Best Active Backpack Finalists – The Fifth Annual Carry Awards

Hitting the slopes, hauling gear on the daily commute, navigating winding outdoor trails…when it’s time to get active, our Best Active Backpack Finalists step up to the plate. Built with durability, flexibility and comfort in mind, these bags relish the challenge of active carry needs, and will keep going strong long after you’ve stopped to take a breather.

Log your vote at the bottom of the page!

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Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Expandability. Customizable organization. Top and side entry. One-handed access. Peak Design packs all of these features and more into the Everyday Backpack. The attention to detail and thoughtful design is evident throughout this versatile bag that works well as an EDC or photography backpack.

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Heimplanet Motion Ellipse 25L

The Motion Ellipse 25L stands out with its sleek and multifunctional design that can zip between urban and outdoor environments. The interior accommodates a 15″ laptop or hydration bladder, while an exterior stretch pocket provides storage for bulky or wet gear. The 3D molded back panel is also designed to reduce contact points between your body and the pack for improved airflow and comfort.

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Mountain Standard 28L Mountain Utility Pack

A pack that can handle hiking, mountain biking and the commute equally well? No problem for the 28L Mountain Utility Pack. The pack features an interior laptop/hydration sleeve, plenty of exterior attachment points, a wide top opening and quick-access pockets. All complemented by quality materials and construction. Even better, it still remains affordable and offers great value for money.

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Arc’teryx Bora AR 63

The Bora AR63 gives a solid boost to Arc’teryx’s reputation for technical innovation and problem-solving design. So what’s special about it? The pack takes a considered approach to user comfort with the RotoGlide™ hipbelt which moves up and down as well as side to side for better balance and comfort. Complementing the hipbelt are GridLock™ shoulder straps that can be adjusted in width and height for a tailored fit.

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Mystery Ranch Stein 62

The Stein 62 is a great example of Mystery Ranch’s pack design prowess, offering durability and versatility while also focusing on keeping weight down. The pack offers top and side access, a designated compartment for a sleeping bag, as well as a removable lid that converts into a nifty smaller backpack for tackling summits or simply carrying the essentials.

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Arc’teryx LEAF Assault Pack 30

The Assault Pack 30 forms part of Arc’teryx’s LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) line and is built tough to handle demanding environments while still remaining relatively lightweight. In addition to military and law enforcement environments, the sleek pack adapts to a range of outdoor, travel and urban settings. The clamshell-style opening enables easy packing and access, while a choice of pockets and exterior attachment points keep your gear organized.

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Life Behind Bars The Breakaway 27L Backpack

Affordable and full of features, The Breakaway is ready for action on two wheels or two feet. The bag accommodates a range of loads and can be secured in a roll-top or flap-down configuration. A full-length front zipper provides convenient access to contents throughout the main compartment, and the compression straps also double as a handy two-way exterior carry system.

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Boreas Gear Tamarack 48 SE Backcountry Pack

The lightweight Tamarack 48 SE backcountry pack is designed to help you explore outdoors without weighing you down. Available in three sizes to suit different users, the bag features hidden daisy chains and a packable spinnaker sleeve for carrying frequently used or bulky gear externally. Dual front zippers provide quick access to gear inside the main compartment, and the internal suspension system can be removed to reduce the weight further.

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The North Face Alpine 50

The Alpine 50 forms part of The North Face Summit Series and is designed for alpine climbing with minimum pack weight. However, the design is versatile enough to suit other outdoor activities such as backpacking and hiking. The waist belt and frame sheet are removable to shed weight for summit approaches and the top lid can double as a carry system for ropes or outer layers.

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Osprey Aether / Ariel AG

User comfort is front and center with the Aether AG (men’s) and Ariel AG (women’s) packs. Both backpacks include Osprey’s AntiGravity suspension and moldable IsoForm hipbelt for comfortable carrying over multi-day journeys and with heavy loads. The packs feature a removable lid, front panel access, and a range of attachment points and pockets for keeping gear tidy and accessible on the go.

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Timbuk2 Robin

The compact Timbuk2 Robin swoops in to conquer diverse day-to-day needs, from the commute to adventures around town and beyond. The weatherproof pack includes a raincover, a magnetic sternum strap, and a removable waist belt. Reflective detailing and a bike light attachment point help keep you safe at night, and the magnetic closure makes access on the go easy and quick.

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Function A1_18

When it comes to hitting the slopes with just the essentials and minimal carry weight in tow, the A1_18 is in its element. Constructed with a Dyneema hybrid body material, this sleek backcountry snowboard backpack weighs just 600 grams. The pack accommodates vertical board carry and a hydration bladder, with back panel entry and pockets to stash accessories.

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bagjack NXL Skidcat

The NXL Skidcat rocks rugged AustriAlpin Cobra buckles and MOLLE webbing alongside durable and weatherproof construction that can take a beating and keep going strong. Made by hand in Berlin, the bag features a host of pockets including two detachable interior pockets to tailor the carry setup to your needs.

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Colfax Design Works SDP_01

Hard-wearing and adaptable, the SDP_01 is made in the USA and combines weatherproof Cordura construction with a versatile rolltop opening to suit a range of loads. Multiple exterior attachment points provide further carry options, and hydration bladder compatibility helps you stay easily hydrated on the move.

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Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack 28L – LF

Tough and multifunctional, this pack is equally at home in outdoor environments or hauling gear in the urban jungle. The bag includes two compartments with clamshell-style openings for convenient access. Other handy features include a padded laptop sleeve to keep tech safe on the go, hydration bladder compatibility and stretch water bottle pockets, and an exterior daisy chain and cinch cord for securing bulky or quick-access items.