REI Alpine 50 Plus Pack

Like most REI-brand backpacks (I have four including this one) this pack is well made and reasonably priced. It has enough room to hold the gear one needs for long dayhikes and snow-season use (snowshoeing/skiing). It has an internal frame and very comfortable padding. The main compartment has a mesh pocket which runs the entire length of the pack from top to bottom and allows you to divide your gear into two seperate areas.

The shoulder straps have load lifters and the hipbelt has 2-inch wide straps, not 1 1/2 inch like most packs of this size, so it fits better. It comes in regular and large sizes and red or navy blue. I would still recommend it even if it was more expensive.