Deuter

Pace SL 28L Backpack - Women's

If the name of the Deuter Pace 28 SL Women's Backpack hasn't already given away what this pack's all about, let us make it absolutely clear: speed. Weighing under two pounds, the Pace uses Deuter's Lite Back System (a padded Air Mesh back panel, removable waist belt, and removable sternum strap), along with a flexible, removable Delrin U-frame, to provide plenty of support for up to 20lbs of gear, without adding any unnecessary weight. It's also tailored specifically for women, with Deuter's wider-hipped, narrower-shouldered SL Fit System.

All this light-and-speedy tech belies the fact that the Pace is seriously equipped to carry everything you need for a day of hiking, ski mountaineering, or light alpine climbing. There are more pockets than you can shake a ski pole at, including side stretch mesh sleeves, a front drop-in skin and glove pocket, a helmet holder, and a wet-gear compartment, along with a hydration sleeve that holds a three-liter bladder to keep you running smoothly. It has ski and snowboard carry options, ice-axe and trekking-pole loops, and side compression straps to lash down gear or secure smaller, lighter loads with ease. There's even a an attachment point for a safety light and an internal SOS instruction label. Not that you'd ever need it.