The Carry Awards :: Best Active Backpack Results

1st Place

Arc’teryx :: Khard 30

“The Khard is one of the favorites amongst our contributors. It’s not only thanks to its flexible access, but its incredible modularity, its high level of detail, steadfast materials and hardware that are rarely matched.”

Not only did this pack receive almost twice the votes of the next most popular, it also received almost unanimous votes from our panel. Arc’teryx are doing loads of awesome things in carry at the moment, and the Khard is a prime example. You can access your contents as a top loader, a side loader, or laid out almost completely flat. There’s copious third party modules available for internal organising, and the fabric, hardware and patterning are as good as it gets. Well done Arc’teryx – you’ve created a classic! Read our Road Test here.

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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 I’m sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Boreas Bootlegger Backpack System

The Bootlegger pulled tons of votes, and teamed with big-time panel respect, it was a solid contender. The Boreas Super-Tramp system is a treat to use, increasing your back ventilation curve with just the tug of a strap. It really lets you get the most out of it, swapping the bags you attach it to. It handles hydration, day and dry and comes in a series of lightweight and interesting bags. Definitely a stand out!

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Patagonia 35-liter Ascensionist Pack 

It’s funny when it takes so long to realise a simpler and better way to do something – but it’s not only the access we love here. The Ascensionist is lightweight without being awkward, lugs versatile loads and comes in droves of size options. Oh, and it’s Patagonia, which means they do more than almost any other to help our planet, and we dig that at Carryology.