top-loading

This pack tames the biggest loads.

Serious about backpacking and photography? You’ll love this camera-ready pack.

The 85-liter Terraplane may be the last load-hauler you’ll ever buy.

Capable of carrying heavy loads on a weeklong trip, it also strips cleanly down for light-and-fast summit bids.

This no-frills top-loader has everything you need for skiing and mountaineering, plus a bargain-basement price.

It’s loaded with all the winter-specific features we love for big backcountry days.

It’s light, yet full-featured, with excellent freedom of motion for climbing and skiing.

Here's a blast from the past. An external frame that inflicts the least amount of impact on your body.

A bargain pack that doesn't compromise.

A simple, clean, top-loading rucksack.

This versatile pack works equally well for big dayhikes and whirlwind travel.

It’s light, low-profile, and “perfect in that there’s nothing left to take away,” according to one tester.

This retro-looking rucksack sports a single, roomy packbag that can easily compress low-volume loads. It’s well-suited for dayhikes, sessions at the crag, or anyone who’s tough on gear.

Use this streamlined chameleon as a stand-alone hydration daypack (it comes with a 2-liter reservoir) or slip it into the sleeve of your big pack and use it for day jaunts or summit sprints from basecamp.

Ultralight, waterproof, and comfortable—the top-loading Alpha FL 30 hits a rare trifecta. Plus, its shape provides unmatched mobility.

It’s ideal for newbies who need some packing guidance and type As who like to have a precise spot for every little thing.

A breathable, stable trampoline-style multiday pack.

The Flash has been a perennial favorite for its low weight and price, and female testers raved about its new women’s suspension system.

This burly, big-volume, well-organized pack boasts a unique system of exterior straps that lend it year-round performance—without adding a lot of weight.

The South Col proved ideal for mountaineers: comfortable and stable mile after mile with loads up to 60 pounds.

This frameless little pack is a great all-arounder for bike commuting and dayhikes.

A durable, ultralight pack that's affordable.

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The versatile gear-hauling system by Boreas Gear.

A light 50-liter pack with minimalist suspension.

Hike hard in hot weather with this well-ventilated pack from Mountain Hardwear.

Enjoy big pack performance with this light-weight bargain pack from Osprey.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

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Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

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Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

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Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

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Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.