THE SELL: Backcountry DNA and sturdiness for the snowboard crowd. THE TEST: It isn’t the prettiest pack of the bunch—“It looks like a sack,” said one tester—but snowboarders were united in their praise for the AK. Splitboarders raved about the pole clips (rare on winter packs), which use toggles to securely lash ski poles for the descent. The shuttle crowd appreciated the snowmobile-friendly horizontal carry system. And everyone liked the zip-top, pail-style top entry. “It made it really easy to access everything inside,” said one tester. The square shape carried nicely on the way down. THE VERDICT: The avalanche-tool pocket could be roomier, but otherwise this is one of the best snowboard packs we’ve tested. 3.7 lbs
Comfort: 4
Interior Access: 4.5
Ease of Use: 4.5
