The ATI features a top and front loading design that has a separate sleeping bag compartment with zippered detachable divider for easy access. Inside hydration sleeves are pretty standard these days and the ATI is no exception. Other features include an adjustable torso length for an individual fit and foam-padded, contoured shoulder straps and waistbelt. Additional features are a chimney-style mesh back panel which helps increase ventilation between your back and the pack. The ATI has weighs 6 pounds and has approximatley 4900 cu.in. of storage space making this a great day pack.

Next we have the New Cuscus 6200 cu.in. backpack. The Cuscus offers top and bottom access and a top lid pocket for smaller gear that you can get to quickly and with little effort. Like the other backpacks it offers a variety of accessory zippered pockets for additional storage. It also has padded shoulder supports and waist belt, and adustable torso length, and buckles for holding water bottles. Apparently, the Cuscus does not incorporate a hydration sleeve in this model. Weighing in at 5.5 pounds and having over 6000 cu.in. of storage this pack would be great for long hiking and camping trips.

Last up is the Teton Sports 3400. The Teton is the smallest backpack out of the three with only 3400 cu. in. of space and weighing 4.5 pounds. This doesn't mean it is inferior though. This pack size is great for a day trip as the others are a bit heavy and would could get a lot heavier if one was tempted to pack more gear in the bigger backpacks. The Teton Sports has a bladder hydration pocket and contoured shoulder, lumbar and waist pads. Like the ATI and Cuscus, it also offers an adjustable torso length. Another good feature of this pack is it has a attached rain fly.

The ATI, New Cuscus, and Teton Sports are all great packs for the money. They have all the important features a hiker is looking for in a pack; adjustable, water resistant, accessory pockets, padded straps, et cetera. There is not an editor's pick in this category; they are all great packs for specific hiking or camping trips. The ATI has great storage capacity for a day or weekend pack, but would get heavy if a hiker wanted use it for the Appalachian trail. The New Cuscus would one to consider for such a long hike. It has the largest storage capacity of the reviews, but weighs about a half pound less. And the Teton Sports backpack rounds out a perfect candidate for an avid day hiker. It is light, has ample storage and still has all the bells and whistles of the bigger and more expensive backpacks.