Backpacker

44 10.2017PHOTOS BY COURTESY``````Osprey Skarab 24 / Skimmer 22*WHAT WE LIKEThis roomy option is asweet deal for bargain hunters.``````Hydration4.0 A long, narrow reservoir holds2.5 liters of water. Two internal baffl es keepsloshing to a minimum and prop it openfor faster drying. The Skarab’s bite valvemagnet is strongest in the test; it neverjostled loose.``````Comfort4.6 The mesh shoulder straps featurerounded edges that are rolled awayfrom the skin. “There was no discomforton my clavicle, even when I loaded upwith 16 pounds of hardware to hike toWashington’s Index Wall for a day ofclimbing,” our tester says. Oblong hipbeltwings are foam at the bottom and meshup top. “They wrapped my hips like a bearhug,” he says. “No dead space meant greatload transfer and zero pack-sway.”``````Organization4.4 A 28-inch zipper let us open thepackbag wide for easy loading, and theSkarab holds trekking poles better than anyother pack in the test. The bladder stowsbetween the framesheet and the packbag,making for easy access when the pack isloaded. Bummer: no hipbelt pockets.``````Ventilation3.5 Chevron-shaped cutouts on thebackpanel improve breathability. “Theshoulder straps, which have inch-longhorizontal slots for venting, didn’t wet outmy shirt,” our tester reports.``````Overall``````4.6$100; 1 lb. 8 oz. (m’s M/L); m’s S/M, M/L,w’s XS/S, S/M; ospreypacks.comfield test hydration packsgear``````Columbia Shadow FallsWHAT WE LIKEThis all-around packperformed well in every category.``````Hydration4.5 The 2-liter reservoir opens extrawide (6.3 inches) for easy cleaning andfi lling. The bite valve and tube have goodwater fl ow, the same as the Osprey andCotopaxi reservoirs (all three bladders aremade by HydraPak). Elastic loops on thestraps that hold the bite valve are secure,but futzier than a magnet.``````Comfort4.6 “On hot days, I hike in a tank top, sothe straps are next to skin,” a tester says.“The light mesh shoulder straps preventedany rubbing, even on a 14-mile sweatfestin Wadi Rum, Jordan.” Triangular meshhipbelt wings stabilized loads up to 15pounds.``````Organization4.7 A watertight, roll-top compartmentbetween the packbag and framesheetholds the reservoir, allowing us to removethe bladder without unloading the pack.“I stashed a swimsuit there, so it didn’tget stuff wet in the main packbag,” saidour tester aft er hiking near Tulum, Mexico.We used the 10 attachment points on theback to strap on a yoga mat for a hike to asunrise meditation session.``````Ventilation4.2 Four mesh-covered foam pods onthe backpanel bracket your spine andcreate an elongated channel for air tocirculate. “I never got that maddeningsweat drip down my back,” our tester says.``````Overall``````4.4$135; 1 lb. 14 oz.; one size; columbia.com``````Gregory Citro 30 / Juno 30*WHAT WE LIKEThe biggest pack in thetest also has one of the best-performinghydration systems.``````Hydration4.6 A 3-liter reservoir features a hookfor hang drying. The simple-yet-sturdyclip system made securing the bladder acinch and prevented unwanted movement,while a thumb lock let us easily fl ick openthe bite valve. The reservoir sleeve iscontoured to fi t the bladder, maximizingpackable space. Ding: A circular openingmade it the hardest bladder to clean.``````Comfort4.5 The Citro easily handled 25 poundson a dawn-to-dusk hike in the WashingtonCascades. “I never felt unbalanced,” saysour tester. A wire perimeter frame offeredsturdy support, and load stabilizer strapskept the weight tight against her back.``````Organization3.2 Organizers beware: This pack hasonly a sandwich-size zippered mesh pouchfor your keys and wallet. Articulated hipbeltpockets are big enough for a cell phone(not a large one, though) and energy bars.Drawback: The 28-inch zipper mouth issmall for a pack this size.``````Ventilation3.7 Two-inch-long horizontal cutoutsin the EVA foam shoulder straps enhanceairfl ow. The trampoline-style backpanelaffords 1 inch of space between backand pack—good, but not as cool as thePlatypus (opposite page).``````Overall``````4.3$150; 2 lbs. 7 oz.; one size;gregorypacks.com``````Criteria: daypacks from 6 to 30 liters; included hydration system; from $100 to $160