This is one of my favourite packs here. It’s a generous 30-litre bag with a lid closure and two compression straps. One feature I particularly like is the zip along one side that allows you to swing it off one shoulder and access the bag for the full length – a neat touch. There are pockets everywhere. The side mesh pockets are very deep, but elasticated enough to take a map or a water bottle. There are two large hipbelt pockets that I use for snacks and my phone, a zipped exterior pocket on the top and one inside. The water hydration bladder sleeve is accessed externally, as it should be. The back is mesh stretched over a hole-punched foam and offers a reasonable amount of ventilation and there’s a light aluminium frame. Once on, there’s a lot of free movement in the arms. In fact I can find very little wrong with this pack, except that the Black Diamond and Lowe Alpine ones just feel a tad more comfortable. The bottom is reinforced, and there are plenty of places to stow your ice axe and poles and skis. An excellent, feature-laden backpack at a good price.
First published: Aug 2014
