THE SELL: Scads of external pockets let you access almost all of your gear on the fly. THE TEST: Designed by adventure-racing star Mike Kloser, the AS-1 has 15—15!—exterior pockets. That tacks an additional 10 liters of cargo capacity onto this 30-liter pack and—along with attachment points and straps for sleeping pads, fat skis, and more—gave it the versatility for everything from a quick day hike to a fully loaded overnight in the Grand Canyon. THE VERDICT: Despite its low-budget aesthetic, the AS-1 is well-built and the best multitasker here. 2.3 lbs
Hauling comfort: 27 pounds
Versatility: 4.5
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