$150 - Arc’teryx Needle 35 Backpack, 35% Off
Each time I break down and pay full price for a new pack, it’s just a week or two later that a better pack shows up at a better price. For example, I wanted a medium-small weekend pack with heavy-duty suspension and enough features that I could carry it all year round - and it had to be relatively lightweight and built to take the beating that I dish out. For example, no matter how many times I’ve told customers and new backpackers not to pick up their pack by one strap, or risk tearing the strap off after a year or two, I still get lazy and do it myself.
This is the “better pack, at a better price”: the Arc’teryx Needle 35 pack is a bombproof, water-repellent pack with a full-duty hipbelt and harness - and it only weighs about 3 pounds. It’s also a top-loader so there aren’t any zippers to blow out in the middle of a trip, plus the Drybag top and four compression straps make it very stuffable when you’ve packed too much or are in a hurry to get things loaded. The Needle 35 also has a water bladder pocket and those compression straps and tool holsters on the sides will help to carry skis or walking poles easily.
Currently just $149.97 (35% off) at Altrec.com, and it’s covered by free ground shipping