About the Product
The Patagonia XT is an extreme terrain tire made to conquer on- and off-road obstacles. It features a cut and chip resistant rubber compound with a rugged 3-ply sidewall for added strength, and alternating open shoulders provide additional biting edges to enhance traction on all terrains. Alternating step-down grooves integrated into the shoulder blocks help enhance tread rigidity, while the tread pattern optimizes the pitch sequence for a quieter ride.
Protection From Weather
The best bags we tested all offer excellent protection from the elements, with fabrics ranging from 840D to 900D and reinforced seams. The Osprey Transporter, Gregory Alpaca, Thule Chasm, Marmot Long Hauler, Mountain Hardwear Expedition, and REI Big Haul all have incredibly durable fabrics and sturdy hardware.
Comfort Carrying
The most comfortable models in our lineup all feature ergonomically designed shoulder straps and extended padding to accommodate heavy loads over long distances. The Osprey Transporter, Sea to Summit Ultra Sil, Gregory Alpaca, Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, and REI Big Haul all have excellent shoulder strap systems that are comfortable and highly adjustable.
Ease of Packing
The best packs we tested all have internal compression straps that make it simple to zip closed a fully loaded bag. Some, like the Osprey Transporter and Marmot Long Hauler, also have exterior compression straps for extra support when trying to close a full-packed bag.
The most robust models in our lineup all feature daisy chains or some kind of external attachment loops, including the Patagonia Black Hole, Gregory Alpaca, Cotopaxi allpa Duo, and REI Big haul. These robust features allow you to connect the top of your pack to a roof rack or other mounting system to quickly access and organize your gear, while making it easy to pull your pack along with you.
