GREGORY Alpinisto 25

The Alpinisto 25 adds a padded, outside-access sleeve that takes either a hydration reservoir or a laptop, which makes it a pack that works at the crag and on the commute. Like the 20, it has the CloudControl hipbelt, AirCushion back panel, ice-tool and crampon attachment, a top rope strap and an included helmet holder.

A good middle size for single-day climbs and alpine scrambles. It has no frame sheet, so it is not meant for heavy loads; the Alpinisto 30 adds a removable frame sheet for that. Skiers who carry avalanche gear should look at the Targhee packs instead.