如同有毒的气体从汗水浸湿的聚丙烯中产生，肮脏的回忆有时会自我的装备室出现，让我的膝盖发抖。罪魁祸首是一个如同怪兽的大包，我扫了一眼这个曾经带我完成了很多遥远的旅程的满是灰尘的怪兽，它的巨大的不合适的袋子装了足以应付一个月的食物和装备，压碎了我。
现在，我老化的身体和对于家庭的爱促使我从一个月的重装健行减少为更容易处理的为期一周的远足。现在完美的背包是多用途的，能装载大概5天的食物和装备。它也很轻，可以压缩为足够周末外出。我理想的背包能搬运从应付沙漠旅行的水到我想拉长旅程时额外的食物每件东西，也可以携带滑雪撬或者登山装备。
换句话说，这个包的容量和背负系统必须驯服有时适度的负重，但也至于大到淹没轻型的装备。我的钱包这么瘪，再怎么说也不能再断一只胳膊或者断条腿吧。要求不算过多，是吧？这个完美的多才多艺的背包存在么？为了找出这个背包，我首先提炼出相关的因素，提出了标准。
然后我做了一些网上和产品名册的研究，找到了你现在看到的六个背包。为了发现它们如何应付真实的户外世界，七个Backpacker的装备测试者肩背着重物在一月到七月间进行了合计超过200天的徒步旅行。测试地点包括爱达荷州Sawtooth山脉；亚利桑那州的峡谷、山顶、沙漠；华盛顿的North Cascades；英属哥伦比亚海岸附近的一座孤岛；阿拉斯加布鲁克斯山脉北坡；加利福尼亚约塞米蒂国家公园的Half Dome；全部的旅行几乎遍及了东北部的各处，我们扛起适合全家的装备，携带滑雪板，攀登岩石，蹒跚而行穿越了Arctic（北极地区在北极与北美洲和欧亚大陆北部林木线之间区域）草丛地带，托运了无数加仑的水。换句话说，就是做了你能用一个背包所做的任何事情。
最后，我们带着一些有说服力的使人信服的观点离开，是关于背包如何工作和什么是在颈部成为疼痛的原因。我们也认识到你不必一定要花费大量的金钱去得到一个令人惊异的全面的背包。大部分的背包将适合你的每一个需要，从长周末到一整周，并且有一些背包刚好可以成为一个你能用于所有人烟稀少的乡村地区的远足短途旅游。接下来评论是以综合表现为顺序的。
实地试验标准
容量 至少4500立方英寸。
重量 少于6磅。
背负系统 多功能（徒步、攀登、滑雪）。
价格 低于$250。
有适合男士和女士的多种尺寸。
Jack Wolfskin Trailhead
一个真正的便宜货，其特定是，有着全天的舒适，至少十年持久性（我们估计的），一个多功能的背负系统，非常便于有效使用装备，杰出的对细节的关注。
![[背包]户外装备测评--买得起的多用途背包(多图)](../pic/411OXP-163L.jpg)
最后得分4.4
"一件艺术品，"迈克总结每个人关于这个近乎完美的背包的看法后宣布。少数测试者注意到这个6磅的Trailhead比大部分背包要沉，但是每个人消除了其重量是不合理的顾虑，因为它负重是这样的舒适。几个测试者在亚利桑那州周围搬运大量的水，另外一些人在他们正常的露营负重之上又塞满了沉重的攀登装备，用以了解其背负系统是如何支撑的，没有一个能让它竭尽全力。全天的舒适来自于这个背包有曲线的肩带、有着精细弧线和稳固填充物的腰带、升运装载完全足以控制其负重、透气网眼遍及整个背负。三种系带和框架尺寸（总共有九个合适的选择，包括一个适合女士的框架和带子）也被证明是有益的。
稳定的可压缩的背包仓可以通过宽大的顶口、睡袋仓间隔拉练、或者巨大的前部口袋（有一个网眼间隔物）存取。不同于一些背包，其前面板拉练有侧面的可压缩的扣带操作，当他们握着滑雪撬或者帐篷杆的时候是非常便于取得的。每个人都同意这款狼爪的包可以不费力地一个短星期的装备和食物，最低限度的要求者认为它能托运10天的供给。
限制因素是这个背包的适中的内部容量，不能对付重担。水壶袋也小，每个能支持一升，但是得用一个伸缩带系紧，要不你可能会在路上丢失它们。
顶袋有三个贮藏隔间，可以拿下来，配上可分离的腰带就是个非常舒适的腰包。两个冰斧挂环，底部有很多可伸缩的用以固定的带子、上等的链条，有第一流缝制的坚固织物，令人惊讶的合理价格($209)衬托出了这款非常棒的背包。
联系方式：Jack Wolfskin, (888) 378-9653; www.wolfskin.com
Gregory Forester
轻、干净利落、极好的稳定性、超等的舒适，这款包是为了给那些更喜欢在徒步中以最小的包来得到最大的性能表现的人准备的。
![[背包]户外装备测评--买得起的多用途背包(多图)](../pic/411Q5U0-21632.jpg)
最后得分3.9
在加州红杉公园，当丹尼斯摇摇欲坠地通过一根架设在由于融雪而涨水的河流上方大概25英尺处的园木时，他感谢自己对于在他背上这款非常贴身、有着令人鼓舞的平衡的Forester恰当的预测。确实，这款Forester在严酷的户外弯曲时行动起来就好像是我们身体的扩展，甚至是把滑雪板捆绑在压缩带上时，因此赢得了我们全体的赞扬。其象胶水一样的背负系统经过检验也被证明是相当舒适的。其热塑成型的背板泡沫材料甚至在靠着裸露的皮肤时也感觉很凉爽，填料是柔和的，但是稳固。我们挑出的一个缺点是：其柔软的腰带不象其它几款背包上的宽的双密度带那样能够支撑重担。审慎的的容量，一个为期5天的夏季旅行是这款背包的界限，虽然一贯轻装的保罗认为这款背包可以带着他再进行一周的旅行。
Gregory的优点之一是其合身性，其公司为了达到这点是通过在野外适应中决定精确性和稳定性，而不是买卖一个适合所有人的背负，有四种躯干长度的微调加上三种不同的腰带，合起来产生12个尺寸可供你从中挑选。另外，其肩带也可以在两种设置中移动，但是区别只是一英寸的间隔。
这款包有几个值得夸耀的地方。其干净利落、简单的主袋（唯一额外的口袋在与臀部平行的位置，是用来装水瓶的网状物）尤其得到了那些不需要多种角落和缝隙来把他们的废物组织起来的人们的欣赏。前面和睡袋仓隔间的拉链提供了可以很容易取放装备的方法。有一个完全的塑胶板在其中的顶盖提供了一个查看自己杂物的窗口，虽然要去打开拉链你不得不翻开顶盖，从而你看不到你想要的东西。
其用橡胶处理的底部似乎对于我们大多数人来说是无敌的，但是当西南部测试者拖曳着他们的背包穿越粗糙的沙漠花岗岩时，钉子大小的破洞出现在其僵硬的织物上。压缩带横过水瓶袋，在适当的位置控制水瓶，但是当绷紧压缩带时使得想轻松取放水瓶是很难做到的。
两个冰镐挂环弥补了这款背包轻量级的圆滑的设计，高山向导保罗称它对于高山探险运输来说是"我所钟爱的唾手可得的背包"。
联系方式：Gregory Mountain Products, (800) 477-3420; www.gregorypacks.com
Madden Scrambler
正如它的名字，这款背包对于你所有的户外事务提供了顶级的平衡和对于负重的控制。一个几乎完美的长周末背包，如果审慎的打包，它也可以应付一周的活动。
![[背包]户外装备测评--买得起的多用途背包(多图)](../pic/411R4L0-34T6.jpg)
最后得分3.8
以46立方英寸的容量，这款Scrambler几乎没有在测试中尖叫过（看在78页的照片）。当它被翻出的时候，它的低容量阻止了它得到更高的分数。多数人的意见是这款Scrambler要超过一个整夜和周末的背包，但是不适合5天或更长的日子，我们大多数人觉得我们不得不绑了太多外挂在包外或者背包太小了。对于我个人而言，我欢迎减少负重的动机，在布鲁克斯山脉从基地营做一个4天的远足中，我不费力地压缩了大量的食物。装铲子的口袋允许我踏在驯鹿踩出的小道上时携带湿的雨天装备，在我高速行走通过高的草丛时纤瘦的腰带收得不够紧。
其苗条、柔韧的腰带所提供的支撑是令人惊讶的，虽然确实相当重的负载决定性地击败了它。（如果你计划携带额外重量的负载，一个来自于Madden大背包的腰带是允许的。）在胡德山（注：一座火山山峰，海拔3,426.7米(11,235英尺)，位于俄勒冈州西北的喀斯喀特山脉，为该州内海拔最高点）整夜的攀登和屈膝旋转下降中我发现这款背包是稳定和舒适的。所有的测试者热情洋溢地谈论着他们感觉调整好的背负系统是多么平稳，公认这是一款适合所有地形旅行的顶级背包。当肩带没有调整好时，腰带依靠钩环扣件提供一些竖向的支持。无论如何获得良好的合身性的关键在于在三种可选的背包型号之中做出正确的选择。
除了非常喜欢的装铲子的口袋外，我们也称赞其比通常要强硬的网孔水瓶口袋，优秀的缝合和耐用的织物，在睡袋仓隔间的有重要责任的拉链。可以迅速松开的带扣使得系上帐篷杆和滑雪撬是很容易做到的，并且环提供了额外的捆绑点。网孔是舒适的并且发泡材料无论在何种情况下背包接触皮肤都是透气的。我不太喜欢前面可以存取的头包，那样往往倾向于往里倒东西。我们对于本来已经很小的顶包里还有奇怪的束带隔间都觉得很挠头。
联系方式：Madden Mountaineering, (303) 442-5828; www.maddenusa.com
REI New Star
在旅途中，你可以用这个背包携带大量的负载。如果你是一个攀登或者乡村远足穿越的爱好者，舒适和平稳可能是被担忧的。
![[背包]户外装备测评--买得起的多用途背包(多图)](../pic/411U5540-45c8.jpg)
最后得分3.1
"这款 New Star好象巨穴般的内部和结实的可扩展的领圈像T. rex一样淹没了装备，不费力地消灭一周的食物和一个家庭的野营装备。当我出发做一些野外生存时，我把一加仑煤气罐、一夸脱链油、一个头盔和为了应付可能到来的雨天的额外的衣服一起塞在包里，还有一个巨大的链锯。前面板巨大的拉链使得移动在包里的任何东西都很容易（除了那个链锯！）。不幸地是侧面的压缩带扣住了拉上拉链的中间面板，当你携带滑雪橇或者在侧面系上帐篷杆时就会引起存取的问题。基本上，尽管各种各样的捆绑压缩带允许充足的外挂。甚至可移动的顶盖也是成比例的宽大，它可以通过三个压缩带扣转换成一个腰包。与臀部同一水平面的巨大网孔水瓶袋能容纳两个半加仑的水瓶。
这款New Star的肩带几乎可以调节得适合任何人，但是不论是伟大的山脉还是舒适的原野的适应性，其背负系统表现得很普通。詹尼弗精炼了我们顾虑，当她在亚利桑那州圣弗朗西斯科山峰的一次远足期间描述这款背包为"笨重的"，在那里她不得不携带了三天的水。虽然背负系统是可以容忍的，它低的、蹲坐的背包往往是从肩部离开，给人一种失去平衡的感觉。例如，在宾夕法尼亚州Appalachian Trail中，在峭壁的因为雨水冲刷而光滑的截面上时，乔恩说他发现自己不得不前倾以补偿他被背包相后拉的那种感觉。
联系方式：REI, (800) 426-4840; www.rei.com
Camp Trails Wind River
如果你喜欢很多小口袋和高性价比，这款大的、高可适应性的背包是值得你去关注的。虽然一些测试者觉得不是很合身。
![[背包]户外装备测评--买得起的多用途背包(多图)](../pic/411X50Z-51N9.jpg)
最后得分3
丰富的小口袋是我们对这款Wind River的第一印象。五个外部的口袋加上两个网孔水瓶袋，有这么多的选择以至于迈克不认为他能记得他把他的随身小折刀放在那里了。曾经他想把小刀挑选出，他同样地被大而重的主包淹没了。另一方面，乔恩是很感激这个大口袋的，在犹他州Paria峡谷6天的远足的中，他激动地拖曳着他有着两个刚学走路的孩子的家庭几乎所有的东西。
在肩部背负的一个简单的有滑动带扣的厚带系统准许一个极大的调节范围，所以只不过两个尺寸就可以适应在6英寸范围变化的躯干。负重的带子足够向上伸以转换重量到髋部，在髋部有一个宽的舒适的双密度腰带支撑大的负重。经管如此，只有乔恩找到了可以与他的躯干相称的，其柔软、开放性泡沫填料靠着他的后背，还有小的、相对紧密的腰垫。其他的测试者不能把包调整得适合他们后背的轮廓，有几个报告说做为结果这会导致平衡问题。丹尼斯说这个背包强迫他不得不以一种尴尬的角度走路以试图能正确地负重。詹尼弗试图采取很不舒服的弓背徒步为了让重量落在腰带上。这些设法更好地适应背包的人希望肩带和腰带被覆盖以对皮肤很舒适的织物，这样夏天只穿很少的衬衣时会很舒服。
附属的顶盖是不可移动的，其可以使得额外扩展负重有一个很好的适应（虽然其主包足够大，扩展是个很少见的结果）。拉开睡袋隔间的拉链可以取放在背包底部的东西，但是很大的有（袋子口的）束绳的间隔似乎很重并且不如用拉链控制那么方便。滑雪橇、帐篷杆、鱼杆和其它随身的小用具可以通过侧袋的通道滑动，这是个与众不同的系统，对我们来说非常有用。
联系方式： Camp Trails, (800) 572-8822; www.jwa.com
L.L. Bean Knife Edge
对于那些适合其固定的背负系统的初级徒步旅行者，这是一个经济的选择。工作起来有一些舒适，但是细节就急转直下了。
![[背包]户外装备测评--买得起的多用途背包(多图)](../pic/411Z520-Ba9.jpg)
最后得分2.4
如果你要打包的东西相当的轻，这款Knife Edge能够应付5天的负重（如果你不需要可扩充的场所并且如果其固定的背负系统适合你的躯干）。其背负系统有两个尺寸，中等的和大的，并且它的肩带不能细微地调节到合身。这些基本的尺寸大概正确地适合我们大部分人，但是我们仍然希望我们能够进行细微地调节。
$129的价格，这款Knife Edge是目前为止这次测试中最便宜的一款背包。新手想寻找一款入门级的背包，或许会觉得Knife Edge是一个不错的选择。那些曾经背过其它背包的老手在这里可能会有些争议，例如，西南部的测试者觉得非常遗憾这款背包的尼龙被他们的汗水粘合在一起，他们曾经在晚春时节携带这款Knife Edge沿着亚利桑那州Humphrey的侧翼向上。少数测试者也说这款背包薄的填料不能缓解他们艰苦工作的背部肌肉。
这里还有关于其它细节的问题，像其侧面的绑带只是在侧袋是空着的时候才能被用来绑滑雪橇或者帐杆。另外，对于好的压缩带来讲它们不够紧绷。于是就这么一个压缩带越过拉上拉链的睡袋隔仓。大多数的背包在这都有两个压缩带，这样你可以放心一个帐篷或者睡袋被绑好了，不会来回晃动。测试者也指出顶包太小是个问题，网孔侧包也几乎不能放下一夸脱的水瓶，其双密度腰带在重负之下也太容易压扁了。
作为光明的一面，在睡袋仓和主包之间的间隔物拉开拉链是很容易存取背包底部的东西，背包坚韧的织物只有一点磨损。
联系方式：L.L. Bean, (800) 809-7057; www.llbean.com
记分板
背包 最后得分 价格 重量(厂商提供/实际测量) 容量 装载量 适应能力 舒适性 负重控制 耐久性 多功能性
Jack Wolfskin Trailhead 4.4 $209 5 磅12盎斯/ 6磅 4,300-4,950 立方英寸 4 4 4.5 4 4.5 4.5
Gregory Forester 3.9 $240 4磅 15盎斯/ 5磅 5盎斯 4,850 立方英寸 3.5 3.5 4.5 4 4 4
Madden Scrambler 3.8 $239 4磅 8盎斯/ 5磅 4盎斯 4,600立方英寸 3.5 2.5 3.5 4 4.5 4
REI New Star 3.1 $190 5磅 12盎斯/ 6磅 1盎斯 5,122-6,122 立方英寸 3.5 4 3 3 3 3.5
Camp Trails Wind River 3 $180 5磅 7盎斯/ 5磅 8盎斯 5,439-6,820立方英寸 3.5 4 3 3 3 3.5
L.L. Bean Knife Edge 2.4 $129 5磅 4盎斯/ 5磅 4盎斯 4,775-5,300立方英寸 2.5 1.5 3 3 3 2.5
最后得分：测试者的内心评价，对背包整体表现全方面考虑的结果。注意：这个等级不是一个不同得分的平均值。
重量：以磅和盎司为单位，对于中号或者常规型号。第一个重量是其制造厂商提供的；第二个重量是背包客自己测量得到的。
容量：最大多少立方英寸，不扩展到扩展，按照制造厂商提供的数据。
装载量：对于5天的旅途这个背包是否足够？有没有额外浪费的空间？对于装和卸是否坚韧？能否在侧包布置装备，有没有捆绑点可以藏东西？压缩带系统是否允许正当的负重压缩？
适应性：为了调整舒适性而改变设置是否需要一个工具箱，或者普通的徒步旅行者能否在路途中微调他的设置以获得舒适？背包是如何调整的？你最经常改变哪一个设置？
舒适：这款背包是否能轻松应付5天的负重，或者它在你的后背上更像一个猴子？你的臀部、腰、后背、腰椎区域、肩部感觉如何？
负重控制：在行进中这款背包是否影响你的自由活动？对于崎岖不平的路、悬崖峭壁或者人烟罕至需要砍伐丛林前进的不毛之地适应得有多好？背包是否影响平衡、手臂摆动和高步幅行走的自由？顶端是否有足够的间隔？
耐久性：任何东西在实际上弯曲、撕裂、拆开或者衰退？原料、做工、拉链、附件和带扣是否持续工作良好？这款背包是否有一个长的使用期限？
多功能性：除了5天的重装健行你还愿意用这款背包做别的任何事么？它是否适合一个度过一个晚上的周末休假、或者一周、也许甚至是紧挨着的两个星期？你会带着背包滑雪去么？攀登呢？
评价等级
5=优秀的、出众的装备
4=很好的、打败大多数的
3=好的、可接受的装备
2=还可以的、好但是……
1=劣质的、糟糕的质量很差的
与测试者相识
保罗 克利夫兰
河流向导、户外作家
6英尺/170磅（约合1.83米/77.18公斤）
躯干长度：20英寸（约合0.51米）
测试范围：Pasayten荒野，贝克山（华盛顿西北部的一座山峰，海拔3,287.3米（10,778英尺），位于贝灵汉东部的喀斯喀特山脉），北部小瀑布，华盛顿州
喜爱的背包：Gregory
乔纳森 Dorn
背包客杂志编辑
6英尺6英寸/220磅
躯干长度：19.5英寸
测试范围：犹他州Paria峡谷，纽约Catskills，阿巴拉契亚
喜爱的背包：Jack Wolfskin
迈克 弗里克
艺术家
6英尺2英寸/200磅
躯干长度：20英寸
测试范围：科罗拉多大峡谷，亚利桑那荒野
喜爱的背包：Madden
约翰 哈林
背包客西北区编辑
5英尺10英寸/165磅
躯干长度：18英寸
测试范围：俄勒冈州胡德山（喀斯喀特山脉）；加利福尼亚州约塞米蒂国家公园；英属哥伦比亚努特卡岛；阿拉斯加北极地区国家野生保护区
喜爱的背包：Jack Wolfskin
丹尼斯 Lewon
作家，荒野向导
5英尺10英寸/165磅
躯干长度：18英寸
测试范围：西南部沙漠；内华达山脉(美国加利福尼亚州东部的花岗岩块状山脉)
喜爱的背包：Jack Wolfskin
安妮特 McGivney
背包客西南部编辑
6英尺/147磅
躯干长度：17.5英寸
测试范围：科罗拉多大峡谷，亚利桑那州Sonoran沙漠
喜爱的背包：Jack Wolfskin
詹尼弗 Wallentas
语言病理学讲师
5英尺8英寸/135磅
躯干长度：17英寸
测试范围：圣弗朗西斯科山峰，亚利桑那州Sonoran沙漠
喜爱的背包：Gregory
原文如下：
Affordable, Versatile Packs
Six all-purpose load-haulers ideal for weekend and weeklong adventures.
By John Harlin, BACKPACKER Contributing Editor, December 1, 2000
Photo by John Harlin
Madden Scrambler
Like toxic odors rising from sweat-soaked polypropylene, foul memories sometimes emerge from my gear room and set my knees to trembling. The culprit is a monster-size pack, and a single glimpse of the dusty beast transports me back to many a remote trail, where the gigantic and ill-fitting sack crushed me under the weight of a month's worth of food and far too much gear.
These days, my aging body and love of family have conspired to reduce my month-long slogs into more manageable weeklong excursions. Now the perfect pack is versatile and holds food and gear for roughly 5 days. It's also light and compressible enough for weekend outings. My ideal pack carries skis or climbing gear as well, and can handle everything from a load of water for desert travel to a few extra days' worth of food for those times when I stretch things out.
In other words, the pack's capacity and suspension system must tame a moderately heavy load on occasion, but not be bulky enough to overwhelm a go-light setup. Oh, and my wallet's a bit on the slim side, so the pack can't cost an arm or a leg, either.
That's not asking for too much, is it? Does the perfect all-around pack exist? To find out, I first distilled the pertinent factors and came up with the criteria.
Then I did some Web and catalog research, and found the half-dozen packs you see here. To find out how they handle in the real outdoor world, seven Backpacker gear testers shouldered the burden for more than 200 total trail days between January and July. The test locales included the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho; canyons, peaks, and deserts in Arizona; Washington's North Cascades; an island off the coast of British Columbia; the North Slope of the Brooks Range, Alaska; Half Dome in Yosemite, California; and almost everywhere there's a trail in the Northeast. Collectively, we humped family gear, toted skis, rock climbed, stumbled across Arctic tussock fields, hauled countless gallons of water-in other words, did just about everything you'd do with such a pack.
In the end, we came away with some strong opinions about what worked and what was a pain in the neck. We also realized that you don't have to spend a ton of dough to get an amazing all-around pack. Most of these will suit your every need, from a long weekend to a full week, and some might just become the one pack you use for all your backcountry outings. The reviews follow in order of overall performance.
Field Test Criteria
Capacity of at least 4,500 cubic inches.
Weight of less than 6 pounds.
Internal frame for versatility (trails, climbing, skiing).
Price of less than $250
Available in multiple sizes to fit men's and women's torsos.
Jack Wolfskin Trailhead
Final
Grade
4.4
A true bargain that features all-day comfort, at least a decade of endurance (we estimate), a versatile compression system, good access to gear, and fine attention to details.
Photo by John Harlin
Jack Wolfskin Trailhead
"A work of art," Mike uttered, summing up everyone's opinion of this nearly ideal pack. A few testers noted that the 6-pound Trailhead was heavier than most packs, but everyone quickly dismissed the weight as inconsequential because it carries loads so comfortably. Several testers hauled large quantities of water around the Arizona desert, and others jammed a full load of heavy climbing hardware on top of their normal camping load to see how the suspension system held up. No one maxed it out. All-day comfort came with this pack's contoured shoulder straps, nicely curved and firmly padded hipbelt, load lifters high enough to control the load, and breathable mesh throughout the suspension. Three harness and frame sizes (for a total of nine fit options, including a women's frame and belt) also proved of benefit.
Stable and compressible, the packbag is accessed via the wide top, the sleeping-bag compartment zipper, or the huge front pocket (with a mesh divider). Unlike on some packs, the front panel zipper works with the side compression straps buckled, which is handy when they're holding skis or tent poles. Everyone agreed that the Wolfskin easily carried a short week's worth of food and gear, and minimalist packers thought it could haul 10 days' worth of provisions.
The limiting factor is the pack's modest interior volume, not its ability to handle the weight. The water bottle pockets are also small; each holds a liter, but snug the bottles tight with a compression strap or you might lose them along the way.
The top lid has three storage compartments and can be removed and rigged to the detachable hipbelt for the most comfortable fanny pack we've worn. Two ice-axe loops, bottom-of-the-bag compression/lashing straps, daisy chains, indestructible fabric with top-notch stitching, and an amazingly reasonable price ($209) round out this great pack.
Contact: Jack Wolfskin, (888) 378-9653; www.wolfskin.com.
Gregory Forester
Final
Grade
3.9
Light, clean, super-stable, and superbly comfortable, this is the pack for those who prefer minimal pockets and maximum performance on and off the trail.
Photo by John Harlin
Gregory Forester
"As Dennis teetered across a log some 25 feet above a snowmelt-swollen river in California's Giant Sequoia National Monument, he thanked his happy horoscope for the body-hugging, balance-inspiring Forester on his back. Indeed, the Forester earned our universal praise for acting like an extension of our bodies during tough off-trail contortions, even with skis lashed to the compression straps. The gluelike harness system also proved quite comfortable. The back panel of thermomolded foam felt cool even against bare skin, and the padding was gentle, yet firm. One nit we picked: The soft hipbelt didn't support as serious a load as the wider, dual-density belts found on several other packs. Capacity-wise, a 5-day summer trip is about this pack's limit, though light-packing Paul thought it would take him well into a second week on the trail.
One of Gregory's strengths is fit, and the company accomplishes this by choosing precision and stability over field adjustability. Instead of buying one harness that fits everyone, you pick from four finely tuned torso lengths plus three different hipbelts, yielding 12 sizing combinations. In addition, the shoulder straps move between two settings that are but an inch apart.
The pack sports several nice touches. Its clean, simple main sack (the only extra pockets are mesh water-bottle holders at hip level) was appreciated by those who don't need a variety of nooks and crannies to organize their stuff. Front panel and sleeping-bag compartment zippers offer easy on-the-trail access to gear. A clear plastic panel inside the lid provides a window to view your sundries, though to reach the zipper you have to flip the lid, thereby losing sight of the desired object.
The rubberized bottom seemed invincible to most of us, but when Southwest testers dragged their packs across coarse desert granite, pin-size holes appeared in the stiff fabric. Compression straps cross the water-bottle pockets, holding the bottles in place, but making it awkward to get water bottles easily in and out when the straps are tight.
With two ice-axe loops complementing the pack's no-flop, lightweight, sleek design, mountain guide Paul called it "hands down my favorite pack" for high-adventure hauling.
Contact: Gregory Mountain Products, (800) 477-3420; www.gregorypacks.com.
Madden Scrambler
Final
Grade
3.8
True to its name, this pack provides top-notch balance and load control for all your outdoor pursuits, on trail or off. A nearly ideal long-weekend pack, it can also handle up to a week with judicious packing.
Photo by John Harlin
Madden Scrambler
At 4,600 cubic inches, the Scrambler barely squeaked into the test (see the photo on page 78). As it turned out, its low volume prevented it from getting higher scores. The consensus was that the Scrambler excelled as an overnight and weekend pack, but for 5 or more days, most of us felt we had to lash too much to the outside or pack too little. Personally, I welcomed the incentive to pare down the load, and on a 4-day jaunt from basecamp in the Brooks Range, I easily could have squeezed in more food. The shovel pocket allowed me to carry wet raingear on the outside while tromping caribou paths, and the slender hipbelt didn't pinch when I high-stepped through tall tussocks.
The slender, flexible hipbelt provided a surprising degree of support, though truly weighty loads overwhelmed it. (A hipbelt from one of Madden's larger packs is available if you plan to carry extra-heavy loads.) I found the pack stable and comfortable on an overnight climb and telemark descent on Mt. Hood. All testers raved about how balanced they felt inside the fixed suspension system, voting this one of the top packs for all-terrain travel. While the shoulder straps don't adjust, the hipbelt offers some vertical play on the hook-and-loop fastener. Mostly, however, a good fit hinges on making the proper choice from among the three pack sizes available.
Besides the well-liked shovel pocket, we praised the tougher-than-usual mesh water bottle pockets, the superb stitching and durable fabric, and the heavy-duty zippers on the sleeping bag compartment. Quick-release buckles make it a cinch to attach tent poles or skis, and daisy chains provide extra lash points. The mesh is comfortable and the foam, breathable wherever the pack touches skin. I didn't care for the front-access top pocket, which tended to dump its contents. And we all scratched our heads over the strange drawstring compartment inside the already-too-small lid pocket.
Contact: Madden Mountaineering, (303) 442-5828; www.maddenusa.com.
REI New Star
Final
Grade
3.1
On trails, you can carry big loads in this pack. If you're a fan of scrambling or cross-country excursions, comfort and balance may be concerns.
Photo by John Harlin
REI New Star
"The New Star's cavernous interior and massive extension collar swallowed gear like a T. rex, easily consuming a week's worth of food and a family's camping gear. When I headed out to do some trail maintenance, I loaded a large chainsaw along with a gallon gas can, a quart of chain oil, a helmet, and extra clothes for the coming rain. The huge zippered front panel made it a cinch to remove anything inside (except the chainsaw!). Unfortunately, the side compression straps buckle into the zippered central panel, which creates access problems when you're carrying skis or side-lashed tent poles. On the whole, though, the various lash-cum-compression straps allow ample exterior attachments. Even the floating top lid is generously proportioned, and it converts into a fanny pack with a squeeze of three buckles. The huge mesh water-bottle pockets at hip level can hold square half-gallon bottles.
The New Star's shoulder straps adjust to fit nearly anyone, but despite the great range and easy field adjustability, the harness system performed modestly. Jennifer distilled our concerns when she described the pack as "cumbersome" during a hike in Arizona's San Francisco Peaks, where she had to carry 3 days' worth of water. While the harness system was tolerable, the low, squat pack tended to pull away from the shoulders, giving an off-balance feeling. On steep, rain-slick sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, for instance, Jon said he found himself leaning forward, trying to compensate for the feeling that he was being pulled backward.
Contact: REI, (800) 426-4840; www.rei.com.
Camp Trails Wind River
Final
Grade
3
This big, highly adjustable pack is worth looking at if you love pockets and good value. Some testers couldn't get a good fit, though.
Photo by John Harlin
Camp Trails Wind River
Pockets galore was our first impression of the Wind River. With five external pockets plus two mesh water-bottle holders, there are so many options that Mike didn't think he'd remember where he put his pocketknife. Once he'd sorted that out, he was equally overwhelmed by the massive main sack. Jon, on the other hand, was thankful for the large sack when, during a 6-day hike in Utah's Paria Canyon, he wound up hauling almost everything for his two-toddler family.
A simple slide-buckle webbing system grants a tremendous adjustment range in the shoulder harness, so much so that just two sizes fit a 6-inch torso range. The load-lifter straps are high enough to shift weight to the hips, where a wide, cushy, dual-density hipbelt supports big loads. Still, only Jon found a good match between his torso, the soft, open-cell padding against his back, and the small, relatively dense lumbar pad. Other testers couldn't make the pack fit the profiles of their backs, and several reported balance problems as a result. Dennis said the pack forced him to walk at an awkward angle in an attempt to right the load. Jennifer tried hiking with an uncomfortable arch in her back in order to settle the weight on the hipbelt. Those who managed to fit the pack better wished the shoulder straps and hipbelt were covered with a more skin-friendly fabric for shirtless summer wear.
The attached lid doesn't float, which makes it tough to get a good fit over a fully extended load (though with a sack this big, extension is rarely an issue). The sleeping bag compartment unzips for access to things at the bottom of the pack, but the bulky, drawstring-closing divider seemed both heavier and less convenient than zipper-controlled models. Skis, tent poles, fishing rods, and other skinny paraphernalia slide through tunnels in the side pockets, an unusual system that worked well for us.
Contact: Camp Trails, (800) 572-8822; www.jwa.com.
L.L. Bean Knife Edge
Final
Grade
2.4
Here's an economical option for beginning hikers who fit the fixed suspension system and can work around some comfort and detailing quirks.
Photo by John Harlin
L.L. Bean Knife Edge
If you're packing reasonably lightly, the Knife Edge can handle a 5-day load—if you don't need room for expansion and if the fixed suspension system fits your torso. The suspension system comes in two sizes, medium and large, and the shoulder harness does not adjust to fine-tune the fit. These basic sizes fit most of us about right, but we still wished we could make trailside adjustments.
At $129, the Knife Edge is by far the least expensive pack in the test. First-timers looking for an entry-level pack will probably find the Knife Edge a good choice. Veterans who've worn other pack models may have issues here. For example, Southwest testers, who carried the Knife Edge up the flank of Arizona's Humphrey Peak in late spring, lamented about the nylon that glued itself to their sweating backs. A few testers said the pack's thin padding didn't placate hard-working back muscles, either.
There were questions about other details as well, like the side straps that could be used to hold skis or tent poles only when the side pockets were empty. In addition, they don't tighten enough for good compression. Then there's the single compression strap over the zippered sleeping bag compartment. Most packs place two straps here, so you can secure a tent or sleeping pad without the lashed-on items seesawing. Testers also pointed out as problems the too-small lid pocket, mesh side pockets that barely held a quart water bottle, and the dual-density hipbelt that was too squishy under a load.
On the brighter side, the divider between the sleeping-bag compartment and the main packbag unzips for easy access to the bottom of the pack, and the pack's tough fabric showed little wear.
Contact: L.L. Bean, (800) 809-7057; www.llbean.com.
SCOREBOARD
Packs Final grade Price Weight (mfr./BP) Capacity Loading Adjust-ability Comfort Load control Durability Versatility
Jack Wolfskin Trailhead 4.4 $209 5 lbs.12oz./ 6lbs. 4,300-4,950 cu. in 4 4 4.5 4 4.5 4.5
Gregory Forester 3.9 $240 4 lbs. 15 oz./ 5 lbs. 5 oz 4,850 cu. in. 3.5 3.5 4.5 4 4 4
Madden Scrambler 3.8 $239 4 lbs. 8 oz./ 5 lbs. 4 oz. 4,600 cu. in 3.5 2.5 3.5 4 4.5 4
REI New Star 3.1 $190 5 lbs. 12 oz./ 6 lbs. 1 oz. 5,122-6,122 cu. in. 3.5 4 3 3 3 3.5
Camp Trails Wind River 3 $180 5 lbs. 7 oz./ 5 lbs. 8 oz. 5,439-6,820 cu. in. 3.5 4 3 3 3 3.5
L.L. Bean Knife Edge 2.4 $129 5 lbs. 4 oz./ 5 lbs. 4 oz. 4,775-5,300 cu. in. 2.5 1.5 3 3 3 2.5
FINAL GRADE: The testers' gut-level, all-things-considered reaction to the pack's overall performance (shown in orange). Note: This rating is not an average of other scores.
WEIGHT: In pounds and ounces for a size medium or regular. The first weight is provided by the manufacturer; the second weight (in italics) is from Backpacker scales.
Capacity: The maximum in cubic inches, unextended to extended, as provided by the manufacturer.
Loading: Does enough for a 5-day trip fit in this pack? Is there extra, wasted space? How tough is it to load and unload? Can you organize gear in side pockets and stash stuff under lash points? Does the compression strap system allow even compression of the load?
Adjustability: Does custom fitting this pack require a toolbox, or can the average hiker fine-tune his or her fit on the trail? How adjustable is the pack? Did you max out any of the settings?
Comfort: Does this pack ease the burden of a 5-day load, or is it more like a monkey on your back? How did it feel to your hips, waist, back, lumbar region, and shoulders?
Load control: How does this pack affect your freedom of movement on the march? How well suited is it for rough, steep trails or backcountry bushwhacking? How does the pack affect balance and arm-swinging and high-stepping freedom? Is head clearance ample?
Durability: Did anything actually bend, rip, unravel, or fall off? Do the materials, stitching, zippers, attachments, and buckles hold up well? Will this pack have a long lifespan?
Versatility: Would you use this pack for anything else besides a 5-day backpacking pack? Is it suitable for a weekend overnight, a week, maybe even a tight 2-weeker? Would you take it on a ski tour? Climbing?
Rating Scale
5=Excellent, superior gear
4=Very good, beats most
3=Good, decent gear
2=Fair, okay, but...
1=Poor, miserable
Meet The Testers
Paul Cleveland
River guide, outdoor writer
6'/170 lbs.
Torso length: 20"
Stomping grounds: Pasayten Wilderness, Mt. Baker, North Cascades, WA
Favorite pack: Gregory
Jonathan Dorn
Backpacker Managing Editor
6'6"/220 lbs.
Torso length: 19.5"
Stomping grounds: Paria Canyon, UT; Catskills, NY; Appalachian Trail
Favorite pack: Jack Wolfskin
Mike Frick
Artist
6'2"/200 lbs.
Torso length: 20"
Stomping grounds: Grand Canyon, Arizona wilderness
Favorite pack: Madden
John Harlin
Backpacker Northwest Editor
5'10"/165 lbs.
Torso length: 18"
Stomping grounds: Mt. Hood, OR; Yosemite, CA; Nootka Island, BC; Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, AK
Favorite pack: Jack Wolfskin
Dennis Lewon
Writer, wilderness guide
5'10"/165 lbs.
Torso length: 18"
Stomping grounds: Southwest deserts; Sierra Nevada
Favorite pack: Jack Wolfskin
Annette McGivney
Backpacker Southwest Editor
6'/147 lbs.
Torso length: 17.5"
Stomping grounds: Grand Canyon, Sonoran Desert, AZ
Favorite pack: Jack Wolfskin
Jennifer Wallentas
Speech pathology instructor
5'8"/135 lbs.
Torso length: 17"
Stomping grounds: San Francisco Peaks, Sonoran Desert, AZ
Favorite pack: Gregory