Product Review

Designed for technical, all-day hikes, the Franconia LR is our top-of-the-line lumbar hiking pack, designed for carrying a day’s worth of food, fuel and gear. Here’s the lowdown on lumbar reservoirs: by shifting water weight to your hips, they provide the stability you need, the water you want, and the mobility you didn’t know you lacked. The Franconia is also designed to keep you cool and hydrated on grueling mountain routes. The Air Suspension back panel keeps the pack off your back for plenty of ventilation, and the zippered pockets on the waistbelt give you instant access to maps or bars. It’s also easy to drink without taking your eyes off the trail: the new reservoir delivers more water per sip, and the magnetic tube trap lets you snap the tube into place without fumbling.