Breathable, stable contact vent V-frame suspension system. 40-liter plus 7-liter volume across compartments. Vertically-adjusted back panel. Top lid adjusts to fit more gear for longer trips. Pairs with hydration reservoir. Detachable rain cover. Removable bottom compartment stows compressed sleeping bags. Assorted gear loops, carry loops, and pockets. Base is 420-denier nylon with 210-denier nylon ripstop body. Padded shoulder strap and waist belt.

Cons

Not enough room for a fully-loaded winter trip, but it's a good size for summer or a lighter trip in any season.

Best Bang for the Buck

Mammut

Xeron Element Backpack

With an understated, streamlined look, the Xeron makes a great work pack or carry-on bag.

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Bottom Line

With an understated, streamlined look, the Xeron makes a great work pack or carry-on bag.

Pros

Large vertical zip front pocket. Front zipped compartment is organizable with separated sections. Padded laptop compartment is separately accessible for safety. 2 mesh side pockets. Reflective straps. Fits laptops up to 15 inches. Comfortable and roomy. Durable. Weighs half a kilogram. Polyester. Features chest strap. 22-liter capacity.

Cons

Definitely not a mountain pack. Watch the mesh – it's slightly rough to the touch and might snag nicer clothing.

Mammut

Cargon Backpack

Ridiculously durable, the Cargon backpack doubles as a roomy duffle bag. The bottom faces out when you put it on your back, which keeps your clothes clean.

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Bottom Line

Ridiculously durable, the Cargon backpack doubles as a roomy duffle bag. The bottom faces out when you put it on your back, which keeps your clothes clean.

Pros

Thick material with reinforced stress points. Larger backpack that can double as a duffle. Broad straps help distribute the load over a wide area. Generously-sized main compartment with internal pocket on underside of flap. Wide handles at both ends. Daisy chain gear carrier includes 2 stowable upper compression straps. Heavy-duty abrasion-resistant EPO nylon floor. Choice of sizes.

Cons

Mesh shoulder straps are covered in mesh that catches on hook-and-loop handle wrap. The mesh can become frayed in a short time if you're not careful. To attach and detach items from the straps, you must dethread the webbing, which can be time consuming.

Mammut

Trion Zip 28-Liter Backpack

This modern alpine pack is designed with climbers, alpinists, and mountaineers in mind.

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Bottom Line

This modern alpine pack is designed with climbers, alpinists, and mountaineers in mind.

Pros

Options for rope and ice axe storage. Sturdy suspension system. Aluminum motion V-frame lets you carry gear with comfort and stability. Padded EVA shoulders and hip belt give lightweight cushioning. Detachable, narrow hip belt. Increase your stability by cinching your load with compression straps. Large zippered flap opening gives great gear access. Pairs with hydration reservoir.

Cons

Not a lot of internal organization options.

Mammut

Seon Courier Urban Pack

This commuter series pack features both a water-resistant work compartment for your electronics and a separate compartment to store your gym clothes.

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Bottom Line

This commuter series pack features both a water-resistant work compartment for your electronics and a separate compartment to store your gym clothes.

Pros

Roll-top closure and nylon construction with multiple compartments. Water-resistant work compartment includes padded fleece laptop sleeve. Climb compartment stows climbing equipment for a trip to the gym before or after work. Front pocket. 30-liter capacity. Anatomically-shaped shoulder straps.

Cons

Few external pockets for quick, convenient access.

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First Reviewed

November 26, 2021

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considered

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