Backcountry Edge

New for 2013! Many lightweight packs skimp on support features and achieve weight-savings by sacrificing on carrying comfort. The minimalist Mountainsmith Haze 50 weighs less than 2 pounds but still boasts a surprisingly supportive suspension system.

Ideal for dayhiking or fast-and-light multi-day backpacking, the Osprey Talon 44 is sleek and functional. Weighing less than 3 pounds, the Talon 44 is still capable of comfortably carrying loads of up to 40 pounds.

Ideal for a full day of hiking or fast-packing overnights, the sleek, top-loading Osprey Stratos 36 combines carrying comfort, ventilation and organizational features for technical performance.

With a total focus on super lightweight construction, the award-winning Osprey Exos 46 offers stripped down performance for fast-and-light thru-hikes and weekend trips. Despite weighing less than 2.5 lbs, the Exos 46 comfortably carries up to 30 lbs.

An innovative, lightweight offering for technical day hiking or fast-and-light overnights, the Mammut Creon Light 45 offers 2746 cubic inches of storage capacity, load-carrying capability, a unique ventilation system and an array of features.

An innovative, lightweight offering for technical day hiking or fast-and-light overnights, the Mammut Crea Light 40 Women’s pack offers 2441 cubic inches of storage, load-carrying capability, a unique ventilation system and an array of features.

An ultra-lightweight backpacking or day hiking option, the award-winning Buttermilks 40 offers streamlined functionality. The top-loading pack weighs less than 3 pounds and can be reduced to just 1 pound, 15 ounces by removing the framesheet.

An ultra-lightweight backpacking or day hiking option, the award-winning Buttermilks 40 Women’s pack offers streamlined functionality. The top-loading pack weighs less than 3 pounds and can be reduced less than 2 pounds by removing the framesheet.

Borrowing the lightweight suspension design of the award-winning Vapor Trail, the Granite Gear Vapor Flash offers additional durability and organizational features while still weighing in at just over 3 lbs.

Built specifically for women, the feature-rich Meridian Vapor Ki Women's pack comfortably hauls loads of up to 30 pounds. Why settle for an ill-fitting men's pack when you can have an ultralight pack designed to equip women for outdoor adventure?

Weighing just 2.5 pounds, the Deuter Spectro AC 36 SL Women’s pack is a high-performance option for female day hikers. Unlike many ultra-lightweight packs, the Spectro AC 36 SL Women’s pack doesn’t sacrifice on fit or durability.