Gearbox: 2026 Packs

Arc’teryx Quintic 28

Originally launched in 2013, the Quintic pack has been redesigned from the ground up for freeride versatility. Our tester bought in. “The compression wings and low center of weight in the pack made for a uniquely great fit,” he said. “Potentially the least I’ve noticed a full pack on the descent.” He found the Quintic’s molded polyethylene frame spread weight evenly and prevented deformation, and he appreciated the pack’s adjustability. At 5’7” and 130 pounds, he often has trouble cinching down packs, but the chest, waist and load adjusters were all spot on. Still, the Quintic managed to fit someone twice his size.

On the performance side, the Quintic was equally effective. “A large-feeling 28 liters,” our tester explained after utilizing external storage to load a full day’s mountaineering gear into the pack. A single top pocket had plenty of room and an interior pocket provided separation for small items. The main compartment is accessible via a rear access. “Very weatherproof and seemingly durable,” he added of the construction which features taped seams, a Cordura weave in the main body and urethane-coated nylon Ripstop in exposed areas. His only complaint? “An overly designed helmet hold.” Still, he concluded, “A sturdy, versatile and well-designed pack that looks good to boot.”

Backcountry Access Stash 35

According to a discerning Teton splitboarder, BCA’s freshly redesigned Stash 35 is “the best balance of durable, waterproof and streamlined” that he’s ever seen from a BCA backpack. They achieved said balance with a mix of recycled Ripstop polyester and padding along the lumbar, and on contact points in the hips and shoulder. The resulting fit is “extremely comfortable, like being hugged by a strong Muppet,” said our tester after wearing the pack with a full load of Grand Traverse gear.

Said tester also praised the rolltop. “It can be a 25L for most days out, but emergency overnight gear, camera and an extra puffy all easily fit with the top fully extended.” With added back panel access, gear was always within reach. A rubber panel covered the front when not using the helmet carry to keep the bag dry, and, per the splitboarder, the DWR-coated YKK zippers “were smooth like Kenny G’s sax.” Our tester gave top marks for cavernous hip pockets that he joked “are basically like a chipmunk’s winter stash of nuts.” He also praised the inclusion of snowboard-carry straps along with traditional A-frame and diagonal carry. When asked to nitpick, he noted the bulky back panel could get sweaty, and it was a touch small for overnight trips. In closing, he said, “At 35 liters, this is a hell of a daily pack.”

Black Diamond Equipment Cirque Ultra 25

“The Cirque aims to please the fast and furious weight weenies and does so with quirky innovation,” said a tester who sported the pack this spring. Made from a non-branded Dyneema equivalent, said innovation includes a string cinch to tighten shoulder straps, the option to remove any unwanted features (waist and chest straps, diagonal carry loops and helmet carry), and a chest design akin to a running vest. “I dig the stretchy mesh storage pockets on the shoulder straps and two cross-chest buckles,” our tester said after filling her pouches with snacks, ChapStick and stick sunscreen. A goggle pocket can be accessed just above the shoulders and a separate avy sleeve sits on the front alongside ice-axe and rope attachments. A rolltop and side zip access the interior, where there’s a hydration sleeve and removable divider toward the bottom for crampons.

Deuter Freerider Pro 30+10 SL

“Even on my biggest days, I felt I still had room in this pack,” said a tester who donned the Freerider Pro all spring. Among a plethora of pockets, her favorite was the internal roll-top: “There’s a top zipper, which looks like a regular pocket, but actually contains a built-in dry bag which acts as a hidden brain, so you can extend the storage capacity in the gear pocket.” Other features include an ice-axe attachment and snowboard, cross and A-frame carrying systems. “The storage space, internal pockets and compartments, and multiple ski carrying points were great,” another tester said. The SL in the name stands for Slim Line. “The straps were comfortably padded. It fit snuggly once it was cinched on, without pinching or being uncomfortable,” our 5’3” tester said. For those with longer torsos, Deuter makes a Freerider Pro 32+10 ($195).

Patagonia Powslayer

“Fits all you need for a full day or two in the backcountry,” said a Tahoebased tester of this midsized pack. Made from 100% recycled Ripstop on the exterior and 100% recycled polyester on the interior, the Powslayer is durable. Helmet and ski carries, an ice-axe attachment and a spacious avy sleeve, per our tester, earned this bag the title of “true backcountry backpack.” He especially appreciated the oversized goggle pocket which was “big enough for goggles,” and that the “avy tool pocket was big and spacious.” He also highlighted the small gusset at the bottom of the back panel-accessed main compartment and the pockets on either hip strap which offered easy-to-access storage for small tools and snacks. Our tester described fit as “just right” for his small frame. His only qualm: “Could have used pockets on the inside to organize more.”

Pingora Vivid 35 L

In a sea of ultralight rolltop packs, our tester said Pingora’s heavy-duty Vivid 35 L stood out. Durable YKK zippers close the pockets, and the outer is a medley of strong nylons. Plus, the pack is made from deadstock (leftover fabric). Even when fully weighed down, our tester found the shoulder straps and hip belt comfy. He stayed organized, too, saying, “The vertical wet pocket was easy to get to. I could grab my probe or shovel on the go, and it was still accessible when it was on the ground. The shoulder strap pockets were good for the little things you need throughout the day. Snacks, sunscreen, skin wax.” He had two qualms, the first being an awkward diagonal carry, which he said was difficult to set up. The second was a separator in the main compartment. “It splits the largest pocket and got in the way of packing,” he explained.

Our Gearbox reviews are published in the back of each issue of Backcountry Magazine. Subscribe to read our gear coverage when it’s first published in print.

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