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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.

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.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

Take Black Diamond's practical Predator 50 with you on any trail, anytime.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

This pared-down pack hauls big loads.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

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>.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.

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>.

Bring along your winter toys&mdash; L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

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>.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.

Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.

The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack&mdash;stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

If you want ultralight, look no further than Deuter's tough and roomy ACT Zero 60+10 pack.

Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.

Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

This pack moves with you.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Just $149 can buy you a great pack.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.