CLIMBER’S FAVORITE
The stripped-down Prolight 27 performs best when it’s going up. How do we know? After spending time in Colorado scaling multipitch climbs in Eldorado Canyon and summiting (and then skiing down) Longs Peak, our American Mountain Guides Association–certified tester didn’t want to give it back. “It was perfect,” he said. “The flexible frame rods moved with me, while the waist belt’s elastic loops kept excess webbing out of the way.” Although they can’t carry a snowboard, the sturdy, A-frame-style ski straps are quick and easy to use, and the pack was just big enough for warm-weather overnight trips. 2.2 lbs;