Backpacker

BACKPACKER.COM 455=perfect gear / 1=save your moneyThe Scale Overall score is not an average of other scores; it’s a gut-level assessment of performance and value.``````Platypus Duthie A.M. 15WHAT WE LIKEA taut, trampoline-style backpanel provides best-in-testventilation.``````Hydration4.5 The 3-liter bladder locks into placewith two hooks, which we found easier touse than the usual webbing-and-bucklesystem. The bite valve has the best fl ow ofany pack we tested, and the hose unclips.``````Comfort4.0 Lightly padded hipbelt wings andfoam shoulder straps support loads upto 15 pounds. “The pack was stable andcomfortable, even when I was jumpingover creeks and climbing over deadfall,”says a tester who hiked in Oregon’sMalheur Wildlife Refuge. Ding: Thebackpanel didn’t fi t testers with torsoslonger than 18 inches.``````Organization3.5 In addition to a zippered front pocketand stuff pouch, there’s a microfi bersunglasses pocket. The packbag hassix segmented sleeves for gear andaccessories. The Duthie is also the onlypack with a raincover. Ding: The stuffpouch’s four fussy buckles hinder entry.``````Ventilation4.7 The Duthie’s mesh trampolinebackpanel was the best of any we tested.It sets the packbag 2 inches from yourback, so there’s always airfl ow, yet no dropin stability. “My back stayed sweat-freeduring a hot hike through Petra, Jordan,”says one tester. Tradeoff: The backpanelpinches off the packbag at the top.``````Overall``````4.0$150; 2 lbs. 2 oz.; one size; platy.com``````Cotopaxi Veloz 6WHAT WE LIKEThe test’s best trailrunning pack boasts smart pocket design.``````Hydration2.9 The 2-liter reservoir has an internalbaffl e that prevents bulging and sloshing.Ding: This pack is the only one in the testwith no bite valve lock.``````Comfort3.5 Vest-style nylon shoulder strapsform a snug “V” around the neck and chestfor stability while trail running. “Whilehiking to Tamolitch Pool in Oregon, thepack nestled comfortably between myshoulders,” our tester says. Drawback: Hewanted a hipbelt for times when the bagwas fully loaded.``````Organization4.8 Although the Veloz is the smallestpack in the test, clever pocket placementsimpressed obsessive organizers. TheVeloz’s 20-inch diagonal main zipperallows easy access to the packbag, whichfeatures a wallet-size mesh pouch. It alsohas a 10-inch-long diagonal pocket onthe outside for sunblock and bug spray.Skinny, zippered bandolier-style pocketson the straps are perfect for stashingenergy bars.``````Ventilation3.0 There’s no framesheet, as befi ts apack made for the lightest loads, so thepack sits against your back. “The meshbackpanel got pretty sweaty,” reporteda tester aft er a long, hot dayhike onSchweitzer Mountain, Idaho.``````Overall``````3.9$139; 13 oz. (S/M); S/M, M/L;cotopaxi.comWomen’s modelCamelBak Franconia LR 24 /Sundowner LR 22WHAT WE LIKEThis full-featured pack letus carry big loads in comfort.Hydration4.1 The 3-liter reservoir’s circular mouthand wide shape—which facilitate itscomfy lower-lumbar positioning—make itmore diffi cult to clean than the envelope-style bladders found on all other packshere except the Gregory. The drinking tubeunclips from the bladder for easy refi lls.Comfort4.9 This pack has the most robustsuspension of any in the test. An aluminumperimeter wire adds rigid support, anda compartment at the bottom of thepackbag holds the reservoir at your hips,easing strain on your back. “I carried 3 litersof water, a growler, and gear—about 20pounds—up Oregon’s 10,358-foot SouthSister,” says one tester. “My shoulders andhips never felt sore.” Tradeoff: It’s heavy.Organization3.0 A large, U-shaped zipper thataccesses the interior sits above a 2.5-literstuff pouch, and compression straps overthe packbag cinch down low-volume loads.However, testers deemed the exterior toocrowded with straps, buckles, and pockets.Ventilation4.2 A trampoline-style frame keptair circulating over testers’ backs, andits gentle curve didn’t cramp the mainpackbag. The mesh straps and hipbeltfeature pea-size perforations.Overall4.2$160; 3 lbs. 1 oz. (m’s); one size;camelbak.com