Bringing creativity and refinement to the crag-pack genre, the Splitter Station 40 is the best crag pack I’ve owned. It carries like a boss thanks to the metal back-panel stay, beefy padded hip belt, and padded shoulder straps, but the main event was the dual diagonal top zippers on the main compartment: Unzip in a V-shape from either or both sides and, voila, total access to your gear—no hassle, no fuss. The bomber bad-boy (840D ballistics nylon on sides and base; 600D TPU on front and top) also has two roomy sundry pockets—one external and one internal—an easy-carry handle, an included rope tarp (genius!), and an easy-stowing deployable cover to protect your rope and/or top opening in case of rain. I could easily fit two pairs of shoes, harness, rack, draws, chalkbag, clothing, etc., with a perfect cinch-down spot for the rope. Pack weighs 3 lbs, 8 oz.

$180, mountainhardwear.com

See more of our top gear picks in our 2018 Climbing Gear Guide: Editors' Choice Awards.