1st Place

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema 2400 Ice Pack

Weight is almost never an advantage in an active backpack. But to get durability and features in your pack design, a weight compromise is somewhat inevitable. Hyperlite Mountain Gear is one of the pioneering brands trying to break this paradigm, and their Dyneema 2400 Ice Pack is a cracking example. Utilizing high-tech Dyneema, a reductionist design approach and very considered construction, their 2400 is crazy light, super tough, and will resist almost any weather you can throw at it.

If the job of an active pack is to keep your essentials close and protected, with minimal interference in your pursuit, then Hyperlite's Dyneema 2400 Ice Pack is a very worthy winner indeed.

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Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honour, we bow our heads in the upmost respect and kudos. If this were a dias, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we're sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Velomacchi Speedway Roll-Top Backpack

There's a lot to like about the Speedway Roll-Top. From the articulated active harness, to the thoughtful layout, toggled fold-over pockets, the playful pleats and the multitude of useful features, this pack shows care and attention to detail throughout the design.

It's not easy to ensure so many considered elements work well together without losing the charm or focus of the pack. But Velomacchi have embraced the challenge and come through with flying colors - a very commendable achievement.

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Triple Aught Design FAST Pack EDC 2.0

You're unlikely to be caught short with the FAST Pack EDC. There's a cavernous main section, plentiful pocketing, all the PALS you need and even a roll-top section for keeping tech dry. While the 'more is more' approach adds weight, we dig how the overall form and volume brings it all together in a package that will appeal immensely to some.

The pack's updates offer enhanced user-friendliness and versatility. Improved comfort, accessibility and adaptability builds on the already impressive functionality of the pack, and wins TAD a Highly Commended.

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