Best Active Backpack Finalists – The Sixth Annual Carry Awards

From the ski slopes to trail running, and multi-day treks to urban adventures, getting active outdoors demands a lot from your carry gear. Relevant durability is key of course; you want to know your pack has your back even when the going gets tough. But comfort is also crucial, from supportive harness systems to good ventilation, as nothing detracts faster from fun times than an uncomfortable bag. And if a little versatility is part of the mix, even better. One bag that embraces a multitude of uses will help you get out there and get active more easily.

Our 12 Best Active Backpack Finalists take their roles seriously, all delivering noteworthy performances in their different ways. But only one will successfully scale the summit to active pack glory. Which one will you choose?

VOTING CLOSED

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Black Diamond Creek Transit 32

Inspired by haul bags but built for diverse use, the Creek Transit 32 is a rugged and weatherproof bag with dedicated storage for your tech and separate storage for dirty clothing or shoes to protect the rest of your gear. Great for the gym, outdoor adventures or day-to-day trips around town, this versatile pack handles a multitude of active pursuits.

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Granite Gear Crown2 60

The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is packed with useful features to maximize user comfort and performance. The Re-Fit hip belt is easy to adjust for an ideal fit, while the Vapor Current Mark 2 compression molded frame sheet and molded foam back panel boost ventilation while keeping weight to a minimum. And with a removable lid you can easily tailor the pack for larger or smaller loads as needed.

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Mystery Ranch Hover Pack 50

The Hover Pack 50 keeps you cool and comfortable on the go with its anatomically curved frame stays that maximize airflow and reduce pack-to-back contact. The pack is designed to transfer carry load weight onto the hip belt for improved comfort, and offers convenient features such as quick-access exterior storage, hydration bladder compatibility, and an asymmetrical 3-ZIP opening for easy access to the main compartment.

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WANAKA Adapt

The WANAKA Adapt is a 24L pack with some nifty tricks up its sleeve. The bag packs down small for easy storage in a larger bag until needed, making it great for day trips during traveling, quick hikes, and a variety of other needs. The pack features an inflatable frame for weight distribution, and adapts to different needs with a removable camera insert and a top section that zips off to form a waist bag or sling for smaller loads.

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Bergans Helium PRO 40

Lightweight yet durable and functional, the Helium PRO 40 is designed for alpine climbing and skiing. The pack features Bergans’ QuickAdjust ™ PRO system for easy adjustment, top and side openings for convenient access throughout the main compartment, and a detachable lid. And with a front pocket and choice of external attachment points, frequently used and bulkier items stay within easy reach.

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Osprey Levity 60

The Levity 60 offers lightweight carry designed to keep weight to a minimum without sacrificing functionality. The bag includes Osprey’s Ultralight AirSpeed™ trampoline suspended mesh back panel for superior ventilation, an ExoForm™ hip belt and harness for comfort and load transfer, hydration bladder compatibility and multiple pockets and lash points for organization.

Osprey Levity 60

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Mystery Ranch Terraframe 80

Awkward loads can be tricky to carry with a backpack. But Mystery Ranch’s Terraframe 80 handles such loads with ease courtesy of its OVERLOAD™ feature, allowing the user to conveniently carry large and bulky loads between the pack and frame. Combined with Mystery Ranch’s comfortable frame system, telescoping yoke for a tailored fit, rugged durability and removable lid that can convert into a smaller pack for lighter loads, this practical backpack is well suited to a range of active outdoor carry needs.

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EVERGOODS MPL30

Sleek, tough and comfortable, the MPL30 is an adaptable pack that thrives in urban and outdoor settings alike. And with its wide-opening main compartment and multiple pockets your gear remains easily within reach on the go. The weather-resistant pack is hydration bladder compatible and offers an ergonomic fit for all-day comfort wherever adventure leads.

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Klättermusen Grip

The Klättermusen Grip is a streamlined and flexible 60L pack that suits day hikes and multi-day trips alike. The pack features a Carry-on-Bone system implemented through the Butterfly Bridge® in order to reduce strain by having most of the weight supported by the bones instead of the muscles. The rolltop closure accommodates a range of loads internally, while a variety of pockets and attachment points secure quick-access and bulkier items at the ready.

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Triple Aught Design Spectre Carry System

Active carry needs change from trip to trip and one activity to the next. But the Spectre Carry System is designed to keep up with all of them through a modular range of carry options. A choice of packs and carry rigs let you easily adjust for trail running, water-based activities, day hikes, multi-day treks and more. All with lightweight durability and functionality in mind to help you get the most out of your adventures.

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Hill People Gear Aston House Backcountry

The tough Aston House Backcountry pack moves easily between urban and outdoor environments, with a panel-loading design for convenient access. Versatile for day or overnight use, the pack offers a PALS-compatible panel for attaching pouches and extra gear externally. The flexible organization continues on the interior, allowing you to really make the pack your own and conveniently tailor it to changing needs.

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RMU Core Pack

Durable, weatherproof and designed to tackle a host of adventurous needs, the Core Pack takes to the slopes just as easily as it does hikes or adventure travel. The bag offers diagonal and A-frame ski carry, storage for avalanche gear and frequently used items, an exterior pocket for wet gear, and a wide-opening main compartment for fuss-free access.