Both of our two top finishers, the Cold, Cold World Chaos and the Wild Things Andinista , have soft suspension systems. That is, they have no frame, stays, or frame sheet only a removable bivy pad for support. Every pack in this test comes with taped seams, durable fabrics, and a reasonable price tag for the quality of equipment you're getting with the exception of the Mountain Tools Black Bean Tamale , which costs nearly twice as much as packs offering comparable performance. In the end, our choice came down to hairsplitting. A's and none failed.
Low scores indicate discomfort, high scores generally indicate good padding and proper fit.
How well the pack performs at multiple mountaineering tasks, like hauling big loads to base camp, then shrinking down to a light, fast pack for climbing rock, ice, or snow. Alpine Pack Basics Return to Top Article Paul Cleveland, 2000. All rights reserved. Privacy policy .