Mountainsmith Approach 3.0
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
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.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla Ultralight Backpack
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Bergans of Norway Red Rock
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Osprey Variant 28
The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.
Lafuma Droite 23
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Jandd Mountaineering Mayim Lite Packer
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>.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Lollygag(TM) X30
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Gregory Mountain Products Z35
This pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a> won't buckle under even the heaviest loads.
Lowe Alpine TFX Ridge ND65+15
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Granite Gear Vapor Flash
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10
The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Lookout Women's
Just $149 can buy you a great pack.
Jandd Mountaineering Noah Tec Pac
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) Venturi 30 Womens
Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.
Kelty Arch 65
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Deuter USA ACT Trail 32
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 Coleman Company, Inc. Scurry(TM) X15
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Stoke 19
Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.
Lowe Alpine Arizone Centro 27
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Backcountry Access Alp55
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
CamelBak® Aventura
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Gregory Mountain Products Sungem
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
The North Face Catalyst 75
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
DEUTER USA Guide 30+10SL
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Mountain Hardwear Intention 75
The customizable Intention 75 pack by Mountain Hardwear accommodates large loads and day hikes alike.
Eagle Creek Truist 45L
Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.
Osprey Exos 34
This top ultralight from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a> is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.
DEUTER USA Cruise 30
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
GoLite VO24
This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light. A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
JanSport Equinox
This top ultralight from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a> is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Kwanzan(TM) X40 WMS
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
The North Face Skareb 50
This pack moves with you.
Lafuma Kailas 50 + 10
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
Gregory Mountain Products Whitney 95
Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.
The North Face Prophet 45
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
The North Face Blacktail
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
ARC'TERYX Arrakis 65
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
The North Face W Remedy 25
This pack moves with you.
Kelty Course 82
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
DEUTER USA Aircontact 60+10SL
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Mountain Laurel Designs EXODUS
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Wenger Zernez 50L
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
ARC'TERYX Naos 70
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
GoLite Lite-Speed
This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light. A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Traverse
Looking for a pack that's both wallet- and eco-friendly? You can't go wrong with the Traverse, from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
The North Face Interval 25
This pack moves with you.
High Sierra Sport Company Sentinel 65
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Lowe Alpine Airzone 25
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
The North Face El Lobo 65
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Vaude Ultra Hiker 20
You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.
Backcountry Access Stash
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Eastern Mountain Sports Trail 50 W's
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
Lafuma Kerala 45 LD
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
Osprey Atmos 65
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Vaude Maremma 26
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Tatarian(TM) X50
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Bergans of Norway Viking LADY
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Chinkapin(TM) X65 WMS
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
JanSport Big Bear 63
Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.
DEUTER USA AC Lite 16
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
LL Bean L.L.Bean White Mountain Pack
Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.
Kelty Acute 32-W
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Bergans of Norway Trollhetta 95
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Kelty Beam 82
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Gregory Mountain Products Jade 50
This pack has total load transfer, comfort, and a conveniently laid-out packbag.
BOREAL DAKOTA
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
The North Face Catalyst 60
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
The North Face Primero 60
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Bergans of Norway Alpine Guide 40
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Lowe Alpine ARGON 25
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
ALPS Mountaineering Denali 5500
The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.
Granite Gear Stratus Access FZ 4500
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Mountainsmith Scarlet
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Mammut Face 22
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>.
Mountain Hardwear Dihedral
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
ARC'TERYX Bora 35
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Millet Prolight 27
This pack moves with you.
ARC'TERYX Arro 22
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Lowe Alpine OXYGEN ND20
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
ARC'TERYX Khazri 55
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.