 35 is the ideal lightweight bargain pack for dayhikes or weeklong treks.
Gregory Mountain Products Diablo
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Mountain Hardwear Splitter
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Lowe Alpine TREK PRO POD 17
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
The North Face Primero 85
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
The North Face Crestone 75
This pack moves with you.
Deuter USA ACT Trail 28 SL
Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.