The Helly Hanson Transistor could have been a great hiking backpack, but it can't handle the rain

Fitness writer Lily Canter wearing the Helly Hansen Transistor outdoors

The Helly Hansen Transistor is a good all-around backpack—durable, comfortable, and light enough to wear all day long. I really appreciated the roomy internal storage, too. 

But it doesn't quite fit the best hiking backpack category because, despite ice climbing functions, it doesn't perform well when wet. Frustratingly, the bag isn't fully waterproofed.