Arc'teryx
This Vancouver-based company makes burly packs in a variety of sizes from under 40L to over 60L. Arc'teryx packs are known for their waterproof fabric and sleek design. Like their jackets, these are a favorite of mountaineers or climbers who often slog through nasty weather. These packs will hold all your gear in an organized, streamlined manner and keep it dry, too. Their packs incorporate sealed zippers with materials such as 420D Invista HT Ripstorm. Popular Arc'teryx packs are the Bora, Maia and Naos.
Arc'teryx Equipment Inc.
100 - 2155 Dollarton Hwy
North Vancouver, BC
Canada V7H 3B2
(604) 960-3001
www.arcteryx.com
Gregory
Gregory Mountain Products, based out of California, has been producing award-winning packs since the late 1970s. These packs have been around the world with travelers and explorers, and the Baltoro and Deva 60 were chosen for the Backpacker's Editors Choice Award in 2008. Gregory makes men's and women's packs in sizes from light day hikers to full-on mountaineering packs.
Gregory Mountain Products
1414 K Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95814
(877) 477-4292
www.gregorypacks.com/us
Marmot
Backpacks are just one of the trusted equipment made by Marmot. Their packs range from fast and light day hikers to full mountain packs. These packs are made with lightweight frames and compression-molded back panels. Their AirFlow packs are made with large side panels for ultimate air circulation. Some packs are great for winter, and some are great for summer and Marmot makes a great summer pack.
Marmot Mountain, LLC.
2321 Circadian Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(707) 544-4590
marmot.com
Osprey
Osprey is a 35-year-old company that specializes in making packs, and it makes packs for everyone, even the kids. The new youth Sprint Series is designed for the younger hikers that are still growing and should carry a load balanced for smaller frames. Osprey packs are also built with BioForm CM or IsoForm CM, customizable hip belts that can be heat molded individually for comfort. Osprey also makes specific pack series for snow sports, vertical sports and general backpacking or day hiking. The Osprey Variant 52, for example, is a great pack for climbers, with its built-in, tear-resistant crampon pocket, ax loops and top-load design. Most packs have an integrated rain cover. Osprey guarantees all of its products for life.
Osprey Packs
115 Progress Circle
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 564-5900
www.ospreypacks.com
REI
Recreation Equipment, Inc., originally began in 1938 and now has more than 80 stores. REI makes its own line of equipment, including many reasonably priced packs. REI's Flash 65 won the Backpacker's Editors Choice Award for 2009. This pack, with its load-balancing design, incorporates a wide hip belt, shoulder straps and cushioned back paneling. This pack comes in three different sizes for men and women, which can be said for many of their designs. With REI's range of designs and affordable prices, it's not hard to find a pack in one of its stores.
REI
(800) 426-4840
www.rei.com
