The Aspen

Most backpacking packs are designed for one body type. Guess whose. Symbiosis Gear's founder got tired of watching women wrestle with packs that were just "men's small" with pink accents, so she spent years engineering something that actually fits people with boobs. The Aspen is the result — and it's kind of annoyingly good.

The S-curve shoulder straps and 3-way adjustable sternum strap aren't marketing gimmicks. They're the reason people from 5'2" to 6'1" with A cups to DDD have tried this pack and said "oh, that's what comfortable is supposed to feel like." The straps are narrower because your shoulders are narrower. Revolutionary concept, apparently.

At 1 lb 9 oz, the Aspen is ultralight without feeling like a garbage bag with strings. The body is 400D Extreema® (bluesign® approved, if that matters to you — it should), and the back pocket is Spundura UHMWPE, which is a mouthful but basically means it won't shred the first time you brush against a rock face. 38L internal, 48L total with the external pockets. Enough for multi-day trips without turning you into a pack mule.

The Details

• S-curve straps designed for not-male shoulders
• 3-way adjustable sternum strap — fits a real range of chest sizes and shapes
• Phone pocket you can actually reach without dislocating something
• Extra-large side pockets and a large back pocket for the overpacker in you
• Stealth bottom pocket for things you don't want to talk about
• Roll top with snaps, Y-strap up top for extra gear, zig-zag compression straps down the sides
• Ice axe / trekking pole loop, stowable waist belt
• Water-resistant 400D Extreema® body, Spundura UHMWPE back pocket
• Winner of multiple "Best Gear" and "Best Backpacking" awards, which the pack is too humble to mention but we are not
• Will not judge you for the amount of snacks you bring

Specs

• Weight: 1 lb 9 oz (708 g)
• Volume: 38L internal / 48L total
• Max load: 20 lbs
• Body height: 31.5 in (80 cm)
• Back panel height: 18.5 in (47 cm)
• Depth: 6 in (15 cm)
• Width: 11 in (28 cm)
• Waist belt: 50 in (127 cm)
• Fit range: 5'2" – 6'1"
• Materials: bluesign® approved 400D Extreema®, Spundura UHMWPE