Today's outdoor industry offers niche gear for every pursuit, meaning it's easier than ever to find a pack perfectly suited to your favorite activity. The best gear functions well in a variety of situations (a daypack should also work well for a visit to the farmers' market). But if you've ever tried to run with a heavy, clunky backpack, or carried climbing gear in a pack not designed for the task, you know that the right equipment can mean the difference between enjoying a day in the woods and being sidelined from the trail.

MARMOT's Kompressor Plus lightweight daypack is suitable for both hikes and general travel. Its 20-liter capacity provides sufficient space for short-trip necessities, and its several pockets make organization easy. Plus, the entire bag can be folded into the top pocket for storage. $65, marmot.com

The impeccably designed OSPREY Zealot 15 offers plenty of room for gear, holds three liters of hydration, and even has a spot for your tools, making it the perfect choice for epic mountain bike rides. $140, osprey.com

SALOMON's Advanced Skin 12 Set is a trail runner's best friend. It comes with two 17-ounce water flasks and has a snug, second-skin-like feel that allows you to run with a day's worth of gear without any bouncing to slow you down. $180, salomon.com

With PATAGONIA's Linked Pack 18L rock-climbing pack, you can easily get to your gear mid-climb (standard daypacks are hard to access without taking them off). What's more, this pack's super-tough Cordura ballistic nylon will keep it in rotation after years of use. $100, patagonia.com

Whether you're heading out for a three-day backpacking trip or thru-hiking the AT, the Crown2 60 from GRANITE GEAR is an affordable choice that will keep you ventilated and comfortable. The 60-liter pack carries up to 35 pounds—an outstanding load capacity considering its two-pound weight. $200, granitegear.co

For really long trail runs and/or really hot conditions, count on NATHAN's VaporKrar 12L Race Vest, which includes a 60-ounce hydration bladder and offers a close fit that makes carrying all that water manageable (with a little practice). This pack's 12-liter capacity is more than enough for energy bars, a jacket, and other long-run necessities. $180, nathansports.com

Active parents love OSPREY's Poco AG Premium, which fits well, carries children comfortably and safely, and adjusts to accommodate little ones as they grow (up to about 50 pounds). Plus, its hip-belt pockets and removable daypack are great for stashing clothes, food, and toys. $330, osprey.com

This article appeared in the September/October 2018 edition with the headline "Leaders of the Pack."