Osprey Atmos 65 AG
|
95
|
Comfort/Fit
9
Stability
9
Storage
9
Durability
9
Extras
9
|
Super comfortable
Adjustable hip belt and shoulder harness
Great ventilation
Good organizational features
|
No integrated rain cover
Only two color choices
|
MSRP
$259.85
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Arc’teryx Altra 65
|
94
|
Comfort/Fit
10
Storage
9
Stability
9
Durability
8
Extras
8
|
Easy torso adjustment
Very durable
Unrivaled comfort
|
Very expensive
No external bottle pockets
Heavy
|
MSRP
$450.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Gregory Zulu 65
|
93
|
Comfort/Fit
10
Storage
10
Stability
8
Durability
8
Extras
7
|
Excellent bang-for-your-buck
Excellent comfort over long distances with heavy loads
Has all of the features you need with no extraneous extras
|
Heavier than other backpacks in the test set
Less water resistant exterior than other bags in the set
|
|
Mystery Ranch Sphinx 65 Backpack
|
93
|
Comfort/Fit
9
Stability
9
Storage
9
Fit
9
Features
7
|
Very comfortable
Feels much larger than sized
Great organizational features
Stable with larger loads
Large middle zipper is great feature
|
No integrated rain cover
Small side water bottle pockets
|
|
Millet Torong 52 Backpack
|
90
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
8
Storage
8
Durability
8
Extras
8
|
Light-weight
Comfortable
Integrated rain fly
Stretchy pocket on the harness
|
Shallow side stretch pockets
One color choice
Lid lays to the back of the pack
|
MSRP
$195.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Arcteryx Bora AR 50
|
90
|
Comfort/Fit
9
Storage
7
Stability
8
Durability
10
Extras
6
|
Best water resistance in set
Unparalleled durability
Strong hip pivot action & comfort
|
Very expensive
Heaviest in set
No gear loops on bottom
|
MSRP
$500.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Thule Guidepost 65 Backpack
|
90
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
8
Storage
8
Fit
8
Features
8
|
Adjustable torso and shoulder harness
Numerous pockets create organizational options
Lid is removable, creates 24 liter day pack
Hip belt is wrap around
|
No integrated rain cover
Pivoting hip belt produces negligible results
Price
|
MSRP
$329.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Granite Gear Virga 2 Backpack
|
89
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
8
Storage
8
Durability
8
Extras
7
|
Very lightweight
Roll top closure adds weather protection
Versatile
|
No frame
No integrated rain cover
|
|
Osprey Exos 58 Backpack
|
89
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
8
Storage
8
Durability
8
Extras
7
|
Two zippered hip-belt pockets
Removable lid
Comfortable
Breathable back panel
|
Zipper on the lid could be longer
Comfort diminishes with heavier loads
No integrated rain cover
Single access point (top)
|
MSRP
$219.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Bergans Trollhetta 55 Backpack
|
89
|
Comfort/Fit
9
Stability
8
Storage
7
Fit
8
Features
7
|
Burley
Comfortable
Easy water bottle access
Good main compartment access
|
No integrated rain cover
No hip belt pockets
Limited function in the sled attachments
|
MSRP
$268.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Granite Gear Lutsen 55 Backpack
|
89
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
7
Storage
8
Fit
8
Features
8
|
Very adjustable
Comfortable
Deep water bottle pockets
Good organizational features
|
No integrated rain cover
Comfort diminishes w/loads over 40 pounds
Top access only to main compartment
|
MSRP
$219.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Montane Summit 50+15 Backpack
|
89
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
8
Storage
7
Fit
8
Features
8
|
Removable 15 liter daypack
Three storage pockets in the lid
Integrated rain cover
|
Sternum strap adjustment is clunky
Shallow side water bottle pockets
Comfort diminishes with loads over 40 pounds
|
MSRP
$289.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Osprey Stratos 50 Backpack
|
89
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Stability
7
Storage
8
Fit
8
Features
8
|
Lightweight
Good organizational features
Good ventilation
Integrated rain cover
|
Shallow side water bottle pockets
Less comfortable with loads over 40 pounds
|
MSRP
$180.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Deuter ACT Zero 50+15
|
87
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Storage
8
Stability
6
Durability
8
Extras
7
|
External storage
Easy to pack
Durable materials
|
Suffers under heavy loads
|
MSRP
$189.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Gregory Paragon 58
|
86
|
Comfort/Fit
7
Storage
7
Stability
8
Durability
7
Extras
7
|
Lightest bag in test set
Simple construction keeps organization simple
Good compressibility for summit tags
|
Limited outward lateral expansion
Only one gear loop on back for trekking poles or ice axes
Small brain storage compartment
|
|
Lowe Alpine Cholatse 55
|
86
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Storage
7
Stability
8
Durability
7
Extras
6
|
Entry level price point
Three body access points
Removable frame
Light
Big zipper pulls and large water bottle sleeves
|
Long tag ends on many straps
Optional zippered divider adds weight
Limited use of one gear loop
|
MSRP
$180.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Black Diamond Element 60
|
85
|
Comfort/Fit
8
Storage
8
Stability
6
Durability
7
Extras
6
|
Second lightest pack in test set
Very comfortable
Easily adjustable sternum strap
Huge water bottle sleeves with cinch
|
Only one hidden ice axe loop
Non-removable water bladder sleeve
|
MSRP
$220.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Mammut Trion Pro 50+7
|
84
|
Comfort/Fit
7
Storage
7
Stability
6
Durability
7
Extras
7
|
Entry-level price point
Lighter than most bags in the set
Water resistant treatment with roll-top closure
Good compressibility
|
Thin padding not great for heavy loads
No exterior water bottles sleeves
Minimal pivot
|
MSRP
$200.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Osprey Stratos 50
|
84
|
Comfort/Fit
6
Storage
7
Stability
6
Durability
8
Extras
7
|
Entry level price point
Airspeed system for back ventilation
Accessible rain cover pouch
Two dual-access bottle sleeves
|
Limited expandability
Thin padding precludes heavier loads
Basic plastic buckles
|
MSRP
$190.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Osprey Volt 60
|
80
|
Comfort/Fit
7
Storage
5
Stability
6
Durability
7
Extras
5
|
Compresses for small loads
Fits a wide range of body shapes
Great price
|
Suffers under heavy loads
Doesn’t expand out as well as it compacts in
Narrow body compartment
|
MSRP
$180.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
The North Face Terra 50
|
79
|
Comfort/Fit
6
Storage
6
Stability
5
Durability
6
Extras
6
|
Lowest cost pack in test set
Good expandability
Tool loops
|
Tall frame with high center of gravity
Long tag ends on most straps
High brain buckles prevent much compressibility
No hip pivot, hindering stability
|
|
Thule Versant 60
|
79
|
Comfort/Fit
6
Storage
6
Stability
5
Durability
5
Extras
7
|
Expandable for larger loads
Large, two-pocket brain
Heavy construction aids overall durability
|
Heavy
No loops on bottom
Permanent water bladder sleeve
|
MSRP
$260.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Kelty Revol 65
|
76
|
Comfort/Fit
5
Storage
6
Stability
4
Durability
6
Extras
5
|
Removable brain
Two gear loops on back
Decent expandability; can handle a variety of loads and situations
|
Heavy
High center of gravity
Ineffectual back sleeve
|
MSRP
$220.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
|
Kelty Redwing 50
|
74
|
Comfort/Fit
5
Storage
4
Stability
5
Durability
6
Extras
4
|
Great price
Durable construction
|
Suffers under heavy loads
Narrow body compartment
|
|