Best Active Backpack Champion 2020

The Best Active Backpack excels in securely and comfortably carrying the load during active pursuits, with the durability you need to embrace life on the go…

1st Place

Mammut Ducan Spine 28-35

Hiking is an activity that requires the body to flex, twist, bend and move over varying terrain. But a lot of packs can end up restricting the body’s natural movement. Not so with the Mammut Ducan Spine 28-35. This innovative hiking pack integrates Mammut’s Active Spine Technology™ to create a suspension system that moves with your body and evenly distributes the load. So you get a super comfy, unrestricted carry experience that allows you to focus on the trail instead of your pack.

However, the bag also caters to organization and changing loads, with a roll-top main compartment and a variety of pockets and attachment points to tailor carry setups to different excursions. And it’s all wrapped up in a durable, water-resistant, yet still lightweight build designed to embrace active outdoor use.

This is a highly innovative, well-considered, and functional backpack that helps you go further and maximizes enjoyable time on the trails. Congratulations, Mammut!

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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 honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, 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.

Stone Glacier Kiowa 3200

Great comfort for heavy loads, dependable durability when the going gets tough, awesome access, and the flexibility to adapt to a variety of active pursuits. All in one pack? Stone Glacier deliver the goods with the Kiowa 3200. A backpack that’s versatile enough for backcountry expeditions, hiking, hunting, and more.

One of the standout features of this pack is the great suspension system that provides excellent carry comfort when you need to haul heavier loads. But it also shines in the access and organization department. A panel-loading main compartment, full hook back panel, and range of quick-access pockets and exterior straps let you customize your gear setups to suit changing needs. Solid work, Stone Glacier!

Mystery Ranch Scepter 35

When Mystery Ranch turn their focus to any carry niche, people pay attention. They have a reputation for top-notch comfort, durability and practicality and they bring all of these traits to the Scepter 35. Designed with ice climbing, alpine climbing, and ski mountaineering in mind, the pack is built to thrive in these challenging conditions with a lightweight but burly build and world-class carry comfort.

The pack’s telescoping yoke helps dial in the fit to the specific user and the suspension system offers great comfort and load stability even with heavier loads. Plus the pack provides plenty of options to attach gear externally, with the flexibility to remove components if you want to strip back even more weight. Excellent job, Mystery Ranch!

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