Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Trad Pack
A pack built for climbers.
From pre-work jaunts to all-day excursions, finding the right daypack to fit your needs and frame is imperative. The expert gear reviewers at Backpacker Magazine test the latest daypacks in real backcountry conditions for comfort, durability, packability, and more.
A pack built for climbers.
A pack that holds monster loads but weighs just over five pounds.
If you only buy one multiday pack, this is it.
A trim pack built for backcountry ski days.
A 40-liter pack that comfortably carries up to 50 pounds.
A pack built to haul snowshoes.
A backpack with built in Avalung technology for use in avalanche-prone areas.
An ultralight pack that's under $100...and comfortable.
An ultralight daypack that fits in the palm of your hand
This daypack wears skis and ice axes as accessories.
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
This is a true hiker's camera pack.
This workhorse pack has been redesigned with an easy-access opening.
This daypack is made for scrambling and holds up to 25 pounds.
For all-day epics, fast-and-light summit bids, and even minimalist overnights, reach for one of these versatile load haulers.
Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.
Scramble over rocks and hike in a downpour with the stable and weather-resistant Skareb 65 pack by The North Face.
The customizable Intention 75 pack by Mountain Hardwear accommodates large loads and day hikes alike.
The Vaude Cross Ultralight Comfort 35 is the ideal lightweight bargain pack for dayhikes or weeklong treks.
Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
Want rugged? Go for the Crumpler Bumper Issue, a rough and tough pack that takes on narrow slot canyons and unforgiving brush fields.
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
Use and abuse the tough Mountain Hardware Juggernaut Series luggage.
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Tough fabric, compact, and room to spare. What more could you want?
Our reviewer found the Leki Carbonlite poles "tough, compact, and eerily light...."
This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.
High performance and low cost? These 6 weekend packs deliver.
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Organization and preparation will make your next overnight or day-hike packing session easy. Below, the Backpacker editors showcase their mistakes for your benefit.