Perfect for big day hikes and hut-to-hut treks in all seasons, while being big enough to take everything required for lightweight overnight camping adventures, this versatile gear-hauler is the best hiking pack I have used for many years. The exceptionally well-made Exion 55 is a real all-rounder, offering exactly the right amount of storage space for the vast majority of my outdoor escapades, paired with exceptional functionality, support and comfort.

First impressions

I have long been a big fan of premium British brand Rab, whose apparel offering and kit quality just keeps getting more comprehensive and better every year. I wear the Rab Capacitor Hoody so often people have started making comments and my wife has to convince me to put something different on at least every now and then. The sleeping bags are excellent too, but this is the first Rab backpack I have tried in the field – not least because it’s a new product category for the Derbyshire based brand, named after Scottish climber and alpinist Rab Carrington.

The Exion is available in several sizes, but I chose to trail-test the 55-liter version. When they feature compression straps (as the Exion does), I love the versatility offered by packs of this size, which are ideal for big one-day outings when you’re with the family – especially in spring and fall when waterproof jackets, rain pants, fleeces and puffers might be needed, but it’s too warm to wear them from the trailhead – and can also swallow everything required for a lightweight overnight or multiday adventure, including a sleeping bag, camping mat, backpacking tent and stove.

Suffice to say, I was looking forward to getting out in the wilds and testing the handsome-looking Exion 55, to see how it would perform compared to the most capacious daypacks and best hiking backpacks on the market. Spoiler: I wasn’t disappointed. But read on for details about what I did and didn’t love about this versatile pack.

Design and materials

The first thing to note is that the Rab Exion is available in several sizes and styles, including some specifically aimed at women, with an ND (narrow dimension) design tailored to fit more comfortably, and this includes a version of the 55L pack.

A central part of the design of all the Exion packs is Rab’s easily adjustable V-TRAX carry system. This is comprised of a supportive thermoformed harness mounted on a featherlight 6mm aluminium frame, and is made with dual densities of foam to spread the load, provide well-cushioned support where it’s required and minimize contact with your back, thus reducing rubbing and sweating.

The hipbelt, which has generous pockets, is tightened by pulling the straps forward, which is much easier and more effective than yanking belts to the side. There are huge mesh side pouches on this pack, perfect for carrying water bottles, but the Exion also has a dedicated compartment for hiking with a hydration bladder, complete with a hang loop and hose portals.

The versatility of the Exion pack is one of its greatest strengths, and the compression straps on the side mean you can increase and reduce the size and volume of this pack to suit the adventure you’re on, and according to the amount of gear you’re hauling. The extendable hood delivers an extra 5L of additional storage space if you need it, and boasts three pockets, one internal and two external, all of which zip shut. There are also hoops, loops and toggles on the exterior for carrying trekking poles and ice axes.

One of the best features on the Exion pack, though, is a large U-shaped front zip, which allows you to access the main compartment and find whatever it is you're looking for without emptying everything else out by the side of the trail. There is also a large mesh pouch on the front of the pack, where waterproofs can be stashed wet or dry. One thing to be conscious of, though, if you’re using this pack while travelling, is that it does make it quite easy for thieves and pickpockets to access it during bus and train rides.

On the trails

I have been using the Rab Exion 55 backpack during big day walks along the coast and cliffs close to where I live, on the South West Coast Path, and for multiday adventures whilst wild camping on Dartmoor, as I’ve been researching walking routes for a new book.

It has excelled in both capacities – as a large daypack and as a modest-sized overnight hiking pack that forces me to be frugal with what I take, thus enhancing the enjoyment of my outings. The carry capacity can be dialled up or down really easily, according to the kit required on any given mission, thanks to a clever combination of compression straps, mesh pouches on the front and sides, and the incredibly capacious hood.

Although the hood - which boasts two exterior zipped pockets plus an interior one - offers loads of storage space, it never bumped against the back of my head, even when I had it fully loaded (something that has happened, annoyingly, with other packs I have used over the years).

On day walks I can keep the Exion nice and tight to my body, but when I need it to load it up for a bigger escapade, it comfortably swallows my Jetboil stove, MSR Hubba Hubba tent, Therm-a-Rest camping mat, sleeping bag and enough food and supplies to keep me warm and fed for several days exploring hills, tors and moors.

In my experience, while the V-TRAX carry system allows your back to breathe beautifully, the full-contact wrap-around harness and hip wings provide excellent levels of support. It's extremely easy to pull the waist belt nice and tight, to lift the bulk and weight of the load into the most comfortable position for efficient hiking, and the fully adjustable sternum strap completes the set-up in seconds.

It's possible to reach water bottles stored in the angled side pockets without removing the pack, but I took full advantage of the hydration reservoir carry capacity, which means you can haul plenty of H2O in the most balanced way.

Little touches like the emergency whistle on the chest strap and the emergency instructions on the inside of the hood are great, although, to be picky, I would have like to see a Recco reflector included for the price of this pack. My only other complaint is that it's not made (so far as I can see) with any recycled material. All up, though, this is an excellent pack for all kinds of hiking adventures, and it has been robustly made, so I look forward to taking it on many more escapades.

Scottish outdoor brand Highlander has recently launched a host of new backpack models. There’s the fast-and-light Vega, the versatile Ivar and the expedition-ready Novar. And then the Vulkan: a slightly pricier pack designed to cope with the rigours of winter walking and mountaineering in the often challenging environment of the Scottish Highlands. Highlander also states that it’s 'a versatile, all-season pack', so in theory it should be a good option for year-round adventures.

While the Vulkan is slightly pricier than its cousins, it is still an affordable pack, which is designed to do everything the likes of Osprey’s Mutant and Berghaus’ MTN Guide can, but with a significantly lower price tag. This is central to Highlander’s main mission and has been so ever since it was founded in 1985. The brand states that: ‘enjoying the challenges and beauty of the outdoors should be available to everyone’.

I’ve tested several pieces of Highlander kit over the years and have usually been impressed with the quality, especially given the affordability of most of the gear. The brand backs itself with a 282-year warranty – one year for each of Scotland’s Munros, the country's prominent peaks above 3,000ft (914m).

As such, I was excited to shoulder the Vulkan and head for the hills.

First impressions

Having tested Highlander’s flagship hiking backpack, the Ben Nevis, it was immediately obvious that the Vulkan was a more specialized tool. Giveaways include the ice axe attachment points, the ice axe slot for securing the pick, the daisy chains for attaching gear, the rolltop opening and the additional straps for securing items like rope.

Its bright orange straps and loops make it more visible in the case of an emergency, and there’s a handy integrated whistle on the chest strap too. Then, on the inside of the lid is a brief emergency guide with distress signals and emergency phone numbers for the UK, EU, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the US and Canada. It seems this is a pack that Highlander wants you to take into the high mountains.

Once I’d tensioned all the straps appropriately, the first wear was comfortable and it was clear this was a supportive pack. There’s nothing revolutionary about the harness system – it has the usual padded hip belt, chest strap and zoned padding on the back panel. That there’s no suspended panel nods towards suitability for colder adventures.

A feature set geared for mountaineering

The Vulkan has many features dedicated to mountaineering and climbing. Above the rolltop closure is an adjustable strap for securing a climbing rope, while the ice axe attachment features elasticated toggles and a reinforced slot that securely holds the pick and stops it from poking outwards or shredding the pack. Towards the top, you get one elasticated, adjustable loop for holding the spike flush. Highlander state that the pack is intended for 'lightweight mountaineering'. Indeed, it's clear that it’s designed for one walking axe, rather than twin technical ice tools. Hence, why there’s just the one loop at the top of the pack.

When it comes to helmet storage, there’s space in the large elastic panel on the front of the pack. It stretches just enough house a helmet, though it’s a real squeeze when the pack is full. It’s a decent alternative to the removable helmet holders seen in some winter packs. When not used for helmet storage, this front mesh panel is great for storing items you might want quickly to hand, such as fleece on a changeable day. I often used it to hold the dry bag containing my food, allowing me to access it quickly without having to open the whole pack up.

Unlike on lighter summer packs, there’s no suspended back panel for ventilation here. Instead, there are five strategically placed regions of squishy foam, one providing lumber support, the others higher up the back. Stretched over the top of these is a breathable mesh, while beneath is a back panel with triangular holes. This is Highlander’s Airvent system and it does a decent job of being reasonably airy in summer, without the need for suspension. The gaps between the foam provide at least some degree of airflow.

The harness system is fairly standard, with a chest strap and hip belt. The chest strap features the same position-adjustment slider seen on the Ben Nevis backpack. This enables you to move the chest strap up and down, in order to find the best fit. My worry here is that I’ve broken these kinds of strap before (with both the Ben Nevis pack and the Osprey Hikelite) and they’re nigh on impossible to reattach. So, don’t be too heavy handed.

Other storage

The main compartment is large and straightforward, with an elasticated sleeve for a reservoir (or anything you wanted to keep separate). The rolltop closure protects it from adverse weather better than a drawcord or zippered closure. It does mean accessing the top takes longer than with most packs, but the main compartment can also be accessed from the side via a reinforced zipper.

This side access is great for quickly grabbing items like a crampon bag or a group shelter – basically things that may be towards the bottom of the pack but that you might want in a hurry. Its 45-liter capacity just about hits the sweet spot for winter, when you’ll be carrying additional items like crampons, a blizzard jacket (or a survival blanket), emergency shelter and extra layers.

The pack is topped by a lid with both an exterior and interior zippered compartment, as well as four loops for attaching gear. The exterior compartment features a little mini-carabiner on a strap for clipping valuables into. Both are large enough to take a topographical map. If you don't need the lid, it can be removed, which is nice.

Being geared towards winter, there are no hydration pockets in the harness system like those seen in running inspired fast hiking packs like Salomon’s Aerotrek 30 or Montane’s Trailblazer. However, there are a couple of side mesh pockets that are well-sized to take water bottles or an insulated flask. Such items can be reached and liberated while hiking, for supping on the go. There’s also the usual hydration bladder system, with a Velcro tab to hold the bladder in place and a portal for the tube. All of this adds to the packs versatility: you can fill it with a bladder and bottles for summer adventures, or take a thermos in one of the side pockets for winter.

The other bits of on-the-go storage the pack provides are the two small, zippered hip belt pockets, ideal for small items like headlamps or snacks. One is elasticated, while the other is a bit more robust, woven from the same ripstop nylon as the main pack.

Hidden at the bottom of the pack is the zippered raincover compartment. I’m not a huge fan of these raincovers, as they make accessing the pack difficult when fitted and have a tendency to blow away in gusty conditions, thus littering the backcountry. However, kudos to Highlander for dealing with at least one of these issues by designing the cover so that it stays permanetly attached to the pack. However, I still think a better alternative is to arrange the contents of the pack into colored dry bags, keeping everything both dry and organized inside.

On the trails

I’ve been testing the Vulkan during the summer months on hikes in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, and I'm looking forward to taking it out in the peaks during the coming winter season too. My hiking adventures have allowed me to assess its suitability as a versatile, all-season pack.

I enjoyed putting the Vulkan to the test on the trails, finding it to be functional and comfortable in the same breath. From a functionality point of view, it did everything required and I appreciated many of the design features, such as the integrated whistle and front and side mesh pockets.

I’m quite a slim chap, at least at the moment anyway. A qualm I’d had about Highlander’s Ben Nevis rucksack was the amount of spare strap that remained once I’d tightened up the hip belt. With the Vulkan, I’m delighted to say that there’s a solution to this problem. Two lengths of material, almost like grab handles, run on top of each of the hip belt pockets. I found that I could take the excess strap and wrap it around this a couple of times to tidy it out of the way. It all held in place while I was on the move and it was easy enough to unravel whenever I needed to take the pack off.

The concern when buying budget outdoor kit is that it may not be as durable as some of the more expensive competition. It's often the quality and strength of the fabrics and the components that you're paying for, after all.

It was a shame to find that one of the compression straps tore away from its stitching after only a few outings with the Vulkan. Time will tell whether the pack will suffer from other such issues but it’s not an ideal start. However, don’t forget the 282-year warranty – I’m sure you’d be within your right to get a replacement if the above happened to you.

All in all, this is a thoughtfully designed pack with features that’ll suit winter walkers, mountaineers and climbers, while also ticking a lot of boxes for general hiking use too. It’s comfortable to carry, gives plenty of storage options and has a number of nice little touches. My main concern is around its durability (having already broken a compression strap) and the fact that there’s no mention of recycled materials.

Also consider

Comparison table

Osprey Tempest 33 women's backpack: first impressions 

A great backpack is as essential to a hiker as air to breathe, water to drink, and a trail underfoot – but finding the right model can be surprisingly challenging. We think we might have found the perfect one in the Osprey Tempest 33.

According to Osprey, this women's hiking backpack (the men's version is the Talon 33) is designed for adventurers who want a comfortable pack that works across different adventures, from day hiking to fast overnights and even skiing. That's a tall order, but after wearing this from the Himalayas to the Alps, I think they've come pretty close.

This backpack is astonishingly comfortable, even when worn all day for multiple days in a row, and Osprey says that's all down to the injection-molded AirScape backpanel, but I'm quite fond of the EVA foam lining in the straps and hip belt too. The suspension system provides a precise fit that you can fine-tune to your own specifications, which means it moves with you, and it's also super breathable on hot days.

All this means you can load it up with the gear you need for a day on the trail – or even a night in a backcountry hut – and trot off into the wild in total comfort.

Next up, let's talk storage. The main compartment is roomy and enhanced by various practical pockets including two stretchy mesh side pockets that hold large water bottles securely (though they're not that easy to reach while wearing the pack), two in the hip belt that fit an iPhone, a spacious top lid, hydration bladder pocket and an awesome stretchy mesh front pocket, where you can stuff waterproofs and maps.

It's also got all the attachment points for ice axes and folded trekking poles, meaning it's viable for winter and alpine adventures too. At 33L, it's big enough to squeeze in ultralight sleeping bags and pads if you must, but just small enough that you can cram it under the seat in front of you if you're flying budget and don't want to pay extra for overhead space.

While you can load it up with tons of gear, the pack itself won't weigh you down, weighing just 2lbs 10oz (1.19kg), which means you can pick up the pace with the Tempest, if you want to.

Like most backpacks, it's not totally waterproof (though it will fend off a not-too-heavy shower), and I do wish it came with an integrated rain cover. But that aside, I think it lives up to the hype as one of the most comfortable, functional and versatile backpacks around, and it's Bluesign-approved to boot.

Osprey Tempest 33 women's backpack: in the field 

When I was offered the chance to trek over 11 days to Everest Base Camp, I soon learned, to my relief, that I wouldn't need to carry all of my gear on my back – porters would carry my extra clothes, sleeping bag, and toiletries in a duffel between stops. But I would need a 33L pack for all my day gear, and it needed to be comfortable enough to wear for at least six hours a day for 11 consecutive days. So I got my hands on the Osprey Tempest.

Fortunately, I got this backpack several months before my trip, so it ended up being my training pack for hundreds of miles in the Scottish Highlands, where I established it would be the right choice. And since my adventure in Nepal, I've taken it on a hiking and yoga retreat to a hut in the Swiss Alps and recently used it again on a five-day thru-hike in the Lake District National Park.

All this is to say, I've given this backpack a really solid test on trails across the globe, and I think I can confidently deliver my opinion now.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing and fit

This backpack comes in one size, and usually I'd say that's a mark against it, but this one seems to be so adjustable as to accommodate nearly any torso. I say that because, while I'm on the smallish end at 5'4" and it fits me great, I've also made my 5'11" broad-shouldered boyfriend wear it for a hike, and he's done so in comfort.

Thanks to adjustable shoulder straps, hip belt, and a chest strap that can be moved up or down to get it out of the way, I had zero problems getting this cinched up nice and neatly. I wear it so it sits up on my hips to keep the weight totally off my shoulders and when I lean my head back, it rests on the top of the pack but the pack doesn't interfere with my ability to move my head.

I've had some issues with the shoulder straps on other packs being too close together so they dig into the sides of my neck, but these ones manage to be perfectly positioned. You can see from the photo below that it really contours to my body once it's on and fastened so it's very stable even when the ground beneath me is not.

Comfort and breathability

The biggest selling point for this backpack is how incredibly comfortable it is. I'm definitely a little prone to bruising on my hips and collarbones from some backpacks, but I've never had any discomfort during (or after) wearing this pack, even after multiple consecutive days.

Basically, the design means that even when it's full, I don't notice it on my back, and when the trail requires more scrambling, it just moves with my body, so it never throws me off balance or gets in the way. Out of necessity (meaning, I lost track of time and needed to get down a mountain for dinner), I've even done a bit of trail running wearing it, and it actually handles a faster pace quite well.

I've also worn it on some pretty warm days, with temperatures reaching the 80s when I was in Switzerland. Of course, my back got sweaty, but I only noticed when I stopped and took my pack off. I'd say the back panel is as breathable as any I've tried.

Storage and fastenings

Comfort might be key, but that's no good if you can't fit in all your gear, and a 33L pack can be a bit of an odd size. On the one hand, it can seem too big for a day hike, but on the other, it's not quite big enough for backpacking. However, I'd say this pack has the perfect amount of storage for most of my adventures.

I never run out of room on day hikes, even on the way to Base Camp where I was often carrying a lot of extra layers, multiple water bottles, and valuables that I'd been instructed not to leave in my duffel bag. That said, it has also proven to be big enough to fit my backpacking tent, lightest and smallest Therm-a-Rest pad, and camping quilt for an easy overnight.

There's not much to say about the main compartment except that it's spacious and functional, but it's all the extra pockets that give it added value for me. The lid has roomy pockets on the outside and inside, which can handle my wallet, keys (with clip), Garmin InReach, tissues, hand sanitizer, passport, and whatever I want close to hand. The side pockets are deep enough that my water bottles never fall out, but I admit I've only used the hydration bladder pouch for my laptop so far. The hip belt pockets can take my iPhone and portable charger, and I just love the front mesh pocket where I usually stuff my waterproof jacket, rain pants and map.

If it's not too full, there are plenty of compression straps to cinch it all tight so my gear isn't rattling around, and I've flown with it as my carry-on twice quite comfortable. While the overhead lockers just swallow it up, I've even managed to cram it under the seat in front of me so I had everything to hand on a shorter flight to Geneva.

The fastenings are all fairly straightforward, meaning plastic buckles, zippers and toggles, and that's a huge relief for me as I've found some modern backpacks so complicated I needed an instructional video just to figure out how to get them open.

Durability and weather protection

I might only have been hiking with this pack for six months, but it's seen a lot of action. Hundreds of miles of hiking (and being thrown around on planes and dusty trails) and it's not showing any signs of wear and tear at all. I've been hiking with a smaller Osprey daypack since about 2009, and it's still in decent shape, so I'm hoping for similar robustness here.

Like most backpacks, it isn't waterproof (which is why it's so light), and that's not a problem. I've worn it in plenty of rainy weather, and my gear has remained dry. My only gripe is that it doesn't come with a rain cover, which almost everyone needs at some point. I bought an Osprey cover to go with it, but I'd rather they just built it in and adjust the price accordingly.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

First impressions

A good hiking backpack is one of my non-negotiables on the trails. Whether I'm setting off for a quick day trip or gearing up for a multi-day thru-hike, you can be sure that I'll be bringing a comfortable companion to sling over my shoulders and store all the essentials.

The best hiking backpacks combine ample storage space with plenty of back and shoulder support, so you can trek in comfort and carry everything you need in one handy pack.

The Rab Nitron aims to be the perfect pack for day hikers. This lightweight, 100% nylon ripstop and polyester model has 6.5Ga (25L) of storage space and plenty of inner and outer pockets to store your water bottles, trekking poles, and other essentials. There's also a handy stash pocket, so you can grab gear mid-hike without having to unzip your pack.

The Nitron features a close-fitting vest-style harness with a mesh waist belt, designed to take the pressure off your shoulders and stop your pack from bouncing around too much. Its two shoulder straps can be tightened with smaller elasticated straps, while the breathable back panel sits comfortably on your mid and upper back.

Rab Nitron Pack: on the trails

I got my hands on this lightweight pack in April and have been testing it out on the trails ever since.

I've taken the Rab Nitron on loads of hikes over the past few months, putting it to the test over the varied terrain of the English countryside and even up the odd mountain in Wales' Cairngorms National Park.

Here's how it got on after plenty of use in all sorts of weather:

Fit and comfort

After many hours of trekking, I can confidently say that the Rab Nitron is an exceptionally comfortable backpack, with enough support to keep your back and shoulders feeling fresh after hours of trekking.

Its vest-style harness hits the often elusive sweet spot of a close, body-hugging fit that remains breathable after many miles of hot-weather hiking. Its comfy back panel puts a mesh layer between the bulk of the pack and your back to promote airflow, while the shoulder straps and waist belt wrap comfortably around your body. Both were easily adjustable, and neither pinched nor came loose in testing.

After multiple long-distance hikes, I was particularly fond of the close-fitting waist belt, which took the pressure off my shoulders and created a relatively even distribution of weight across my upper body. It's also handy if you want to grab something from inside mid-hike, as you can shake off the shoulder straps and rotate the pack without taking it off entirely.

The snug shoulder straps and waist belt came into their own when I was moving at speed. Fast hiking is a doddle with the Nitron pack, which stuck to my back without bouncing around as I upped my pace over varied wilderness terrain.

Storage

A capacity of 6.5Ga (25L) would typically be considered a little on the small side, but I found it more than enough to carry all my essentials. I was easily able to fit a few extra layers and waterproofs in, along with several other supplies for a long day of hiking.

There's also space for a 0.7Ga (3L) water bladder, so you can stay hydrated and sip while you hike.

Useful extra pockets on the pack's top, sides, and harness allow you to store several extras without sacrificing inner space. On the front, there are handy attachment points for trekking poles and a large mesh front stash pocket, which proves particularly handy when you want to grab a rain jacket or extra layer without unzipping your pack.

There's nothing worse than stopping every five minutes when it starts to rain or when you want a drink, so I really appreciated this extra space, especially the easy-to-access front stash pocket.

The storage on offer in the Rab Nitron fits its purpose to a tee. You'd struggle to fit a backpacking tent inside, but that's not what it's designed for.

If you're after a larger model, there are plenty of alpine haulers to choose from in our expert guide to the best backpacks.

Protection from the elements

The Nitron pack's tough 100% nylon ripstop and polyester exterior offers a decent level of protection from the elements without being fully waterproof.

It features a water-resistant Hydroshield coating, which forces light rainfall to bead off the pack's surface without providing full protection from heavy rain. As a result, the pack performs well in drizzly conditions and light showers, but falters when the heavens open.

I was caught in exceptionally heavy rainfall a couple of times in testing, and it wasn't long before my belongings got wet. Although full waterproofing would have been appreciated, it's hard to hold that against the Nitron, which was designed with the warm, drier seasons in mind, and makes no claims of being waterproof.

Unexpected heavy rain can be remedied with a waterproof rain cover, but this pack, frustratingly, doesn't come with one. Lots of other Rab packs do, which makes the omission even more annoying, and it's my only real gripe with the Nitron.

After three months of regular use, my pack is yet to degrade or take any real damage. The mesh back and strap materials remain comfortable and springy, while the stylish front appears as it would on the shop floor. Every stitching and detail remains in place, and the printed lettering is yet to peel off. It's impossible to know how it'll look in a year or two's time, but it's safe to say that the Nitron has passed the durability test thus far.

Price

For $120 (£95), the Rab Nitron pack is neither ludicrously expensive nor especially cheap. It's around what you'd expect to pay for a comfortable and smartly designed daypack, that's not built for extreme conditions or heavy rain.

It's comparable in price to tried and tested classics like the Talon 22 and Mammut Duncan 24, and a good deal for anyone in the market for a dependable pack for day hiking in pleasant weather (or with a rain cover).

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• How Advnture tests products

American bag brand Wandrd was initially motivated by the desire to create a camera bag that was both functional and looked 'sexy'. The words sexy and duffel rarely go together, if at all, so we were keen to see if the brand had managed to achieve this marriage with its Carryall Duffel.

Founded by four brothers with a penchant for travel and photography, it’s fair to say the stylings of Wandrd's range lean more towards globetrotting, Interrailing and camera carrying than they do towards hauling climbing gear to a remote base camp, especially when compared to the likes of Patagonia or Cotopaxi's offerings. This is despite the Wandrd logo featuring the silhouette of a mountain. Nevertheless, a bag is a bag. If there’s capacity for a rope, harness and helmet, and it’s durable enough to withstand a bit of abuse, it’ll do nicely, regardless of its appearance.

To discover whether this duffle meets these criteria, I put the Carryall through its paces, testing it in all kinds of scenarios, from everyday use and travel, to camping and other outdoor adventures.

First impressions

The Carryall definitely has a smart, clean aesthetic that looks the part just as much at JFK Airport as it does in the mountains. Nods towards its suitability for long-distance travel include the ID window at the top of the bag and its locking zip pullers, designed to foil potential pickpockets. It manages to feel both stylish and hard-as-nails at the same time – not an easy balance to strike. I like it.

There are other subtleties that I began to notice early in the test, such as the removable chest strap, a nice addition considering the main carry method is via the bag's shoulder straps. What isn’t so subtle is the obvious durability and rugged qualities of the main fabrics and the components that have gone into the bag. I appreciated how smooth the zippers ran as I began to explore its half-dozen storage options. It seemed I had a product of some quality on my hands.

Tough materials

Wandrd stands by its 900-denier polyester shell with PVC-coating. It’s a tried-and-true material the brand has used in many of its products down the years and it provides the Carryall duffel with its heft and robust qualities. The base of the back is an 840-denier nylon, which gives the bottom of the pack additional durability while saving weight at the same time.

In total, the 40L version of the Carryall weighs 3lb (1.34kg), which is heavier than some comparable bags. For context, the 70L Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is the same as this, while the 70L Cotopaxi Allpa weighs 9oz less. Its weight seems to be down to the rugged materials Wandrd has opted for. So, if you’re looking for a bomb-proof duffel, this is a good shout; whereas if keeping the gram count down is your bag, it isn’t.

Carry options

All four sides of the Carryall have grab handles, making it easy to… well… grab. The side handles also double up as carry handles, especially useful considering this duffel doesn’t have a carry handle across the top, like some others do.

What is does boast are a couple of removable shoulder straps, complete with a handy chest strap. The combination of the shoulder straps’ padding and the chest strap make it a more comfortable backpack style carry than most. Where the chest strap sits can be adjusted on the fly, as it clips into runners towards the bottom of the shoulder strap. Little fabric pulls allowed me to unclip the strap with ease, while it made a satisfying click when slotted back into place.

When I was at school, it wasn’t cool to carry your daypack using both shoulder straps. I’ve absolutely no idea if this is still the case but, regardless, Wandrd have seen fit to provide the option of a single shoulder carry with an additional padded shoulder strap that’s available separately and only comes in black. It clips nicely into two of the four larger loops that sit on the outside of the pack.

These loops can also be used to lash other items, such as dry bags or even some of Wandrd's smaller travel bags, such as their toiletry bags. There’s not the sort of obvious daisy chain array you get on something like Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel, though there are still 16 little loops around the pack’s exterior, which is more than enough for the vast majority of uses.

Thoughtful features and storage

In total, there are six separate spaces to store items. Firstly, there’s a large, unfussy main compartment – exactly what’s required in a duffel bag. No hidden pockets or sleeves here, just a big space for all your stuff. The main compartment’s U-shaped top lid has the usual zippered mesh pocket on its underside – ideal for storing items you want to keep separate from your pants, tops, down jacket et al.

There are separate, smaller zippered compartments at either end of the main one. One is modestly sized – for stashing books and the like – and is joined by a zippered mesh pocket in its lid.

The other is extendable, with a large bucket of fabric that can be pushed into the main compartment space, or outwards, thus increasing the interior capacity. This innovative touch opens up the possibility of storing larger items separately, such as muddy shoes or wet gear and towels. Wandrd call it the 'laundry pocket' An ‘even better if’ would have been if the bucket fabric had been made of the kind of fully waterproof material you get in dry bags. Nonetheless, I was impressed with the intelligence of the design. It’s also sized to fit Wandrd’s 3L Rogue Sling, while the 60L duffel will also take the 6L Rogue Sling here.

This just leaves the final little zippered side pocket, which sits above one of the grab handles. This small pocket is nicely sized for items like passports or headlamps.

It’d be remiss of me not to mention the YKK zippers, which are chunky, water-resistant and smoother than most. The main shell of the U-shaped main compartment lid overlaps the main zipper, providing an additional waterproof shield.

The most intriguing thing about the zip pulls (isn't there always something intriguing about zip pulls?) on both the main and side compartments is Wandrd's patent-pending Worryless Locking Zipper Pullers. These are custom designed to lock together with a twist, making it nigh on impossible for pickpockets to sneakily unzip and access the bag’s compartments – not without you noticing and alerting airport security anyway.

In the field

I’ve been using the Carryall for all kinds of purposes, including a handy little bag for camping trips, a personal pack for travel and a place to transport and stash gear during longer outdoor adventures. Its size makes it a versatile option for long weekends and it’s a goer for cabin baggage allowances when flying too. For longer trips, or if you’re looking for a duffel for all your climbing gear, the 60L version would be preferable.

It's a pleasant duffel to carry thanks to its well-designed shoulder straps and sternum strap. With some duffels, these straps feel like a bit of an afterthought, whereas here they provide enough comfort that I wouldn’t have too many qualms about hauling the Carryall for short hikes – though a decent dedicated daypack is still a better option for this. It’s not what a duffel is really for anyway.

Storage wise, it does all it needs to. Everything has a place. I liked being able to stash dirty or wet gear in the extendable side pocket. There’s no fast-access exterior storage, such a mesh pocket or semi-open option, but this is hardly a major issue.

The Carryall is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. I found that it batted showers away with consummate ease, though I wouldn’t want to leave it out for too long during a prolonged downpour.

All in all, I was thoroughly impressed with the design, functionality and versatility of the Carryall. Its innovations put it up there with some of the best duffel bags around, though I’d have liked to have seen more mention of both recycled materials and recyclability given the age we live in. Nevertheless, it's an impressive duffel.

Also consider

Comparison table

This is a proper duffel bag. No frills, no pretention, not a great deal of charm – just a shell of tarpaulin stitched together with big buckles, burly straps and beastly grab handles. It is what it is – like it or lump it.

Scottish brand Highlander’s mission is to create quality gear available at an accessible price point. I’ve had the pleasure of testing several pieces of Highlander kit and have always been impressed with how solid it all is. This is kit that’s been tested in the notoriously fickle – some would say difficult – conditions of the Scottish Highlands, so it has to be up to scratch. In my experience, it’s a brand that places functionality above flair and, while the components and materials in the more budget-orientated offerings aren’t as fancy as you’d find in a premium Patagonia or Fjällräven product, the gear always does its job.

The Hauler Duffel is the absolute epitome of all this. I was keen to shoulder it for various springtime exploits, testing its functionality and durability when compared to the best duffel bags around today.

First impressions

As a Manchester United fan, I quite like the red colorway, with its black base, handles and print. Pop a United badge on it (and a much bigger price tag) and you could fool people into thinking it was official merchandise. It’s also available in dark grey, black and ranger green. I like that Highlander don’t beat around the bush with their colorway names like some brands. As someone who’s slightly colorblind, I find it frustrating when a backpack’s color is labelled as Safari Dawn or Dread Rising, or similar.

It immediately struck me as a duffle of considerable ruggedness. The little details seen on more premium duffels, like embossed logos and customized zip pulls, are mostly absent here. However, these are often ‘nice to haves’ and stylistic features rather than anything you’d care about when hauling a load of heavy gear into situ. A look under the bonnet reveals compression straps in the main compartment, an innovation I’ve not seen in other duffels. It seems Highlander has only included certain features if it thought it would really make a difference. Function over style.

The zippers are chunky, the stitching is reinforced, the grab handles are meaty, the materials feel robust. It’s just as a duffel should be.

No-nonsense materials

Scotland can be a very wet place (though not as relentlessly often as some would have you believe). Nevertheless, Scottish people have their own word for when its grey, miserable and the rain is coming in more horizontally than vertically. They call this dreich.

So, it’s perhaps no surprise that Highlander has opted for a highly protective tarpaulin shell coated with water-repelling polyurethane. The brand don’t go as far to say it’s totally waterproof but I reckon you’d have a tough time finding conditions that’d penetrate it. So, your belongings will be fine on the hop through the dreich between the car and the club hut, or the dash between Glasgow Central station and Queen Street.

The tarpaulin shell is 500-denier, so should put up with quite a bit of abrasion too. Meanwhile, the base is made from a hefty, tough-as-nails, 600-denier polyester, protecting it against wear and tear.

Storage options

The belly of the beast is the main compartment, which is a huge space for stashing gear. It’s opened via the usual U-shaped zippered top. This has two zippered mesh compartments on its underside, great for storing items you want to keep separate, be that books, headlamps, your wallet or power bank and USB cables. On the top of the lid is a little ID panel for international travel. The main zippers have holes that sync up when placed together – this allowed me to insert a little travel padlock for additional security. No nasty surprises at baggage collection, then, while the ID slot means that even if another passenger has seen fit to buy the Hauler, you'll be able to tell which one's yours.

A particularly nice touch, and one that’s conspicuously absent in many more premium duffels, is the pair of interior compression straps inside the main compartment. These are great for squeezing down items like sleeping bags or bundles of clothes, leaving more space to cram more in.

There’s an additional zippered compartment at one end of the pack, ideal for stashing wet gear and the like, or for stashing the shoulder straps when not in use. Rounding up the storage offer is a small, zippered compartment on one of the sides. This one is well sized for items like pocket guidebooks or other travel documents. Best not put your passport in there though, as the Hauler’s size means it’ll be going in the hold rather than the cabin.

Unlike many duffels, there are no daisy chains around the outside for lashing extra gear to. However, you could always use the grab handles for this purpose if you were really desperate for some lashing.

Solid design with a few nice touches

Half-a-dozen meaty grab handles occupy the perimeter of the duffel – I could grab it in my sleep! The two end handles are horizontal, while two on each side are vertical, so I was able to seize them with both hands and lift it aloft with ease.

There are the usual hand carry straps that come together at the top. A padded handle holds them together with Velcro, while at the same time providing an ergonomic and comfortable surface for the hand to hold. Finally, for a backpack style lift, there are removable, padded shoulder straps too.

The chunky zippers are waterproof and all come with rudimentary pulls for easy manipulation while wearing hiking gloves in winter.

Like all Highlander’s kit, the Hauler Duffel comes with a 282-year warranty – a year for every Munro in the Scottish Highlands. So, when your great-grandkids give the Hauler to their grandkids, there's a good chance it'll still be under warranty. The year 2307… it doesn't bear thinking about.

In the field

I’ve been testing the Hauler Duffel throughout spring and early summer, both for everyday family use and for more adventurous outdoor pursuits. All in all, I found it to be a functional operator that did everything it needed to. It’s a good budget option, though there were a couple of areas where I found it wanting compared to some of the premium competition.

My biggest qualm with the Hauler was regarding its main zippers, which aren’t the smoothest when zipping the top lid back up. It wasn’t an issue while unzipping the bag, but when closing everything up I’d have to pull with so much force that I was worried I might break them. Time will tell whether or not this will end up happening, or whether repeated use will loosen whatever it is that’s making them a bit more of an effort to close up than they should be.

It’s also notably heavier than some of the competition, albeit for a third of the price of many. With this in mind, it’s difficult to complain too much.

I like both the main carry options. It’s as comfortable to backpack carry as you’d expect a duffel to be – meaning that it’s fine for medium distances but you wouldn’t want to be carrying it around all day like a daypack. The straps are noticeably broad, which spreads the weight of the carry, a quality that’s not always the case.

I highly valued the ability to ratchet everything down with the interior compression straps, meaning I could really go to town with cramming stuff in for family camping trips and the like. Another feature of the interior I liked was that you get two zippered mesh compartments in the lid. This simple division stops items from sliding back and forward and getting all bunched up.

All told, this is a solid duffel for those who want to save a few pennies. There are some thoughtful touches but it’s generally functional rather than spectacular – not quite as slick as some of the more premium duffels out there.

Also consider

Comparison table

Depending on the context, the Swedish word Färden means ‘the journey’ or ‘traveling’, making it the perfect name for Fjällräven's family of durable and functional travel bags. There are six members in this family: two roller bags, a toiletry bag, a travel backpack and two duffel bags: an 80-liter version and this 50-liter version.

Durability and functionality are two qualities we’ve come to expect from Fjällräven but it’s the design quality and style of the gear that has elevated it to become one of the most desirable brands in the world, where outdoor apparel and casual daypacks are concerned anyway. Its Kanken daypacks are perennially popular, while we’ve yet to discover a sub-par piece of adventure kit with the Arctic fox logo attached to it.

So, I was stoked to test out the Färden Duffel to see how it measured up against the other leading haulers on the market today. The duffel was kindly supplied for test and review by the wonderful outdoor experts at Trekitt.

First impressions

Having tested Fjällräven’s excellent Kajka 55 backpack last year, this immediately sprung to mind as I inspected the Färden. The two bags share the same timeless aesthetic, where modern design meets buccaneering Indiana Jones vibes. It looks the part whether you're on safari, at the campground or staying in a fancy hotel.

It’s obviously hard-wearing but the design slants more towards travel elegance than belt-and-braces outdoor adventure. There are only two grab handles and they’re not particularly meaty; there are no gear loops for lashing equipment, and the shoulder straps are noticeably thinner than most. While something like the hard-as-nails Highlander Hauler Duffel says: ‘Go ahead, grab me, put your ice axes in me, throw me around…I don't care' – the Färden, although it’d hold its own in the adventure stakes, seems to be saying: 'I’m a little bit sophisticated for all that'.

And sophisticated it is. The shoulder straps ingeniously slot away into long, zippered compartments. When not in use the side compression straps can be used to flatten everything down for easy storage. The side pocket expands depending on your needs. And the whole thing is constructed from recycled materials entirely free of PFAS.

Design and materials

There are a few unique design features that I’ve not seen in other duffel bags, such as the side compression straps. As mentioned, you can use them to flatten the pack when it's empty, but they’re also great for compressing everything down if the pack isn’t completely full. They can then be released via a buckle if you feel like you don't need them.

The shoulder straps are ergonomically shaped for a comfortable backpack carry, and the way they taper in the middle means that they can be used as carry handles too, negating the need for separate handles. Clever. Even more neat is the way they can be stashed away into long zippered compartments when not needed. A snap link connects the straps to fabric loops on the pack. Once undone, all you have to do is feed the straps into the compartment and zip up. If your first sight was of the Färden in this transformed state and you didn’t know any better, you’d think the pack never had straps in the first place.

Fjällräven is a brand that takes pride in its sustainability efforts, using recycled materials where possible. The Färden makes use of super durable, recycled 500-denier polyamide for the main material and it feels extremely robust. As is usually the case with duffel bags, it’s water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof. So, it’ll cope with the occasional shower but don’t leave it outside during a Bangkok downpour.

Storage options

The storage options on the Färden are a little stripped back compared to some. There’s the large main compartment, which features a central, long, zippered opening rather than the usual U-shaped lid. Once inside, one of the side walls features two side-by-side mesh compartments opened using just the one zipper. I like that Fjällräven have divided this space into two, as it stops items sliding around too much inside. These are ideal for storing little items you want to have separate to the main bulk, such as a headlamp or pocket guidebook.

On the opposite side there’s a small exterior zippered pocket, which is handy for items you might want to keep handy, without having to access the main storage area. The Färden features an expandable side pocket – a design feature also seen on the Wandrd Carryall Duffel – that can be clipped out of the way using a button press when not needed. This allows you to keep larger items separate from the main compartment, such as a drybag full of laundry or wet hiking boots (in fact, Fjällräven calls it 'the boot compartment').

The Zip pulls (on both the main compartment and the boot compartment) feature rings for attaching a padlock, for peace of mind when travelling.

You can technically store items in the shoulder strap compartments too. I managed to slot a pair of folded trekking poles into them. However, there’s a couple of caveats here. Firstly, you can’t zip these up unless the shoulder straps are folded away inside and, secondly, items that aren’t as long as something like a trekking pole could easily get stuck in the bottom. It’s fair to say, I don’t think Fjällräven really envisaged these as storage options for anything other than the straps.

In the field

I’ve been using the Färden during late spring and early summer travels around Britain’s southwest, hauling kit on the way to hiking missions, using it as a car camping storage solution and even shouldering it to hike to a wild camping spot.

I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the backpack carry option was, given that the straps don’t look as chunky and cushioned as some. The key word here may be ergonomic. The straps are shaped like extended hourglasses, wide towards the top, thin in the middle and then wider again at the bottom. This helps to distribute the weight away from the shoulders, while the part of the pack that the back comes into contact with is nicely padded. I’d go as far as to say that this is the comfiest duffel I’ve tested when it comes to a backpack carry.

I also like the way the shoulder straps can be stowed away when not in use. However, the system, while undoubtedly fancy, isn’t as well designed as the simpler yet more effective stashing system on Cotopaxi’s peerless Allpa Duffel. On the Allpa, it’s dead easy to detach the straps and stash them in the Velcro side pockets.

Here, liberating the strap from the pack can be a bit of a chore, as the fabric loop it’s linked to is a little bit too thick in comparison to the dainty snap link. After opening the gate, the fabric tends to get caught in the groove that the gate sits in. It gets better with practice but it’s hardly intuitive. Likewise, feeding the strap into its long compartment is fairly straightforward, but not as easy as just popping it in a pocket. This is perhaps an example of where the pack is a little over-engineered – a little too sophisticated.

All in all, I very much like the Färden. It’s an elegantly designed duffel that’s perfect for travel but less so for expedition life. If you’re off to Hawaii, it’s the perfect pack. If you’re hauling an elephant’s weight in mountaineering gear to a remote basecamp, something more straightforward and with a bit more grit, like Patagonia’s Black Hole, is better suited.

Also consider

Comparison table

Salomon needs little introduction. The French brand rode the mountain adventure wave expertly, growing at great pace as trail running, adventure racing and fast hiking gained momentum over the last few decades. It benefited from its relationship with all-conquering athletes like Kilian Jornet, becoming a byword for speed in the mountains. Other brands scrambled to keep pace.

Formed in 1947 in Annecy, in the French Alps, the brand was bought by Adidas in 1997 and then, in 2005, Amer Sports swooped in, buying Salomon for around €485 million ($580 million), underlining the brand's strength and cache among adventurous folk. Amer’s impressive portfolio today also includes Arc’teryx, Peak Performance and Wilson.

The Aerotrek 30 is a daypack designed for speed and comfort on hiking trails. The Aero in the name seemingly refers to the breezy, ventilated, suspended panel that stops your back from getting too sweaty on long ascents. It could also be a nod to the pack’s relatively low weight. At 2lb 3oz (992g), it’s in the same featherweight category as other great daypacks, such as the Mammut Ducan 24. I was excited to see how it would cope in the hot summer backcountry.

First impressions

The Aerotrek 30 has a similar vibe to the Montane Trailblazer XT25L in that it’s a hiking daypack that borrows features from running packs, making it a good option for fast and light adventures in the mountains. A key difference is the metal frame and suspended back system, which offers better breathability. And, despite the inclusion of such a frame and greater capacity, the Aerotrek 30 still manages to weigh virtually the same as the Trailblazer (in fact it weighs 0.6oz less).

There’s mesh everywhere. Five stretchy mesh pockets, latticed cushioning in the hip panel and shoulder straps, and in the suspended back panel. Unlike most daypacks, there’s no top lid, instead the pack opens via large U-shaped zipper, similar to the superb Osprey Manta 24. ‘But what about my old favorite: the zippered lid compartment?’ I hear your cry. Well, there’s still a lid-style zippered bit at the top of the pack, so fret not, friend.

As a hiker who moves fast and light, I immediately liked the cut of this pack's jib. It’s lightweight, has loads of places to stash stuff and the harness system seemed excellent on first acquaintance. There’s even a little integrated emergency whistle. Oh, and it looks good too: modern and sleek.

Back panel & harness

A combination of polyester, polyamide and elastane is used to craft this pack, though there’s noticeably no mention of recycled materials or recyclability, which is something I’d expect in this day and age.

The suspended mesh back panel, which Salomon calls the Advanced Air Chassis, is attached to a lightweight metallic frame, providing support, stability and comfort on the trails. It’s a fairly common design in modern daypacks, particularly as you move up the capacity scale. Generally, these kinds of packs are more breathable than more minimalist packs that do without such a panel.

Above and below this suspended panel is latticed cushioning for the upper back and the lumbar region. While it’s not as fancy as the engineered-within-an-inch-of-its-life, 3D-printed support panel of the Osprey UNLTD AirScape 68, it doesn’t have to be, and it does the job just fine. This cushioning continues around the hip belt, providing both comfort and protection against dreaded chafing.

The entire harness system is fully adjustable, making it easy to find the right fit. It includes a detachable sternum stap that can be moved up and down (along an array of five daisy chain loops) to the appropriate height to best suit the wearer’s chest. It’s a much more robust system than the sliding straps seen on the likes of the Highlander Ben Nevis 52L Rucksack or the Osprey Hikelite 26, both of which I managed to break. (I’m obviously too heavy handed with my sternum straps.)

Storage

A real strength of the Aerotrek is the number of places you can store stuff, and how accessible many of these are while on the go. Like to eat your sandwiches while you move? Stash them in the easily reachable mesh side pockets. Want to be able to drink without breaking your stride? Then either make use the pack’s hydration bladder compatibility, or pop a couple of soft flasks in the harness system’s front mesh pockets.

The main compartment is relatively straightforward, with an elasticated pouch at the back for a bladder or anything else you’d want to keep separate from main melee of stuff, such as a magazine or two when travelling. There’s a Velcro loop above this for hanging the reservoir, as well as the usual hydration tube access slot. Finally, there’s also a zippered pouch attached to the top of the main compartment – ideal for your wallet.

As mentioned, a lid-style zippered compartment occupies the top of the pack. This comes with a little clip for attaching keys or a compass. This is where I tend to keep items like waterproof rain pants and a first aid kit – bits and bobs I want to keep safe but separate from everything else, where they are easy to grab in a fix. Rounding off the zippered options, there’s also one little hip belt pocket on the right.

A wealth of stretchy mesh is at your disposal here. The back of the pack wastes no space, employing a large mesh panel that’s accessible from either side – perfect for stuffing items of clothing. There are also large mesh side holsters, great for food or a water bottle or for sliding your trekking poles into. Side compression straps keep everything snug and can be used to secure said poles. The mesh chest pockets are shaped to hold soft flasks, while there's an integrated emergency whistle in the right hand pocket too – a nice touch.

There are also attachment points for poles or ice axes on the back of the pack. Salomon has even seen fit to include a little sleeve at the bottom to safely house the pick of an axe, though it’s obviously not as reinforced as it would be on a dedicated mountaineering pack. Indeed, this is by no means a winter pack – I’d want something more robust and there’s no huge need for a ventilated back panel in the colder months. However, I could imagine the pack suiting warmer days in the Alps, during the sort of escapade where you might carry an axe for snowfield crossings, glacier traverses and the like.

In the hills

I’ve been testing the Aerotrek on warm weather hikes in England’s southwest and on the trails of Wales' Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It’s a great size for long days on the hill or for hut-to-hut hiking, though a little on the small side for wild camping. Its ventilated back panel makes it an excellent choice for sweaty hikers, a club of which I’m unfortunately a stalwart.

The thing about backpacks that boast supportive frames and back panels is that they lose something in the minimalist stakes, and tend to be a little heavier than simple, less fussy daypacks. This isn’t the case here. The Aerotrek is impressively lightweight and easy to use, while also being supportive and well-ventilated. Salomon have taken aim and hit the fast-hiking bullseye here.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the best daypack is the one that, for 95% of the time, you forget you're wearing. The Aerotrek is one of these packs. It worked with me during my speedy hiking days out, remaining comfortable and balanced whether I was walking or jogging. For the latter, I had to ratchet in the compression straps to stop things jiggling about inside, but it was fine once this was done.

I really valued the ability to stash all my water and nutrition in a way that meant I didn’t have to take the pack off to refuel or rehydrate. I prefer to use soft flasks, rather than a hydration reservoir, in the backcountry. This is mainly because I like to be fully aware of how much water I have left at any given time. The two mesh pockets on the harness are superbly designed to hold soft flasks and have a little elasticated loop to wrap around the cap. I could drink simply by lowering my head and supping.

The mesh side pockets were also ideal for stashing any food items that I wanted readily to hand. Retrieving such items wasn’t as awkward as it is with some packs – as in I didn’t have to develop my contortionist skills just to get my hand into the pockets. The elastic mesh is also tight enough that I've been able to deposit used wrappers, without the fear that I might end up littering the backcountry. Also to hand was the little hip belt pocket, which is where I kept my gels and headlamp. All in all, an excellent array of to-hand storage options.

I also liked the option of large stretchy mesh panel on the back. It’s large enough to stuff a jacket into, which is a great option on those kinds of days when the weather can’t make up its mind and you’re constantly taking layers on and off. Being on the back, it’s obviously not possible to access this compartment without taking the pack off but when hiking with others it’s a handy solution: “Grab that map for me would you mate?”

All in all, this a great lightweight daypack that’s well designed and gives hikers everything they need. Keeping the weight down has meant that the materials are perhaps not as durable as they could have been and this, coupled with the lack of recycled materials or circularity, means it doesn’t appear to be the most sustainable daypack choice out there. If Salomon could sort this out, we’d be onto a real winner.

Also consider

Comparison table

A good backpack can be the difference between an enjoyable day out on the trails and a turgid trek you can't wait to complete. The best backpacks and daypacks combine enough space for all your belongings with ample support for your back and shoulders, so you can hike in comfort.

If your old pack is looking a little tired, it may be time to invest in a new one, and now is the perfect opportunity, with loads of great models on offer in the REI Independence Day sale. This mega sale lasts until July 7 and features loads of epic bargains on all sorts of outdoor equipment.

If it's a backpack you've got in mind, then you're in luck, as we've handpicked our favorite deals from Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory so you don't have to spend hours scrolling.

Among the bargains, you can find heavy-duty packs like the Deuter Aircontact Core 65 + 10, which is now $65 off, and smaller daypacks like Osprey's Sirrus 24, available for just $134.99.

If none of these deals take your fancy, you can check out the full sale for yourself.

Osprey deals

Deuter deals

Gregory deals

Can't find the model you're looking for? Look below for more of today's best deals on loads of awesome backpacks from Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter.

Stick with Advnture for more handpicked deals during the upcoming Amazon Prime Day, which runs from July 8 to July 11.

• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

With the summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to pack up your gear and head into the wilderness for a long day of hiking. Along with a sturdy pair of hiking boots, protection from the sun, and plenty of water, you'll need a decent backpack to carry everything.

The best hiking packs combine a roomy interior with lots of support for your back and shoulders. The spacious Osprey Talon 22 pack is a comfy option for hikers of all sizes and is now available for just $95.97 on the SteepandCheap website.

This well-rated pack is made from water-repellent recycled mesh materials and features an additional water repellent finish to ward off the elements as you trek.

Inside, there's room for all your hiking essentials, with 5.8Ga (22L) of capacity and multiple pockets for effective organization. Dedicated space for a reservoir means that you can pack plenty of water, and attachment points for your trekking poles, helmet, and ice axe will come in handy for adventurous trekkers.

This version features extended hip belt, sternum, and shoulder straps to provide additional support to hikers who would otherwise be uncomfortable.

The Talon 22 is a popular pack and holds a place on our expert guide to the best daypacks as our favorite small model.

"Every element of the pack is nicely streamlined, which contributes to excellent stability even while scrambling or surfing scree," reads our guide.

"Osprey's craftsmanship and attention to detail are apparent in everything from the smooth gliding zippers to easily adjusted strap sliders and rain cover."

If you're not in the US, you can look below for the best Osprey Talon 22 deals where you are:

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Need a hiking daypack that's big enough for ultralight overnights and gets past the gatekeepers of budget airlines? Right now, you can pick up the awesome Osprey Talon 36 Men's Pack for just $149.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of 25% off the list price for this daypack which was the most popular pack I saw on the trek to Everest Base Camp.

While I wore the women's specific Osprey Tempest 33, the Osprey Talon is a men's pack that's well-loved for being practical, easy to access and moving with you on the trail.

You can wear this pack all day in comfort, thanks to the injection-molded AirScape back panel, while the continuous-wrap harness and hipbelt means the pack moves with you.

When you need to access your gear, the wide-mouth, bucket-style main compartment fits enough gear for the day and a night, while the top panel zippered pocket keeps small items like your headlamp easily accessible. There's also a large stretch mesh front panel pocket that makes a great place to stuff your waterproof jacket for easy access.

This deal applies to the S/M sizing in all colors. If you're not in the US but want to pack up and hit the trail with a reliable backpack, scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Osprey Talon backpack series near you.

For mountaineering and trekking, the Talon 36 is engineered with two tuck-away ice axe attachments with bungee tie-offs and a trekking pole attachment.

It's constructed with recycled high-tenacity nylon for long-lasting durability and sustainability.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on the Osprey Talon backpack series near you.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Taking to the trails this summer? You'll need a spacious and comfortable backpack with enough room to store all the essentials and plenty of cushioning to support your back as you run or hike through the wilderness.

The Helly Hansen Transistor pack is a great option for either discipline and is now available for just $128 on the Helly Hansen website.

This lightweight pack is built from stretchy nylon fabric and features EVA foam on the back panel, hip belt, and shoulder straps to maximize comfort as you move.

Inside, there's plenty of room for all your hiking, camping, and running equipment with 7.9Ga (30L) of capacity and plenty of additional pockets. Two external bottle holders also come in handy for storing liquids on the go.

Outdoors expert Pat Kinsella put his Transistor to the test over the varied trails of Wales' Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, and the South West Coast Path in southern England.

After plenty of trail running and hiking, Pat was particularly impressed by its supportive build and roomy interior.

"The fit is really secure – it doesn’t bounce too much when you’re doing something vigorous, such as trail running," reads his four-star review for Advnture.

"Although the bag looks small and feels light when empty, it is easily big enough to swallow a rain jacket, waterproof pants, a fleece, a lightweight puffer, gloves, a hat, a packed lunch, map and whatever else you might need for a fairly full-on day on the trails."

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Helly Hansen Transistor backpack deals where you are.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

In the world of outdoor gear, duffel bags are the workhorses. These hardwearing haulers don’t get to experience the glitz and praise that their hiking backpack cousins enjoy. While daypacks and mountaineering packs are carried off onto the trails and into the mountains, the duffel is left at basecamp. They’re a bit like the expedition doctor – an essential part of the adventure but doomed to never receive the glory of those who make it to the top.

Well, I thought I’d set the record straight and shower some praise where praise is due because the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 70L Duffel is magnificent. I recently tested the excellent Patagonia Black Hole 70L Duffel and I found it difficult to fault. However, this offering from Cotopaxi is even better. It’s hard to fall in love with a duffel bag but I just might have in this case. Let’s get into it.

First impressions

I tested the Blue Spruce and Abyss colorway and was almost instantly enamored with the duffel's striking good looks. It has a timeless aesthetic that’s at once modern and classic – it wouldn’t look out of place in the passenger seat of a 1970s Aston Martin swerving along the Amalfi Coast. It’s got class, is what I’m trying to say.

Duffel bags don’t tend to be complicated and I quickly got my head around all the features on offer here. It’s a case of everything you need and nothing you don’t. The fabrics are obviously hardwearing, the main compartment is cavernous and there are a couple of zippered pockets for organization, plus quick-access side pockets. So far, so good.

The material facts

Cotopaxi is known for both its environmental leadership and the good it does for communities. I highlighted this in my review of the Tarak 20L backpack, a piece of the Del Día Collection that uses offcuts from other companies’ production runs. While the Allpa Getaway isn’t part of the Del Día family, it is crafted at the same factory in the Philippines, which Cotopaxi says is “committed to fair labor and environmentally sound practices”.

All the materials used to created the shell and lining fabrics here are 100% recycled. The shell is woven from rugged 840 denier TPU-coated nylon, and the TPU coating provides additional protection against water ingress and abrasion. The other shell fabric is a ripstop nlyon, also 840 denier. You can expect this protective shell to be as tough and nails, very much the requirement of any duffel bag worth its salt. Finally, the lining is made from ripstop polyester.

Carry on

The ability to haul a heavy duffel bag in whatever way you see fit is obviously important. The Allpa has side grab handles, useful for when you’re pulling it across the mountain refuge floor to grab your guidebook, or for a two-person carry. For a traditional one-person carry, there are carry straps that stow neatly into the side pockets (more on this in a moment). These can be clipped together with a reinforced sleeve to provide cushioning for your hand while carrying.

The shoulder harness straps are removable and can also be stowed in the side pockets. Fully adjustable and nicely padded, they’re adorned with a daisy chain of gear loops for affixing items on the go.

Thoughtful features and storage

The Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway provides a nice and not overwhelming range of storage options. There’s the huge main compartment, accessible via the big U-shaped zipper (complete with chunky YKK beasts). This is where the lion’s share of the bag’s 70-liter capacity is found. There’s nothing fancy in here – no key clips, emergency whistles, hidden pockets. It’s just a big ol’ loada space, which is what a duffel bag is all about, no?

Having said that, the underside of the lid does contain a large, zippered mesh pocket, ideal for securely storing important items, like guidebooks and packets of Oreos (non-ultra processed food snacks are available). I mentioned the lack of a key clip in the main compartment – well, those key clippers among you can rejoice! There’s one in the zippered pocket at the far end of the pack. This little compartment is another option for stashing bits and bobs.

The large side pockets are a great, yet simple, innovation. Rather than zippered compartments, these are closed using small Velcro tabs and can stow either the carry straps or the shoulder straps, depending on which ones you’re using. Now, I say ‘closed’, but the Velcro actually leaves the pockets semi-open, which is great for storing additional items you might want to have quickly to hand, such as headlamps.

There are 20 individual lash points on either side of the side handles. This allowed me to attach items like carabiners or dry bags packed with stuff I didn’t want to stink out the inner sanctum.

When the duffel is not in use it packs away into a small mesh stuff sack with a drawcord closure, for easy transportation and storage. It’s got a handy little loop for popping on a coat hanger or pegboard. The stuff sack also doubles up as a packing cube for whatever you’d like to store separately within the bag. If the mesh was a bit finer, I could have even used it as a midge net in the Scottish Highlands but, alas, the holes are too big.

In the field

I’ve been testing the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway through spring and summer, using it for both outdoor adventures and weekend trips with the family. It’s been hauled into all weathers, from blazing, unseasonal springtime heat to ferocious downpours in the notoriously wet Welsh countryside. I can confirm that it both likes it hot, and it sings in the rain.

Let’s deal with its ability to repel the elements first, as it was very much put through the wringer on a recent trip to the Bannau Brycheniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It kept my contents dry and protected throughout – I took a certain amount of pleasure seeing beads of rain collect and then run off its surface. Top stuff.

One of the features I think elevates the Allpa Getaway above even the excellent Patagonia Black Hole is its side pockets, which I mentioned earlier. One downside of their design is that their semi-open nature means the contents will get wet when a downpour ensues. Fortunately, I had this in mind when the heavens opened and I quickly squirreled the contents into the main compartment. Whether or not you think this overrides the benefit of quick access will be a personal thing. Me, I like them and I think it’s worth the compromise. I found them to be great places to quickly stash items like binoculars, so that I could still have them to hand should a golden eagle swoop into view.

I managed to fit plenty of gear into its 70-liters, and the big U-shaped zipper was ideal for pulling out of the way while I loaded or unloaded. It’s nicely balanced to carry and the padding on the shoulder straps is enough to make backpack style carrying a vaguely pleasant experience, though obviously not as comfortable as a dedicated hiking backpack.

I’ve subjected it to plenty of toing and froing, tugging and dropping and thus far it’s stood up to any abuse. The main zippers are obviously durable, as I’ve occasionally filled it to the point where zipping the thing up is an effort. At no point did it feel as though the zippers would break. They’re also easy to grab while wearing hiking gloves thanks to their ample pulls.

All in all, this is a product that I find it difficult to fault, one that I feel good about when using and that simply performs its function without too much of a fuss.

Also consider

Comparison table

When it comes to the ultimate essentials for summer day hikes and outdoor meetups, a light pack and something to relax on when you reach your destination are up there for the most important kit, along with a decent pair of lightweight hikers and a sweat-wicking hiking top of course.

High-end gear brand Osprey has teamed up with pioneer of innovative seating Crazy Creek to launch a new lightweight backpack and camp chair bundle that'll help you hike with ease and relax and take in the views at your summit.

The limited edition Osprey Hex 2.0 x Talon 33 features the Talon 33 backpack and Hex 2.0 camp chair in a cool and clean colorway, Botanica, with contrasting base panels and webbing. With both items having impressive technical credentials and big fanbases, we're not expecting them to stay on the shelves for long.

The Osprey Talon 33 is a lightweight pack designed with optimal stability for moving fast even on technical terrain. It's bluesign-approved, thanks to its 100% recycled main body fabric and 50% recycled EVA foam. When we put it to the test, our seasoned walker Jonathan Manning loved it for its comfortable, breathable back panel that features foam ridges with a thin mesh to strike the perfect balance between keeping the pack close to the spine and excellent ventilation.

He made good use the ample number of pockets – which include large mesh front and side pockets, hip strap and lid pockets – as he did the attachments for key, ice axe and trekking poles.

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is a compact camp chair that rolls up to an impressively compact 4in (10cm) diameter making it easy to attach to your pack. It's built with high-density closed-cell foam and durable ripstop nylon that's DWR-coated, making it comfortable, durable and weather resistant – essentially your perfect companion for day hikes, backpacking trips and festivals.

The Osprey Hex 2.0 x Talon 33 bundle costs $290 and is available now exclusively at osprey.com.

• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• The best camping chairs: kick back in style on your vacations

Can't wait to get outdoors and hit the trails for a day hike or two this summer? Then check out this lightweight, comfort-oriented daypack, which boasts enough space to store all the essentials and is now $50 off.

Right now, you can save over 40% and get your hands on the 14.8Ga (18L) Osprey HikeLite pack for just $70 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

This wilderness-ready pack is designed to be the perfect companion as you navigate the trails. Its bluesign-approved body is made from sustainable, lightweight nylon materials and features Osprey's LightWire frame suspension to save your back from overheating or irritation on the trails.

There's also the Biostretch ventilated harness, which wraps perforated EVA foam around your shoulders to help you enjoy many miles of pain-free hiking.

Inside, there's room to pack a hydration bladder thanks to a handy 0.8Ga (3L) reservoir sleeve, and plenty of additional compartments for storing your other belongings.

Don't worry if the weather turns, as you can keep your kit dry and protected thanks to the useful built-in rain cover.

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can look below for today's best Osprey pack deals where you are.

• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

Gregory Alpaca 60 duffel bag: first impressions

I tend to spend most of the year living out of a duffel bag, and the Gregory Alpaca 60 pack has been on many an adventure across the UK (from the coast to coast to the Hebrides) and Iceland. An intuitively designed bag that’s built to last is important for an active adventure life!

It’s been my go-to holdall for the past six months, thanks to its functional yet aesthetically pleasing design, whilst the water-resistant fabric has kept the weather from my things. Often the softer holdalls are the lightest, which is handy when you’re traveling abroad with heavy ropes and climbing equipment and every gram counts.

If you’re thinking, “I’ve already got a holdall in my life, so don’t really need another one,” you’d be mistaken in my view, as the Gregory Alpaca 60 packs a lot in for its capacity and the build quality is top.

Gregory is a US brand, which prides itself on using recycled, long-lasting materials that are designed to withstand wear and not ‘dirty up’ easily, and the Alpaca 60 uses a heavy-duty polyester throughout the outer, as well as a TPU coating that stops mud and moisture from penetrating inside. I was also keen on testing a holdall with comfortable shoulder straps, as well as simple methods of removing these straps so they can be protected for long haul travel.

Gregory Alpaca 60 duffel bag: functionality

The Gregory Alpaca 60 sits in the middle between 40L and 100L offerings in the range. It’s perfect for a few days away to fit a fair amount of kit in, but for a technical trip with lots of equipment, a 100L might be a better solution.

There are built-in packing cubes in the top, which are a great place to segregate useful bits of kit you don’t want to lose. At the end of the pack is an expandable dirty gear compartment that can hold worn clothes without causing the rest of the pack to smell. One slight downside is that when the main compartment of the bag is full, it can be harder to pack as much into the dirty gear compartment.

It’s perfect for active adventure travelers though, where you might not choose to unpack everything from the bag so you need it to have some rigidity to be able to see where everything is.

The Gregory Alpaca 60 duffel bag is made of a heavy-duty, blended 40% recycled 900D polyester fabric with TPU coating that is weather and abrasion resistant. This is ideal for when you’re travelling using public transport or boarding a flight and want to make sure your kit won’t get damaged in transit.

It feels malleable enough that it will give protection without feeling inflexible. The TPU coating gives the bag a sheen that looks high quality and stops the contents from getting wet if you’re caught in a shower.

Using materials that are 900D means that Gregory has prioritized durability yet still offer a a pack that won’t tip the scales at 3.37lb (1.53kg). The bag’s inner is made of a polyester fabric that feels well-made and resistant to tears and nicks and is also 40% post-consumer recycled.

The Gregory Alpaca 60 is easy to get into, thanks to the large U-shaped opening with a smooth zipper, which can be opened either end to help with repacking. I was really impressed with the T-grip zippers, as these helped with closing the holdall, especially when I was trying to squeeze in the last of my packing. The T-grip also help if you’re packing kit with gloves on.

Construction wise, there’s a three-layer padded bottom with an internal liner that is well made to prevent abrasion and wear. This adds to the duffel bag’s overall weather and abrasion resistance.

Finally, the reinforced carry straps have some nifty tech built in with internal fiberglass rod to evenly distribute weight. The shoulder straps can be easily removed by sliding them off a buckle so they can be stowed for transit when travelling long haul. For intrepid travelers, exterior webbing daisy chains provide a quick spot to attach gear, and to secure the bag for more off-the-beaten-track travel.

Gregory Alpaca 60 duffel bag: durability

The Gregory Alpaca 60 feels well made and has shown little wear in the six months I’ve been testing it. I’ve not had to wash it as it doesn't show up dirt and mud and has been great for multiple trip use. It comes in a handy matching pouch which means the holdall can be folded and stored away in a much smaller shape when not in use.

One thing I’d like to see is the option to have an additional pocket for keys, with an attachable key clip and ID/name badge window.

Gregory Alpaca 60 duffel bag: sustainability

Gregory packs are made with sustainability in mind. According to the company, at each stage of the manufacturing process the Gregory Alpaca 60 has been made with efforts to minimize its effect on the environment. This includes not using as much Blue water consumption, less water pollution, smog formation, primary energy consumption, carbon footprint and acidification at the manufacturing stage.

Gregory is a brand that has been making packs since 1977 and part of their mission statement is to make kit that lasts, which include high-performance, high-quality packs, bags, and adventure travel gear. This attitude and attention to detail is noticeable in the construction and build quality of the duffel bag.

• How Advnture tests products

Arc'teryx has just dropped the latest in its line of Alpha climbing backpacks, and if you're a climber or mountaineer, you're going to want to sit up and take notice.

The Arc'teryx Alpha SL backpack is a 30L pack intended for rock, ice, and alpine climbing, and the big story is its astonishing strength-to-weight ratio. The Alpha SL is made using a material called Graflyte fabric, developed by Aluula Composites in Canada, that claims to be eight times stronger than steel for its weight and 100% recycle-ready.

The Canadian climbing brand says this slightly translucent white pack (not totally different in vibe to The North Face Phantom 38), has an unrivalled strength-to-weight due to unique construction layers of ultralight, ultra-strong polymer films. Aluula Composites says it fuses the films at a lower melt temperature, which makes bonding faster and more consistent, resulting in a waterproof and non-air-permeable material.

How light?

So, how light is it? At 15.7 oz (444g), it's considerably lighter than any 30L pack we've tested. There's simply no comparison, so we ended up weighing various household items and discovered that it's heavier than your phone but lighter than a Yeti Rambler 18oz water bottle. Perhaps more helpfully though, it's more than 8oz (200G) lighter than the Alpha FL 30.

For the weight, it's also eight times stronger than your stainless steel bottle, but clearly your ice axe or pocket knife could more easily puncture this. We don't recommend you test this out, but if you do, the pack can reportedly be easily repaired with a provided self-adhesive patch.

What else is good?

That means when you go climbing, all you'll feel on your back is the weight of your gear, and that's a good thing too, since this pack is built to carry serious kit: think ice axes, cams, crampons and rope, not just an extra layer and your sandwich on a hike.

A roomy cylindrical main compartment holds the bulk of your gear and can be accessed from the top or via a handy side zip, and an integrated mini-lid automatically flips to cover it when closed to protect your gear and provide a secure rope carry. On the front are six lash points for external carry, and if you want to bring it on board for an adventure vacation, it will fit in the overhead locker without any pushback from the flight attendants.

Arc'teryx lists it as water-resistant rather than waterproof, but there's an external waterproof zippered pocket with a key clip for your phone and other electronics.

When you're ready to start your approach, lightly padded thermoformed shoulder straps and back pane help ensure a comfortable carry and if your mission goes awry, a built in RECCO reflector helps search and rescue locate you – which is a good thing because with the current colorway, you'll blend in with the snow.

Several Arc'teryx ambassadors have been testing the pack out for the past six months, with climber Ines Papert calling the strength of the fabric "mindblowing" and Paul Mcsorley sharing an image of him hauling it up a granite rock face and reporting "it held up to the test."

The Arc'teryx Alpha SL backpack is available now in white for $400 / £350 from Arc'teryx.

• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• The best winter hiking boots: for unbeatable performance in the cold

With spring finally here, now is the perfect time to dust off your tent and head into the wilderness. Alongside one-night stays, the warmer months offer a great opportunity to explore nature and pitch up for a little longer on a multi-day hiking and camping expedition.

If you're keen on a long-distance trek, you'll need a reliable and spacious backpack with enough storage for all your belongings. That's where this handy Osprey model comes in.

Right now, you can get your hands on plenty of storage space and a durable, wilderness-ready exterior as the men's Osprey Volt 65 pack is reduced to just $165.73 at REI - 25% off its hefty list price.

This large hiking pack is built for heavy use in the wilderness. It's made from durable Bluesign-approved 600-denier recycled polyester and features a waterproof rain cover to shelter your belongings.

With 17.2 gallons (65L) of capacity, there's plenty of room for your sleeping bag, tent, and everything else you need for a multi-day excursion.

The Volt 65 also prioritizes comfort. Its AirScape suspension and sizable hip belt aim to take the burden off your shoulders so you can walk pain-free for longer.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on durable Osprey backpacks where you are.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Adventure isn't always exactly fun. If you like to spend your time in the backcountry, you'll be well-accustomed to rainy days, tired legs, and uncomfy sleeping arrangements - something that's become known as type 2 fun. That's where Gossamer's new range of ultra-light packs aims to help - appropriately named as the Type 2 collection.

The four new backcountry packs combine a minimalist design with multiple functional features.

"Through overcoming bad weather and wrong turns, you turn a good story into a great one. Our latest selection of ultralight packs pays tribute to these stories," the company says.

The Type 2 collection was constructed with tear and abrasion-resistant, lightweight Dyneema Mesh materials, so you're covered when the going gets tough in the wilderness.

The top-of-the-range Skala 38 backpack aims to balance comfort and capacity. This large, 10 gallon (38L) roll-top pack features multiple water bottle pockets, a removable waist belt, and plenty of room for all your belongings.

It's now available on the Gossamer website for $255.

The Grit 28 pack is a lighter model, designed for trail runners and fastpackers who need to shave as much weight as possible.

A vest-style harness and double sternum strap are designed to help you carry up to 7.4 gallons (28L) of gear, while a removable ventilated foam back pad adds comfort.

You can find the Grit 28 for $180 on the Gossamer website.

The Cima 15 model is a 4-gallon (15L) zippered pack suitable for hiking and everyday use. It's got plenty of room for all the essentials, with dual water bottle pockets and a hydration pack space, which you can also use as laptop storage.

Get your hands on the Cima 15 for $120 at Gossamer.

The budget Piku pack was designed for day hiking. This 1.3 (5L) to 3-gallon (11L) roll-top pack can be worn as a cross-body sling or around your hips. It's got plenty of functional features, including interior mesh pockets, a removable sit pad, and a front stretch pocket.

This affordable pack is available for $75 on the Gossamer website.

For more great packs, check out our expert guides to the best hiking backpacks and best daypacks.

Alternatively, you can look below for today's best deals on hiking backpacks from top brands like The North Face and Berghaus.

• The best running backpacks: for everything you need on the move
• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers

With the snow melting, you might be starting to think about moving faster on the trails and for that, you'll need a light and versatile pack. Right now, you can pick up the Osprey Talon Velocity 20 daypack for just $134.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of 25% off the list price for this daypack that we gave nearly perfect marks in our review.

"Overall, it seems to strike a nice balance between comfort and minimalism, while it’s obvious that the various mesh pockets and zippered compartments allow for versatile storage," writes Advnture contributor Alex Foxfield.

The running-inspired harness system is similar to Osprey’s Duro 6, with an elasticated mesh on either strap for holding a soft flask and a stabilization loop at the top that goes around the neck of the flask.

There’s a zippered phone pocket on the left strap, allowing you to have your device quickly to hand during running adventures, and a mesh stow pocket on the right. The chest straps’ buckles are meatier here though, with clever clips for moving them up and down their fabric runners and adjustment straps that enable you to find the perfect fit.

This deal applies to men's sizing in White. If you're not in the US but want to pick up the pace, scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Osprey Talon backpack series near you.

As with most Osprey packs, there’s a little emergency whistle on the upper clip. This design means that reaching both your soft flasks and the whistle with your mouth is easily achieved while on the move and without having to take off the pack.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on the Osprey Talon backpack series near you.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

Pennsylvania-based brand Nathan Sports has being producing solidly reliable adventure-orientated safety and hydration gear for decades, with micro-adjustments making the kit better with each iteration. This pack is the perfect example of that process of evolution, tipping the scales at just 308g/10.9oz (without the bladder), a full 15% lighter than the original. When you’re hauling heavy water along a trail, regardless of whether you’re walking or running, the last thing you need is additional weight being added by the pack itself, so this svelte version of an already excellent hydro pack is a welcome arrival… so long as the functionality of the model hasn’t been downgraded. For the last couple of months I have been wearing the TrailMix 2.0 while hiking and running along a range of tracks to see how it compares to previous edition and the very best hydration packs around, including those produced by market leaders CamelBak and Osprey.

Design and materials

Offering several ways to carry fluids in an easily accessible hands-free fashion while you’re on the move, the TrailMix 2.0 is hydration pack first and foremost, and backpack second, although it does also deliver an impressive amount of dry storage space. It has a lightweight build, with the body facing parts of the pack (the back panel and shoulder straps) made with mesh stretched over honeycomb shaped foam, to make it breathable, and the main compartments constructed from a weatherproof synthetic material, to keep the contents dry in all but the worst conditions.

There are two sternum straps on the unisex TrailMix 2.0, which can very quickly and easily be moved up and down to achieve the optimum fit – something that is especially important on a unisex hydration pack. On the front of the harness, around chest level, there are four generously sized pouches that can be used to securely carry various things, from your mobile phone or a satellite communication device to running gels and energy bars. The topmost and deepest of these pouches on either side have been deliberately sized to accommodate two small water bottles (specifically a pair of 500ml/20oz soft-sided easy-sip flasks).

Sadly, this model doesn’t include such flasks, but unlike some hydration packs and vests, the TrailMix 2.0 does come complete with a good quality water bladder, with a liquid capacity of 1500ml (just over 50 fl oz), and a wide slide-top opening. This reservoir is housed within a zipped compartment at the rear of the pack, where it’s hung from a Velcro hook, and the hose can be plumbed through portals on either shoulder. The drinking tube then passes through a loop and there’s a single storage clip on one of the sternum straps to keep it from flapping around and getting caught on things as you run. The hose is quite long if you leave it hanging down, so it’s best to loop it across your chest and tuck it neatly through a second loop. The bite valve on the drinking hose is simple but effective, and it hasn’t leaked at all while I’ve been hiking and running.

There is also a larger storage compartment, which shuts like a dry bag, with a roll top and buckles (brilliantly, this can be closed in two different ways, either end to end, or by clipping the ends into corresponding buckles on the side, which enables you to reduce the bulk of the pack depending on how much you’re carrying). On the front of the pack is an expansion pouch (which secures shut with a Velcro flap) and a set of bungee cords, both of which vastly increase the non-liquid carry capacity of the pack. There are also bungee loops on either side for attaching running poles or trekking poles, and the TrailMix features reflective flourishes to improve safety when you’re hiking or running on roads and lanes shared with traffic.

On the trails

I have been using this hydration pack to stay hydrated during longer hikes and also while training for an ultramarathon, and I plan to wear it during an upcoming local mid-distance race, a 20-mile mixed terrain running challenge where the gaps between water stations can be quite long, and supplies have been known to run dry. For all these activities, the Nathan TrailMix 2.0 is perfect, not least because of the versatility it offers.

If you’re happy to cart one medium-sized bladder of water on your back (which I am when hiking), everything you need to hit the trails is here. The included Nathan-branded reservoir is good quality and perfectly sized for most hiking escapades and trail-running adventures. The slide-sealed wide opening is super secure, and the design makes it quick and easy to refill the bladder at race water stations. You can hang the hose over either shoulder, and the clip and loops on the harness enable you to keep it tidy and within reach at all times. But for people who prefer to have their hydration in soft sipper flasks carried on the chest (my favored style when doing longer runs), there are deep harness pockets that cater for this (even if you do have source your flasks separately).

Fit and comfort

I was able to get a good firm fit when using the TrailMix 2.0, so the pack felt comfortable and didn’t flap around and get annoying, even as I gradually emptied the reservoir while running. However, this is a unisex pack, and not everyone might find this to be the case. The sternum straps are easy to adjust, but the slide bar they are mounted on isn’t very long, so there is a limit to how much space you can put between them, and this might be an issue for some people.

On the back of the pack, a highly breathable mesh is stretched across a honeycomb panel, to reduce sweatiness, and this extends right across the harness straps, and I found this to be highly breathable. The side straps are a lot thinner and more basic, but they are simple to adjust so you can get a properly dialed-in fit (although I found it very fiddly to coil up and stash the excess once I’d tightened the straps up).

Carry capacity

One of the things I love about this pack is that there are several separate decent-sized compartments, so you can really organize your kit well (and also remove and refill the water bladder without having to unpack any of the rest of the contents).

Playing around with the hydration options this pack offers enables you to carry more kit, if so desired, or to arrange your provisions according to your personal preferences. So, if you dispense with the water bladder and use flasks, you can use the zipped compartment at the back to take more gear – such as extra base layers and even a thin fleece jacket if you’re doing a long run in chilly conditions. There is still space for a few gels in the small front pouches, even if you do take bottles, but if you stick with the bladder, then there is capacity to carry much more (bars, phone, compass) in the harness, where it’s easily accessible.

The expansion pouch and bungee cords on the outward facing part of the pack really increase your carry capacity. The expansion pouch is perfect for storing things like a running jacket, gloves, or a hat, cap or sun visor, while the bungees are ideal for stashing wet weather gear, such as waterproof shell jackets and lightweight rain pants before and after use (for ease of access, and to avoid other garments becoming damp).

It is possible to carry lightweight running or trekking poles on the TrailMix 2.0, by using the bungee loops on the sides, but this is pretty cumbersome on such a small volume pack.

Compatibility

If you’re an ultrarunner and you’re weighing up whether to go for a hydration pack or a running vest, the Nathan TrailMix falls, I reckon, right in the middle of the two. It’s tailored to fit very snuggly to your body, like a vest, with minimal movement during vigorous exercise, and you can use it with a large water bladder and/or a couple of soft running bottles or flasks …and yet, it has a reasonable amount of dry storage space as well (12 liters on the inside, plus whatever you can stuff into the expansion pouch and bungee bit on the back, which is quite a bit). That might not be enough to compete with backpacks used for a fastpacking escapades, unless you’re a mega-minimalist enjoying perfect conditions, but it will easily accommodate all the essential gear required for a single-stage ultramarathon, including extra layers, waterproof shell jacket and trousers, plus a head torch, an emergency bivy sack, tarp or space blanket, some food and a first-aid kit. Unfortunately, though, there is no whistle built into the design of this pack (a shame, since these are often part of the mandatory kit list for long-distance adventure challenges).

Some alternatives

There is a smaller 7L version of the Nathan TrailMix, which is ideal for shorter events and outings. If you’re specifically looking for a body hugging running vest specifically geared towards ultra-distance adventures, check out the Arc’teryx Norvan 7 or the Montane Gecko 12+, both of which come with soft flasks (but no bladder).

When we learned that Yeti had acquired Bozeman-based backpack manufacturer Mystery Ranch last year, we knew it was only a matter of time before they started turning out some seriously rugged packs for hikers – it looks like that day has come.

The Ranchero daypack has landed, sporting notes of last year's collaboration between Yeti and Mystery Ranch, the sold-out Bozeman, with a lighter and more streamlined design. Unsurprisingly, the brand has held onto Mystery Ranch's awesome three-way zipper system, which they're calling RipZip. It consists of a single-pull Y-shaped zipper at the front of the pack, which means you can haul it open in a split second to access your rain pants if the heavens open, your first aid kit if you take a spill or any other piece of gear that's buried at the bottom of your bag.

"Open it up and you'll have visibility and access to everything inside. No more digging around," says the brand.

The Ranchero comes in both 22L and 27L sizes, and the brand says it's intended for short adventures. It’s made with rugged TuffSkin nylon that's sadly not waterproof like the Yeti Panga, but is said to be both water-resistant and abrasion-resistant for rough adventures.

Another compelling detail is the GroundControl base, which basically means you can set it down on the ground without it toppling over or tumbling downhill, which is a great asset for hikers, and if you are wearing it over several hours, the molded backpack is contoured for comfort.

The Ranchero ditches the adjustable harness which allowed Bozeman users to keep the pack off the lumbar region, and only features an adjustable chest strap, but in doing so it's shaved off nearly half a pound in weight. The larger version has an external laptop sleeve that can also hold your hydration bladder, while on the smaller bag it's internal.

Speaking of hydration, the drinkware champs clearly think you're going to be bringing along your biggest Rambler since the stretchy side pockets are large enough to hold a 36-ounce Yeti Rambler bottle, but they sit flat when not in use. Meanwhile, removable compression straps mean you can cinch the pack into a more sleek shape if you've packed it full or are trying to squeeze it into an overhead locker.

The Yeti Ranchero is now a permanent addition to the Austin brand's backpack line. It's available in Olive, Black and a seasonal Cape Dark Taupe for Yeti members, priced at $275 / £275 for the 27L pack and $225 / £225 for the 22L and will be available to everyone starting March 4 at Yeti.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

The Tarak 20L backpack is a proud member of the Del Dia family that’s designed primarily with multi-pitch climbers and backcountry skiers in mind, as well as making for a great daypack for the hiking trails too.

Certified B Corp and sustainability powerhouse Cotopaxi is a leading light in the outdoor industry. A decade on from when founder Davis Smith set out to create a brand that focussed on doing good things for society, today the brand is highly lauded for its continued fight against poverty across the world. Not only this, it’s become renowned for its approach to sustainability, earning the top ‘Great’ rating from fashion watchdog Good On You, ahead of the likes of Patagonia, the North Face and Fjällräven.

Take, for instance, its Del Dia Collection. These are products made using left over fabric from other companies’ production runs. As this fabric comes in all the colors of the rainbow, so to do the Del Dia products. Each individual item is unique, as the factory worker responsible for each piece is given creative control over the colorway. Pretty neat.

It’s not perfect, these unique items are manufactured in the Philippines, so by the time they arrive at the store in London, New York or Sydney, they’ll have had a bit of a leg up from the petrochemicals industry. However, this is currently true of pretty much all mass-produced outdoor gear. What Del Dia represents is a step in the right direction.

First impressions

I love a splash of color. The Tarak 20’s Del Dia random rainbow of joy made me smile as soon as I laid eyes upon it. Knowing that it was completely unique added certain sense of ownership too. This was mine and mine alone – superb.

Perception is interesting. Can something this playful in appearance also be a proper tool for the serious (but fun) business of hiking, climbing and mountaineering. Well, as I got to grips with the pack, I started to notice some thoughtful design features. At its core, this is a simple and relatively small pack, with a main compartment, small front pocket, storage in the lid, an internal mesh security pocket and a hydration sleeve. Yet the needs of climbers and mountaineers have been considered with multiple gear lash loops, compression straps and an elegantly simple ice-tool system.

Meet the reviewer

Sustainable design with one-of-a-kind colorways

The main fabrics are a durable 210D ripstop nylon, putting the pack in the same league as something like Osprey’s Mutant packs but falling short of the hard-as-nails, 400 to 600D of the Berghaus MTN Guide 45. However, both the aforementioned packs are admittedly more expensive and not quite as sustainably designed. As we’ve already covered, these fabrics are taken from remnants from other production runs, keeping them out of landfill.

Unfussy features

Weighing in at 562g (20oz), this is one of the lightest daypacks we’ve tested when it comes to hiking, though there are lighter climbing packs around. Cotopaxi has kept the gram count down with clever design and a nothing-you-don’t-need approach.

For example, where most climber’s packs have toggles for securing an ice axe or two, the Tarak takes a more stripped back approach. The bottom of the pack features an extra-durable bucket of fabric for the head of the axe, while the two pairs of compression straps do the rest.

The chest harness strap can be configured to suit your form. It attaches to wired runners on the shoulder straps in the same manner as seen on Osprey’s Hikelite and Highlander’s Ben Nevis packs, which was a concern for me as I’d managed to break this attachment during the test period for both. You'll be glad to hear that I haven't managed to do the same with the Tarak... yet.

As mentioned, there are multiple lash points along the back of the pack, while there’s also a chain of them running down each shoulder strap, a really welcome feature that provides versatility.

Storage

The Tarak doesn’t feature any side or back stretchy mesh pockets, nor are there any little compartments on the hip belt. It’s a much more minimalist pack than all of that, a quality that should appeal to climbers. There is, however, a spacious main compartment with a hydration sleeve down its back and a zippered mesh security pocket. It’s a top-loading pack, with a draw cord opening that gets protected by the lid.

The lid is secured via a nicely crafted hook rather than a buckle and is designed with securing a coiled rope in mind. There’s a small zippered lid pocket too, handy for small items that you may want to hand. At the back of the pack is a relatively small, zippered compartment. It’s big enough to fit a topo map or modest guide book, though I don’t see why it couldn’t have been longer, as it only stretches halfway down towards the pack's base, which feels like a missed opportunity.

In the field

I tested the Tarak through the winter season, taking it on wintry hikes and low-grade mountaineering days. I'm looking forward to taking it multi-pitch climbing in the warmer months too and, if I stumble across any new revelations while testing, I'll be back to update you all on this review.

I’m someone who likes to go fast and light, so there are many aspects of the Tarak 20 that I adore. It's simplicity is a strength up to a point – there's nothing here that I don't need. It's compact and light, so I always feel fairly agile while wearing it too and it doesn't hinder me when squeezing between rock faces and the like. It's also perfectly comfortable, though I'd imagine it'll be a little stuffier during the summer months than a daypack sporting a suspended back panel. But I have mixed feelings about these anyway.

Not many backpacks these days come without some form of external mesh pocket. I quite like having soft flasks to hand while exploring, usually stored somewhere on a pack exterior. The Tarak doesn't really give me this option, which is one aspect I'd perhaps change if I was handed the keys to the Cotopaxi kingdom.

I'm gonna pop my woolly winter mountaineering hat on for a moment: it seems a shame there isn’t a larger capacity version for winter adventures. It’s great that ice axe attachments have been considered but for the kind of remote Scottish freezing season outings I enjoy, I usually need much more storage space for all my winter kit and emergency items. However, it’s a double-edged sword, as I do like that the Tarak forces a more essentials only approach to packing and I end up being lighter on the trail because of it. Give me a 50-liter pack and I’ll fill it with stuff I don’t really need – I’m sure I’m not alone here either. Anyway, a larger version would be nice.

Another feature I’d have welcomed is a mesh helmet holder, which could have been designed to slot into the lash chains down the back of the pack, holding my climbing helmet in place. Of course, I had the option of threading a helmet’s strap through the loops, though it then bounced around a bit as I walked. Given the pack's low capacity, the ability to secure the helmet on the outside would have been great.

All in all, this is a minimal and versatile pack that should be applauded for its sustainable design and flair. It may not be as fully featured as some, nor be quite as tough-as-nails as a high end pack – but then, I've got so excited about its repurposed materials and its elegant simplicity that I've almost forgotten about the price. As a daypack, it really does represent excellent value. So, kind on your wallet and kind on the planet. And, well, that's half the battle, isn't it?

Choosing your hiking backpack is not an easy task. A bad backpack can ruin your hike, limiting the equipment you can bring and even causing pain. A great backpack does the opposite, making space for all the essentials on your outdoor adventure.

If you're in the market for a roomy and comfortable hiking backpack, right now, you can snag the top-of-the-range Osprey Talon hiking backpack for $127.46, well down from its list price of $169.95 at Backcountry.

This premium backpack is perfect for long days in the wilderness. Its durable nylon construction withstands daily wear and tear while DWR treatment stops water from seeping into your backpack.

The Talon backpack is also spacious, boasting 26 liters of room for all your equipment and comes in two sizes, so you can be sure to find the right one for your height and build.

In our review, hiking expert Jonathon Manning loved the Osprey Talon, praising its comfortable hip belt and build.

"The seamless hip belt finds the perfect balance between padding and breathability while avoiding any stitching that might cause irritation or abrasion," said Jonathon in his four-and-a-half-star review.

"Carrying is made more comfortable still with the option to adjust the torso length of the back system, using Velcro-style fastenings to slide the harness up and down to suit your own body shape."

The Osprey Talon backpack is available in Ceramic Blue, Eclipse Grey, Green Belt / Black, and Stealth Black.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on Osprey Talon backpacks where you are.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Save money and head outdoors in comfort with 40% off this durable, well-fitting daypack, designed specifically for women.

Right now, the Osprey Tempest 20 pack is available for just $95.73 at REI, slashed from its list price of $160.

Osprey is one of the leading makers of women's day packs and the Tempest 20 is a perfect example of why. The bog-standard 'one size fits all' approach simply doesn't work for lots of women, whose bodies don't suit the male-centric designs of 'standard' day packs.

The Tempest 20 won its spot as our top women's specific pack thanks to its narrow shoulder straps and well-placed waist belt, which allow for dynamic movement and on-the-go comfort.

The pack's body is made from foam and Osprey's 'airscape framesheet' materials, which provide a flexible but stable fit. It's also very well-ventilated, featuring several mesh segments which keep you from overheating in the wilderness.

Boasting 20 liters of capacity, the Tempest day pack is well suited to a long day of trekking, with plenty of room for your belongings alongside an external reservoir sleeve to keep you hydrated.

The Osprey Tempest 20 is available in the sleek Violac Purple colorway, but hurry, as this deal ends on February 4.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on Osprey Tempest 20 packs where you are.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Moving fast and light on a hike means a great backpack that can handle your gear and doesn't hold you back. Right now, you can scoop up the top-rated Mammut Ducan 24 daypack for just $119.73 at REI. That's a healthy saving of 25% off this hiking backpack, which we called the ideal no-compromise pack in our field tests.

Advnture contributing writer James Dziezynski reviewed this pack all the way back in 2021 and was thoroughly impressed with its weight, stability on rough trails and comfortable fit.

"The Mammut Ducan 24 daypack wins high marks for its shoulder strap system. It uses an elastic, padded material that merges comfortably with the chest strap – something many other daypacks seem to incorporate as an afterthought," says James.

In addition to a moderate capacity in its main compartment, this pack has loads of useful details such as an integrated rain cover to protect your kit on wet days and a stretchy pocket on the shoulder strap that's actually big enough to hold your phone.

REI customers give this pack a perfect five stars. This pack comes in one size and this deal applies to all colorways.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Mammut Ducan 24 daypack where you are.

Even if you're jogging, the pack stayed nicely cinched against your back and the venting system performs as advertised. A lack of outer pockets is a slight grumble and because it uses a thinner Polyamide/Polyester blend to save weight, the skin of the Ducan isn't quite as tough as thicker denier nylon packs, but the saved weight is worth it.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Mammut Ducan 24 daypack where you are:

• The best hiking backpacks: tested by experts
• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

With the holidays fast approaching, if you're stuck for ideas on what to get your mountain-loving loved ones, we've got some good news.

Patagonia's Ascensionist backpack has had its price slashed, but don't sleep on this one as we think it'll be a popular deal.

Boasting 35L of capacity, the Ascensionist backpack is large enough to get your gear into the mountains, but small enough to climb with, and it's now available for just $72.73, way down from its list price of $189.

In addition to its great price, the Ascensionist is a tough and reliable option for backcountry travel, made from sturdy 420-denier recycled ripstop nylon materials.

Packed with smart, comforting technology, this backpack uses dual spindrift closure to expand or collapse depending on the load. This uber-smart feature supports your back by effectively distributing weight.

Suited to hikers and climbers alike, the Ascensionist backpack is ready and waiting for extreme expeditions, with an adjustable ice axe carry compartment to store alpine equipment.

Although this Patagonia pack is currently available in both Small and Large sizes, it's selling fast, so make sure to snag yours before inventory runs out.

For more ideas for gifts for climbers, check out our Advnture Christmas climbing gift guide.

Not in the US? Not to worry!

We've sorted the best daily deals on Patagonia Ascensionist backpacks where you are.

• The best hiking backpacks 2024 from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• The best daypacks 2024 for shorter hikes and casual walks

Patagonia, the all-conquering Californian outdoor brand, needs little introduction. As well as consistently producing excellent outdoor gear since it was founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, it has led the way when it comes to sustainability, providing the example for other outdoor brands to follow. It’s been pledging at least 1% of its profits since 1985 and, in 2022, it made the pioneering move of donating all its non-voting stock to the Holdfast Collection, a non-profit at the vanguard of the fight against climate change. It’s this blend of sustainability and quality that puts Patagonia among the most expensive outdoor brands but also one of the most loved.

Patagonia has been selling its popular Black Hole bags since the ’90s and these days, true to form, the Black Hole is crafted from fully recycled polyester. As of 2023, 98% of the brand’s gear was made from recycled materials and it aims to eliminate its virgin polyester use entirely by 2025. The Black Hole's design is also in line with the brand’s focus on durability, which you’d expect for something designed to spend its life travelling, lugging heavy outdoor kit around and being thrown from pillar to post. It comes in a range of sizes and with wheeled options too.

I was lucky enough to test the 70L, non-wheeled version of the Black Hole courtesy of the wonderful people at Trekkit, UK outdoor gear specialists.

First impressions

The Black Hole comes stuffed into its own little storage sack, which then doubles up as an interior compartment. You can access it from outside and inside once the duffel is opened up – an impressive design feature. The fact that you can collapse the entire thing’s mass back into a much smaller space is also quite apt given that it’s called the Black Hole.

In similarly fitting fashion, I was testing the Matte Black version, which is totally devoid of color save for the green Patagonia text along its flanks. I used to work as a stage technician, often spending my evenings working backstage at an international concert hall. The Black Hole’s functional appearance, coupled with this lack of color, put me in mind of something that wouldn’t look amiss holding microphone stands, sat on top of a flight case.

This was my overriding first impression, one of no nonsense, tough-as-nails durability and functionality. It’s not particularly sexy, it’s not about bells and whistles, but it’s got a certain amount of cool about it. Anyone who’s watched Reservoir Dogs will know that, deep down, everyone wants to be Mr Black.

Meet the expert

Features

The fabric that bestows the Black Hole with its rugged durability is a weather- and abrasion-resistant polyester ripstop, topped by a matte TPU-film laminate. As mentioned, the materials used are recycled – the use of recycled TPU cuts the carbon emissions involved in the bag’s manufacture by 91% per kg, according to the brand.

The cavernous interior has a 70L capacity, ideal for long trips to the mountains, camping trips, family vacations or any other instance you’d need to haul or transport a load of gear. Its shape is ‘roughly’ compatible with Patagonia’s 14L Black Hole Cubes, which can be placed in the base of the pack, with room for more gear on top. However, I didn’t have the privilege of owning the Cubes to test this out.

I’ve already sang the praises of the side compartment, which is accessible from both the inside and out, as well as doubling up as the stuff sack. This is the most obvious dash of flair in what is otherwise a very safe but very accomplished design. The compartment is ideal for items you’d want convenient access to, whether it’s your toiletries on a long trip or your child’s fluffy penguin.

The main lid opens up on three sides in the usual U-shape, deploying chunky, hardwearing 2-way YKK zippers with fabric pulls for closure. The interior of the lid feature two zippered mesh pockets for other essentials. Think passports, travel documents, guidebooks and topo maps.

If you run out of room in the main compartment, sturdy daisy chains down either side provide the option to attach gear externally. They can also be put to use in those instances where you’d want to secure the bag down. At either end of the duffel are burly grab handles for two-person hauling or lifting, while there are the usual dual carry handles, fixed together in the middle with a reinforced sleeve with popper attachment. Neither the side grab handles nor the sleeve feature padding, which might have been a welcome addition.

The Black Hole can also be carried as a backpack, thanks to two removable, padded shoulder straps. These affix to buckles at one end and slot into plastic D-loops at the other. There’s no doubt that the ability to carry it as a backpack is a real boon in terms of comfort on longer carries.

Duffels have to cope with more than their fair share of rough handling and abuse. While you’d maybe think twice about sliding your best hiking backpack along the rough floor of a mountain hut, this is the kind of behavior that duffel’s have to put up with on a regular basis. So, the base of the bag is reinforced for increased abrasion resistance. It’s not advertised as being waterproof per se – it's labelled as water-resistant – so I was interested to see how it fended off the drink on test. More on this in a mo.

In the field

I’ve been using the Black Hole Duffel to haul kit to and from mountaineering meets across the UK, as well as using it as a handy pack for family weekends away from home.

As I’ve already alluded to, there’s nothing particularly fancy about the Black Hole, it just does it jobs very well and without a fuss. One of the beautiful things about its simplicity is that it’s been designed to be easily repairable, a quality that Patagonia has been putting lots of focus on in recent years with its product repair services. So, if I were to maul the Black Hole with my crampons, I’d have the option of getting it back to good as new, usually within a couple of months.

As promised, the bag provided good resistance against rain, particularly the reinforced lid and side panels, which causes water to bead and run off the surface. However, it's not totally waterproof so I wouldn't recommend leaving your kit out in a storm overnight.

I initially found freeing the duffel from its own stuff sack quite difficult, but it’s the kind of thing that just requires a little practice. Adding or removing the shoulder straps is much more of a doddle and the ‘R’ and ‘L’ labelling and matching straps couldn’t be much clearer.

Once on the shoulders, it’s a relatively comfortable carry – I say relatively because a duffel bag is never going to be in the same league as something designed to be carried all day. But, for getting the bag between the car and a hut or from the train to baggage check-in, it is relatively comfortable. The shoulder straps are nicely padded and, if when carrying a really heavy load, I could always tie the excess straps around my waist, taking the weight off my shoulders a little. This isn’t a design feature per se, but a helpful, unintended consequence.

The grab handles feel very solid and make it easy to lift the duffel from one place to another, though the poppers that secure the handle are a bit fiddly if you don’t get both straps aligned properly. There’s no padding to speak of on either of these, which would make longer hauls more comfortable – but then, that’s what the shoulder straps are for, so I can’t gripe too much with this. Speaking of solid, the main, chunky zippers feel as though they’ll last a lifetime and their pullers are easy to grab when wearing gloves.

• How Advnture tests products

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, but there are still some great deals to be found on hiking gear. Right now, you can get your hands on the Osprey Talon Earth 22 backpack for just $127.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of 24% off this Bluesign-approved pack that's made with recycled fabrics inside and out.

I first got my hands on this pack just over two years ago when it came out, and my main complaint about it is that my boyfriend is always stealing it. Between us, we've taken it up mountains in Scotland, Spain and the Alps, on cross-country ski excursions and even use it as a carry-on for weekends away when we don't want to check a bag.

For hiking, the Osprey Talon Earth 22 has a roomy design with a dynamic fit which delivers optimal functionality and breathability. It's got all the attachments you could want for winter gear and cycling to make a big impact on your adventures with a minimal impact on the planet.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Glacier Grey colorway and we suggest you act fast before stocks sell out.

Not in the US? Scroll down for today's best deals on the Osprey Talon Earth 22 backpack where you are.

In the Talon Earth 22, you’ll find sustainable details everywhere from recycled binding tape, zippers, woven labels to sewing thread, meaning you can reduce your footprint on the places you love to explore. What's more, roughly half of the plastic hardware is hewn from certified-renewable natural gas.

If you're not in the US, here are the best deals on the Osprey Talon Earth 22 Pack where you are, with prices updated daily:

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

Vango Hex Rolltop 25L: first impressions

One of my bugbears with backpacks is that, in recent years, virtually every single one of them seems to be ridiculously overspecced – they are all posturing as alpine packs, with attachments for carrying everything from trekking poles to ice axes.

This is all well and good when you’re on a mountain mission, hut hiking in the Alps, bagging ice-topped peaks as you go, but in all honesty, how often do the majority of us need this kind of technical carry capacity?

And when you’re not using all the myriad straps and hoops so many packs now come with, they just get in the way. The cynic in me sees this tendency to make gear needlessly technical as an excuse to push the price up.

For the vast majority of the time, most people simply need a pack that allows them to comfortably carry the requisite amount of gear to stay warm, dry and fed for a few hours out in the hills. The unpretentious Vango Hex Rolltop 25 backpack is exactly that, and it comes with a suitably sensible price tag too.

I’ve been trail testing this refreshingly simple bag to see how it compares to the best daypacks on the market.

Vango Hex Rolltop 25L: design and materials

Made with British brand Vango’s Excel Eco fabric, a 600D ripstop material that is both robust and recycled, this pack – as the name indicates – has a rolltop closure system for the main compartment, which you clip shut with tough Duraflex buckles. This design means you can reduce or expand the size of the pack depending on how much gear you’re carrying, cutting down on the need for compression straps and complementing the non-busy design of the bag.

While the main compartment has a fairly modest capacity of 25L, there is a large pocket on the front of the pack, and bungees on the exterior mean you can carry wet weather gear such as a waterproof jacket and rain pants on the outside. There’s also a side zip, which gives you access to a padded rear compartment designed for taking a laptop, should you choose to use this pack for commuting.

The harness is relatively simplistic, and doesn’t include a waist belt or a sternum strap. The shoulder straps and two fins on the back panel are all made with a breathable mesh, and there’s a really substantial grab handle.

There’s no dedicated pouch for a hydration bladder to slip into (you could potentially carry one in the laptop compartment, using the buckle at the top to secure it, but that’s a bit of a stretch, and there’s no port for the hose), but there are two mesh pockets on the side of the pack, perfect for carrying hiking water bottles.

Other features include reflective elements on the front of the shoulder straps and the rear of the pack to make you more visible to traffic when walking on roads in dark or poor light.

Meet the reviewer

Vango Hex Rolltop 25L: on the trails

I’ve been using the Hex Rolltop 25 backpack from Vango for the last couple of months, while doing relatively short and easy day hikes in largely non-technical terrain – along riverbanks, through woodlands and gentle vales, and to the top of modest hills.

These ambles have typically been less than four hours long, and while I’ve been walking in variable weather conditions as winter fast approaches, I’ve been able to comfortably fit everything required in this pack – from extra base layers and fleece tops, to hiking hats, gloves, dry socks and wet-weather gear. There has still been room for a packed lunch and a flask for the longer treks, but for much of the time I’ve simply been stashing some energy bars and snacks in one of the water bottle pockets.

Capacity-wise, I think this simple pack is perfectly proportioned for this kind of easy escapade. I really like the fact the design is clean and uncluttered, and there are no straps, hooks and other attachments hanging off it and getting caught on bushes and branches. I’ve been carrying waterproofs in the front pocket of the pack, where I can quickly and easily access them, and after use, when they’re wet, the exterior bungee cords provide the ideal storage space to stash such items, so they can drip dry and not make the rest of the bag’s contents damp.

The harness is comfortable and breathable, but I really can’t understand why Vango have opted to completely dispense with a waist belt and a sternum strap. I appreciate that this bag is intended for carrying relatively small amounts of fairly lightweight gear and a few provisions, and the rolltop design does allow you to compress it nicely, but I think a minimalist belt and chest strap would still improve comfort levels and keep the bag from moving around if and when you’re tempted to break into a trot while out on the trails.

This is a durable and highly functional pack, however, which is refreshingly simple and very weatherpoof. I’ve found myself using it almost daily, whether I’m out strolling on trails, or when walking or cycling to a café with my laptop.

• How Advnture tests products

Fjällräven Kajka 35 backpack: first impressions 

If Swedish brand Fjällräven is known for anything, it's for producing extremely high-quality, and expensive, gear. This hiking backpack is no exception. Built using a responsibly sourced birch (yes, meaning wooden) frame in place of aluminum, this backpack feels solid and luxurious the minute you pick it up, and for that reason, it's a little heavier than your average back too.

The main compartment is roomy enough for a light overnight backpacking trip, but thanks to the sleek design and compression straps, it's also totally functional for a day hike where you want to carry lots of layers and not worry about space.

Speaking of space, handy extra compartments abound with this pack. There are side pockets that are deep enough to securely hold your water bottle thanks to straps above them, zippered pockets on the hip belt that are big enough for your phone and a mesh pocket inside the main compartment. Then there's a roomy top lid with three zippered pockets that can be detached and used as a crossbody bag if you want to embrace some of that Skandi metro style when you get back to town.

One of the best features of this backpack, however, is the full front zipper which means you can lie it down on the ground and open it up like a duffel bag to find your gear – no more rummaging furiously on the trail.

One of the main ommissions of most backpacks is an integrated rain cover, but here you'll find yours neatly packed away inside a little pouch for those days when the weather won't play ball.

Thanks to ergonomic shoulder straps, a well-designed hip belt and plenty of foam padding, this backpack is a joy to wear mile after mile, even when it's loaded up. It's hydration bladder compatible and built using recycled polyamide so even though it's pricier and heavier than your average 35L pack, we can't help but sing its praises.

Fjällräven Kajka 35 backpack: in the field

"What lovely backpack is that you're wearing?" asked my friend Jack when we met for a hike in the Scottish Highlands recently, without even so much as a hello. I could understand why it was the first thing he noticed – after all, I was testing out the eye-catching UN blue.

That particular day, we went on a 16 km cross-country trek around Scottish lochs and over a low peak where we encountered at least three seasons, and I'd loaded this up for the first time with multiple layers as well as lunch and water for the day.

Since then, I've had it out on multiple day hikes as well as a weekend adventure to see if it's really as good as it looks.

Here’s how it performs:

Sizing, fit and comfort

This pack comes in two sizes: S/M and M/L, somewhat confusingly. Generally, Fjällräven says if you're under 5'6" tall you should choose the smaller of the two, and since I'm 5'4" there was no issue with sizing, but I can imagine if you fall right on that 5'6" line you might want to try on both. Whatever you choose, the back length can be adjusted, but I'm advised that the smaller version has narrower straps which makes it more comfortable if you're a narrower person.

In my experience, the pack sits perfectly, keeping the weight up high on my hips and off my shoulders, and if the lid pocket is loaded I can even lean my head back on it for an all-important standing-up nap.

I was a little unsure that this pack would really be comfortable because it's heavy and it has a wooden – yes wooden! – frame. My fears were quickly alleviated however when I pulled it on and discovered it's got foam padding in all the right places and thanks to the ergonomic design makes a heavy feel like nothing, even when I wear it all day.

Storage and fastenings

Personally, a 35L backpack is about the perfect size for most trips except of course for winter camping where you need more gear, and I'm always happy when I can get away with a pack of this size. The main compartment is big enough to hold my lightweight sleep system as well as a bit of extra clothing, and more than roomy enough for day hiking kit.

What really helps though is the astonishing number of handy extra pockets. The side pockets are big enough for my water bottle and trekking poles thanks to the straps above them, and the roomy lid can easily hold all those smaller pieces of gear like my headlamp and even my camping stove that I want to keep from rattling around. As for my phone and wallet, there are two spacious zipped pockets on the hip belt so everything is within easy reach.

Some backpacks in recent years have decided to get so futuristic with the fastenings that I've had to email the manufacturer to ask how they work, but this classic pack has embraced tradition (and practicality) with simple plastic buckles and toggles that are easy to use.

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Durability, weather protection and other details

I have no questions at all that this is one tough, robust pack. The rugged Vinylon F fabric is undeniably hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant, so as pretty as this pack is, I don't bat an eye about battling through the brambles with it on my back. I honestly expect this to last for decades.

A light rain doesn't get through it, but for a heavy rain, it comes with its own rain cover and one of my biggest pet peeves is that more packs don't, so this is a huge bonus in my book.

That said, my absolute favorite feature of this bag is the full front zipper which means I can open the front like it's the top of a duffel bag. It means I can easily grab my waterproof jacket in a jiffy, even if I foolishly packed it at the bottom, and I love it.

Fjällräven Kajka 35: the bottom line

This is a beautiful backpack, there's no denying it, but that's hardly the point. It's tough, functional and comfortable and every detail has been carefully considered. It's big enough for short backpacking trips, but sleek enough to be a day pack.

That said, it comes at a hefty price and it is a little heavy for those wanting to move super fast and light through the mountains. If it's an ultralight design you're looking for, check out the 35L Patagonia Ascensionist which comes at half the price and half the weight.

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The North Face Phantom 38 backpack: first impressions 

This backpack is built for alpine climbing missions, so The North Face has gone all in on tough fabric, a streamlined design and all the attachment points you could dream of for your winter gear, including your rope, ice axe and even skis.

At its core, the design of this backpack is pretty simple: a 38-liter cylinder that you access from the top lid, which has a small zipped pocket. Generous compression straps help you tamp down a heavy load and mean the pack is sleek for when you're struggling through deep snow or squeezing through tight spaces.

The translucent white fabric, which they explain is so you can more easily see your gear inside your pack, and may not look up to mountain adventures but don't let appearances fool you. The ripstop repels dirt as well as water and is tough enough to handle axes and crampons, while a reinforced base adds extra protection.

Once it's loaded up, the suspension system and light weight deliver a noticeably comfortable carry even when you have to wear this pack all day. The sternum strap has a built-in whistle and the hip belt boasts two small zipped pockets that won't fit a phone but will hold your multi-tool and compass.

This is one of those packs that can work for an overnight or a long day hike. It's not got as many pockets as your average hiking backpack – there are no side pockets for your water bottle, for example, but it does have a hydration bladder pouch. There's also no helmet carry, so if you're going mountaineering you'll need to save some space in the main compartment or get creative.

That said, it's robust, roomy and uncomplicated, and if you're looking for a one-pack-fits-all approach that's tough enough for alpine adventures, you could do a lot worse than this hauler.

The North Face Phantom 38 backpack: in the field

When it comes to backpacking I've already found my forever pack: the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. But when The North Face invited me to go glacier trekking in the Italian Alps, I knew that wasn't going to cut it. I received this pack for that cold, snowy adventure and have continued testing it out back in Scotland to see what stuff it's made of.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I'm 5'4" so I tested the S/M size of this pack and it seems to fit really well, sitting up nicely on my hips with the weight off my shoulders. The load hauler straps pull the load close which was good as I was roped between two other hikers in a line of six people total traversing the glacier on snowshoes, which can make for some tricky walking and the last thing I'd have wanted is my backpack swinging around behind me.

The first day, I ended up wearing this backpack from about 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. which isn't exactly all day, but it gave me a good indication of how comfortable it is and the answer is: very. It's extremely light, which helps a lot, and the padded back and straps provide loads of cushioning and feel great.

Storage and attachments

This backpack is cylindrical, which basically means you don't get robbed of any of that 38 liters you've been promised. I can easily pack my backpacking gear in here as well as extra layers, and in fact it's so roomy I even used it recently for a week away in a National Park where I was driving but didn't want to bring a suitcase.

That said, for day hiking, it doesn't have tons of pockets. There are no stretchy side pockets for water bottles, since this is designed for alpine environments where said water would freeze. The lid isn't massive, but it's easily enough for all my small bits and pieces of gear and the two zipped pockets on my hip belt aren't quite big enough for my phone, though I did use one for my wallet when using this as my carry on on a flight home from Geneva. But if you want to carry gear like climbing ropes and sleeping bags, you'll be happy both with the capacity and the compression, which work together to make for a fairly versatile pack.

For attachments, you can safely and easily carry your ice axe, skis and rope, but crampons will need to be packed away in the main compartment along with your helmet when you're not using them.

Durability, weather protection and other features

Because this pack is white and translucent, it's easy to think it's more fashion than function, but while it looks great, it really is made of tougher stuff than meets the eye. The bottom, which is the part of a backpack that sees the most wear and tear, is reinforced and this might not be as tough as my North Face Base Camp Duffel, it's clearly a sturdy piece of gear built to handle rugged adventures.

It's water-resistant, like most packs, and doesn't come with an integrated rain cover, but again, since it's built for alpine environments and not the Scottish Highlands, that's what I'd expect.

It comes with an integrated whistle, which is fast becoming the norm, and all of the fastenings are blissfully simple to use.

The North Face Phantom 38 backpack: the bottom line

To call this a Jack-of-all-trades backpack is a little reductive, but in many ways it's true. It's big enough and tough enough for alpine expeditions but light enough and compressible enough to make it not a totally crazy choice for a long day hike. If you're only ever going to go hiking and backpacking in fair weather on lower-lying trails, you could probably find a more suitable pack (like the Gregory Katmai 55) but if you want a pack that suits many adventures including alpine climbing, this could be your forever pack.

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Highlander is an unpretentious Scottish brand that was founded to lower the entry cost involved with exploring the outdoors. Since the 1980s, it has created solid outdoor kit at an affordable price point, with the majestic Scottish Highlands as its testing ground. For the uninitiated, the weather in Scotland's uplands can be very challenging indeed, often experiencing wet and windy conditions in the warmer months and sub-Arctic cold (or, failing that, wet and windy again) in the winters – perfect for putting gear through its paces.

Highlander's Ben Nevis Rucksacks are its flagship hiking backpack range. Named after Scotland’s highest and most famous mountain, the newest 52- and 65-liter versions have won British awards for their design and performance. I was eager to see what all the fuss was about and was delighted to test the Ben Nevis on the UK’s trails.

First impressions

I’ve tested several pieces of Highlander kit in the past, including the Serenity Sleeping Bag, and I’m always impressed with the quality, especially given the great value of the brand's products. The Ben Nevis has the look and feel of a top-quality mountain pack but at a very reasonable price. Scratch beneath the nylon surface and it’s clear that it’s mostly well thought out, with a number of subtle features that can make a big difference.

As is often seen in the best daypacks and bigger backpacks these days, there’s a safety whistle integrated into the chest strap. Gear loops on the lid allow for the attachment of additional items on long missions. The main compartment is accessible from the top and the side. A large, stretchy mesh front compartment and mesh side pockets provide plenty of on-the-go storage. It’s got everything you’d expect and it looks pretty smart too.

Storage options

The Ben Nevis has almost as many storage options as its namesake has classic winter climbing routes. It’s got all the usual suspects for a medium-to-large capacity pack, including a spacious main compartment with an elasticated divider on the back for separating items or stashing a hydration bladder. There’s a fabric loop with Velcro fastening at the top of the compartment for attaching the reservoir, as well as an exit point for a drinking tube. Usefully, this main storage area is also accessible via a side zipper, as well as from the drawcord opening on the top. This allows the wearer to access items towards the bottom of the pack without having the faff of rummaging through everything.

The lid has a zippered top pocket and four gear loops above, handy for attaching items that clip in, such as carabiners. The inside of the lid hosts another zippered pocket, complete with an internal key clip and a panel displaying safety information and packing guidance – a nice touch. Handy zippered hip belt pockets, always useful for headlamps or gels, complete the lineup of secure storage options.

In terms of on-the-go storage, the huge front mesh pocket is nicely elasticated and perfect for stashing topo maps or that hiking fleece that gets a little too toasty on the long ascents. The side pockets provide easy access to water bottles or similar, which can be secured using the side compression straps.

It wouldn’t be a pack worthy of Ben Nevis’ name if there was no ice axe attachment, though there’s only one so it’s not a pack for more technical mountaineering routes. Likewise, trekking poles have also been considered. Strap loops with buckles on the bottom of the pack provide the option of securing a sleeping pad or similar on the outside. This is useful on the 52L version particularly, as fitting all your camping gear in could be a bit of a squeeze, depending on the kit you’ve got.

Stashed away in the bowels of the pack beyond a Velcro fastening is a rain cover. I’m not a huge fan of these, preferring the option of multiple internal dry bags. These rain covers have a habit of blowing away and littering the backcountry, while they also make it difficult to access different parts of the pack when in use. However, to give Highlander credit, it has had the great idea of printing emergency survival tips in high visibility print on the cover. These include ground to air signals and international distress signals, with English, French, Italian, Spanish and German speakers all catered for.

Other features

The main fabric is a 200D nylon with PU coating, which should provide a good level of durability for a hiking pack, on a par with something like Fjällräven’s Abisko Friluft 45.

Tailoring the fit is easy with the Ben Nevis, as the harness system is fully adjustable and the back panel can be moved up and down until the optimum is found. The hip belt features a satisfyingly large plastic buckle and dual webbing straps for fine tuning the fit and stabilizing the load. The size of the strap loop makes this very easy to do, even when wearing gloves. Unlike others on the pack, these straps don’t have smart Velcro tidies that allow you to tidy them away. This is a bit of an issue, as I'd often end up with quite a surplus here – more on this in a mo.

Other nods to the Scottish mountains includes the fact that the pack comes with a 282 year lifetime warranty. Why 282 exactly? This is the number of peaks in Scotland above 3,000 feet, categorized by British mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro. The pursuit of ascending all 282 peaks is a popular peak bagging challenge for those who love the Highlands.

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On the trails

I’ve put the Ben Nevis through its paces, walking sections of England’s classic Pennine Way long-distance trail and shouldering it for adventures in Wales’ Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The weather gods served up a whole load of rain to march through. At times, it was positively ‘driech’, as they say in the Highlands.

Now, one of the very first things that happened was that I managed to pull the chest strap clean off its runner by being too vigorous with tightening. The exact same thing happened when I was testing the Osprey Hikelite 26, so perhaps the problem is my overzealousness rather than the kit. However, this did ring alarm bells in terms of the overall durability of the pack. Unable to fix it, I was left without the use of the chest strap for the duration of the test period – though I was able to conjure up a workaround by looping the strap through itself.

Nonetheless, even without the proper use of the chest strap, the Ben Nevis made for a comfortable carry, thanks to the ample padding in the shoulder straps, hip belt and suspended back system. Finding the right fit was easy with the adjustable back system, which is moved up and down and uses Velcro to attach to the suspended back panel. Throughout the test, the pack coped well with precipitation, even for several hours of consistent, moderately heavy rain – and all without using the rain cover.

The pack is really easy to manipulate – everything seems to have been designed with ease of use in mind. The main compartment’s drawcord features a fabric loop at the opposite end of the cord, which makes it easy to open quickly and with gloved hands. Speaking of hiking gloves, every zipper has a length pull cord, while the dual webbing strap that tightens the hipbelt is super easy to tighten and loosen.

However, this dual webbing strap system is not without a downside. I’ve got quite a slim waist for a bloke, possibly due to my penchant for running coupled with my aversion to ultra-processed foods. When fully tightened, I had quite a bit of excess strap and I had to figure out what to do with it all, especially when it was windy. I’d either tie it off, which negates the benefit of being able to tighten and loosen quickly, or tuck it into my hiking pants, which wasn’t ideal.

The mesh compartment and pockets are really handy for stashing items on the fly, though I’ve noticed a small hole has already appeared in the front mesh, which again raises long term durability concerns.

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Black Friday is still weeks away, but there are already some spectacular deals to be found for hikers and backpackers around the web. Right now, you can pick up the fantastically versatile Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60L Backpack for just $130.73 at REI. That's a massive discount of 40% off the regular asking price for this lightweight backpacking pack which receives a nearly-unheard-of five-star rating from customers.

I traded my old and worn Kelty for this backpack just over two years ago, and got it out for a fall adventure on Scotland's most famous long-distance hiking trail, the West Highland Way. When I returned from that trip, I publicly announced to Advnture readers I'd found my forever pack, and I stand by that statement.

It might not let you travel through time, but the Flex Capacitor can take you across land on any length of journey. Co-designed with intrepid adventurer Andrew Skurka, who's hauled this across North America's most wild spaces, the Y-shaped frame twists from side to side so it moves with you on the trail.

The roomy main compartment can shrink down to 40L for faster and lighter trips thanks to six compression straps, or expand to a spacious 60L. It's extremely comfortable even over long, hard days and has all the right pockets in all the right places, from hip belt pockets big enough for your phone to deep, stretchy side pockets for your water bottle.

This deal applies to the Peat and Birch colorways in all sizes, but we recommend acting fast as it's a popular pack finally at a price many hikers have been waiting for.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60L Backpack where you are.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60L Backpack near you:

• The best hiking backpacks 2024: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Meet the reviewer

Mission Workshop Hauser 10L: first impressions

The Mission Workshop Hauser 10L hydration pack might have been made with bikepacking and trail riding in mind, but this robust, fully waterproof bag looked ideal for a range of other outdoor adventure activities to me – including wet-weather hiking (something we’d all better get used to doing more often), skiing and snowboarding, canyoneering, scrambling, low-level coasteering and even paddleboarding. So I was keen to put this versatility to test.

It’s important to point out that, unlike most of the hydration packs we feature on advnture, the Hauser isn’t a bag specifically designed for trail running – you can run with it, but it’s more robust and heavier than run-specific hydro packs, and you carry all the fluids in a bladder centrally located on your back, which won’t suit many runners. Instead, it sits somewhere between a hiking daypack, a hydration vest, a bikepacking bag and a ski pack.

Mission Workshop Hauser 10L: design and materials

The Hauser has a pretty modest internal carry capacity (10 liters), but it’s not intended to be taken out on multi-day missions, and if anything, this can be seen as a positive. It means the pack maintains a low profile on your back, and you’re not tempted into trying to haul too much unnecessary stuff around. There’s also plenty of external carry capacity. The pack is available in a multitude of colors, and three different fabrics: Dimension Polyant X-Pac, HT500 and MultiCam-Black Cordura.

The main compartment of the pack can be rolled shut and secured with a Velcro strap, or folded and clipped down over the pocket zips, for extra insurance against the elements. The Hauser has various hoops, loops and straps for attaching a helmet, pads or a bike lock, but these can easily be repurposed to help you carry other bits of outdoor kit for different pursuits (climbing helmets, snorkeling gear, rope – whatever).

There are three front pockets on this pack (and a fourth on the side). The largest has a vertical zip and comes compete with an internal tool rollbag (again, you can use this to organize other, non-bike-related gear and gadgets, or just dispense with it altogether – it’s not attached to the body of the bag). The front pouch is large enough, just, to take wet weather gear like a waterproof jacket and rain pants, while the other pockets – all of which zip shut – are small, and can only really be used to carry items such as gloves, beanies, sunglasses and snacks. However, the lower pocket also features straps with buckles that you can use to attach items that don’t fit inside the main compartment to the outside of the bag (for wet weather gear, for example – especially when it’s damp).

There are no side pouches for water bottles, of course, because this is primarily positioned as a hydration pack, and as such it has a really substantial compartment that sits behind the back panel and the main section of the bag, which zips fully open to make it really easy to insert your hydration bladder / reservoir of choice.

The Hauser can accommodate various sized bladders, up to three liters in capacity, and it works with different designs of reservoir from brands including CamelBak, HydraPak, Platypus and Nalgene & Osprey. There’s a dedicated Velcro hook for hanging the bladder and keeping it vertical, and hose ports lead out over both the left and right shoulder, to give you options. A corresponding hose hook / clip is found on both shoulder straps too, so you can keep things neat and tidy.

The pack comes in just one size, but the sternum belt slides up and down on the shoulder straps, and there are three different settings for positioning the waist belt, so you can adjust the harness according to the requirements of the person wearing it, or to best suit the activity you’re engaging in. Both the back panel and the shoulder straps are made with Perforated Ariaprene to enable airflow and cut down on sweatiness. At the top of the pack there’s a sturdy grab handle.

Mission Workshop Hauser 10L: on the trails

The Hauser is ideal for wearing while you’re spending a full day riding trails, or to take on bikepacking adventures as a hydration pack when your frame is fully loaded with everything else, leaving no room for a water bottle cage. I love the low-profile design, which helps me pack sensibly and not overload the bag, so I can keep my center of gravity low and stay balanced, and it’s easy to wipe down and keep clean after you’ve had some filthy fun.

However, I’ve been using the Hauser while hiking just as often (if not more) than when I’ve been biking. The all-conditions protection it offers makes it great as a pack for carrying a camera and other photography gear when the weather is at its worst. I’ve also been employing this bag pack as low-profile daypack and hydration solution when I’ve been scrambling around canyons and waterfalls, as I have been recently (great Fall fun).

The compartment for the hydration bladder is the best I’ve encountered on any of the many packs I’ve tested over recent years – the fact it zips fully open means you can position the bladder perfectly, whether you’re loading it full or empty, and the Velcro hook is nice and sturdy. It’s also easy to refill the reservoir when required.

The harness is comfortable enough, without being especially spectacular – it does the job it’s designed to do, and doesn’t rub, but it’s not as sumptuously comfortable as the harness on, say, an Osprey pack (but then it’s not intended for huge, long escapades).

I’m not convinced by the three position options it offers for the waist belt – I get that this makes it a one-size-fits-all pack, but I don’t thing this is the smartest way to achieve this, because you’re left with redundant clips that add to the already busy look of the bag.

My main quibble is that a couple of the pockets are too small to be of much use, and the design seems a little cluttered, with a few features that defy any real functional value and just get in the way. Overall, however, it’s a small but versatile bag, and it has been built to last, and to really protect whatever kit you put in it.

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Meet the reviewer

Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack: first impressions

As someone who writes gear reviews on a regular basis, it’s a joy when technical gear arrives just in time to be thoroughly tested on a planned trip. When the Salewa Ortles Wall 38L hiking backpack arrived, I was about to head off to Europe’s biggest ice cap, Öræfajökull, part of the vast glacier region of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland, where the bag would be thoroughly put through its paces.

Before the trip we were issued with a long kit list for a four-day training course working on the glacier. The Salewa Ortles Wall 38L backpack is a decent size – large and roomy enough when the straps are uncinched to fit heavy kit, such as crampons, rope and belay jackets, at the bottom, with bulkier but lighter items such as gloves and climbing gear nestled at the top. It’s also conveniently the correct size for carry-on luggage.

The course was set to run regardless of the weather forecast, so I made sure key critical items were in a dry bag for extra protection against the elements. Personally, I was excited to see how the bag would perform being taken on and off in wet, windy, and slightly wild conditions. It was a great chance to see how the different features of the bag would fare not only with wet kit, but also the multiple attachment points for crampons, ice axes and rope which would be taken in and out of the bag at different points in the day.

So how would the Salewa Ortles Wall 38L fare as both a hand luggage bag and as a glacier daypack?

Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack: fit

As someone who is of athletic build, with a slightly longish torso (but short legs!) I’ve tested many packs in my time, some gender specific, some activity specific, and found many with smaller back lengths to be uncomfortable, especially when carrying loads. Fortunately, the Salewa Ortles Wall 38L was amazing for fit, thanks to the non-bulky shoulder straps which have cut out sections that help distribute the weight evenly over the shoulders without feeling too close to the collar bones.

Well-fitting hip belts also ensure that the pack doesn’t over-pull on the shoulder area, and the hip belts had a reasonably sized buckle that could be deployed with gloves on. I found the back of the pack where the EVA pads with 3D channel ventilation were was great to wear – it’s not just the standard straight up and down of other alpine packs which can feel uncomfortable on longer days when the pack is next to skin.

The Salewa Ortles Wall’s EVA pads also help give the bag some stability. This meant I felt comfortable without the sharp objects in the pack causing too much discomfort. There are three adjustable points for the sternum straps so there’s no worries about a chest strap sitting uncomfortably high / low – a key feature in ensuring all-day comfort on longer walks, or while navigating rough and uneven terrain. Fit is critical for challenging terrain, as having a poorly fitting pack can cause problems with balance, so having a bag that was fully adjustable and comfortable to wear (even over five or more layers) was a massive bonus for me.

Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack: functionality

On a glacier guiding course, the pack needed to handle plenty of elements, carrying all the kit required for the day while also providing space for snacks, water and spare layers to be easily accessed, as well as still feeling comfortable after hours of use.

I found the pack’s front compartment pouch was great for spare snacks, but when fully loaded the tension on this pouch increased, and its capacity was reduced when the main pack was full. Due to the contents of the main pack only being accessible via a side zipper or the roll top, the front pocket becomes quite key as the main ‘grab zone’. I would have liked to have seen a slightly wider expanding pocket that could fit in something like a small jacket or map, or a spare layer.

There is also a smaller pocket on the back – just above the nape of the neck – which seems the perfect ‘car key’/first-aid kit pocket. Often if it’s harder to get into the main bag, it means it’s trickier to access key things that help with comfort and keeping on top of personal admin. The smaller pocket was a useful size, but again, was trickier to pack when the bag was fully loaded.

The Salewa Ortles Wall 38L pack has just enough useful straps that minimize flapping about, which is particularly useful when exposed to high winds. It’s worth noting that when mountaineering you’re not always wearing crampons for the whole day – e.g. for the approach to a glaciated area – so side compression straps can be a useful place to store crampons, rather than at the very bottom of the pack underneath all the rest of your kit.

Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack: features

A glacier course was a great place to see how the various features of the Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack functioned in a ‘live’ setting. I found the bag’s rope fixation features, which use a magnetic buckle, a bit fiddly to undo – it’s a case of flipping the two opposing magnets to release this strap. In addition to this rope buckle, the side compression straps help cinch down a rope or attach muddy crampons and ice axes onto the side of the pack. A load control strap also helps with distributing weight evenly so that externally attached items don’t throw the balance off.

One of my favorite features was the ice axe attachment point. It’s easiest to poke the shafts of the ice axes (adze facing down) into the built-in holders, then pop the easy-to-attach fixes which simply thread through the top of the axe. Ice axe protectors then keep the axes from sticking out and hurting someone behind and give them good protection when you’re putting the bag in and out of the car. There are also detachable straps that can be used for a diagonal ski fix – although I will be testing these at a later date in the winter season – and a pole attachment point for ski/walking poles.

What impressed me about the Salewa’s features is that they are all useful functions that are necessary from a mountaineering/climbing perspective. Nothing feels superfluous, and for the keen alpinists, there are features that can be removed to shed weight, such as the removable ISB bar and the hip belt padding.

For ice climbing and glacial travel, however, having multiple heavy items such as ice screws, karabiners and crevasse rescue equipment negates the need to go ‘ultralight’ as durability and accessibility is more important. There were the standard features you’d expect from a mountain pack, such as hydration exits and pole attachments, but also thoughtful additions like having an emergency print on the inside of the front compartment, and reflective print on the front of the bag.

Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack: waterproofing

The Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack is a rugged, well-made pack that’s designed for rough terrain in an alpine environment. The bag is made from a combination of Regen Robic Recycled Nylon Ripstop in both 210D and 420D. Water repellent zippers mean the bag is resistant to water ingress, and a roll top keeps the body of the bag relatively free from water – until you need to get into the pack to retrieve waterproofs and spare layers. I also found that the side zipper wasn’t that useful for me, as I tended to go into the pack from the rolltop, which meant I had to dry the bag out each night because most of the items got damp from being in contact with the glacier. One thing I’d like to see would be a more water-resistant dry bag/pouch inside – there’s a zippered pouch where I stored a notebook and pen but I was worried about how wet it might get when I opened the bag. Similarly, it would have been good to include a rolltop dry bag for the main compartment to add some extra security against water penetration. 

Salewa Ortles Wall 38L Backpack: value for money

Combining useful features with practicality for load carrying in a technical situation requires a rugged and well-built pack to cope with long and demanding situations. I felt comfortable carrying the Ortles Wall 38L backpack, even when it was fully loaded, due to the ease with which I could balance the weight between shoulders and hips. For me, the build quality and the specific mountain/alpine design justifies the cost, and I think it’s a great rucksack for the price.

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Berghaus Remote Hike 35: first impressions

British brand Berghaus have a long history of producing down-to earth products for the outdoors that prioritize function over form, placing more importance on how equipment performs in the wilds than how it looks when you’re back in town – which is the right way to go about things in my opinion. I’ve enjoyed using a wide range of Berghaus kit over the years, so I was looking forward to testing this 35-liter pack. 

With its generous carry capacity, the Berghaus Remote Hike 35 is a large daypack that can also be used as a hiking backpack for overnight adventures if you’re traveling light, or for even longer if you’re trekking from hut to hut carrying just a sleeping bag liner and spare clothes. It’s certainly large enough to take a lightweight two-season sleeping bag, an inflatable camping mat and a one-person tent, plus a compact camping stove and enough kit to see you through a two- or even three-day escapade. It also has a water-resistant outer and can potentially be used as a commuting bag.

I like a pack with this sort of versatility, and when it first arrived I was pleased to see that in addition to a spacious main compartment, the Berghaus Remote Hike 35 also has good pocket storage. This is a unisex pack, which is only available in one size, but it’s very easy to adjust according to your torso length and body shape. I can’t speak for everyone, but I personally found it simple enough to get a comfortable fit.

Berghaus Remote Hike 35: design and materials

The main section of the Remote Hike 35 backpack from Berghaus is constructed from a mixture of ripstop nylon and polyester (both PFC-free), with a water-resistant membrane used to make it, if not fully waterproof, at least capable of keeping your kit dry in damp and drizzly conditions. There’s no rain cover, as this has been deemed surplus for requirements, so if you are heading out in potentially torrential rain, then it’s a good idea to pack essentials in a dry bag.

As mentioned, the back panel is adjustable and can be changed from the Small setting through Medium to Large, according to the user’s requirements. The harness features dual-density foam in the arm straps, and the hip belt is pre-curved for a snug fit – harness, hip belt and sternum straps are all quick and easy to adjust. The ‘Flow’ system used, which combines mesh with a concave, semi-rigid back panel, maintains a small space between your back and the pack – intended to promote airflow, cut down on sweating and improve comfort levels.

The large main compartment is accessed by what Berghaus call a ‘Bivi System’, which sees the hood flipping forwards so you open the pack from the back (near the top of the harness). Presumably, this is a security feature, to make the pack harder for thieves to open when you’re travelling in cities, but I’ll get into more detail about this later. 

Beside the capacious main compartment, this pack boasts a large easy-access rear pouch with a pull-tab, an inner and outer pocket in the hood, two water bottle pouches (one on either side) and a pair of zipped pockets on the hip wings – all of which make the real carry capacity of the bag a lot more than 35 liters. When it’s not full, however, there are several compression straps that allow you to keep the pack nice and compact. 

There are also multiple hoops and loops on the Remote Hike 35, so you can attach everything from trekking poles and ice axes to bike or climbing helmets. There is no internal sleeve for a hydration bladder, but you can slide one behind the back panel, where a Velcro hook keeps it in place. A reflective logo on the rear helps you stay visible to vehicles on lanes and roads after dark. 

Berghaus Remote Hike 35: on the trails

I’ve been using the Berghaus Remote Hike 35 extensively over the last three months, mostly while doing long day walks in the peaks and valleys of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, but also for urban travel and the occasional overnight outing. 

I’ve been impressed by the pack’s storage volume – you can get a lot of stuff in this bag, and the various pockets and pouches allow you to organize your kit really well too. The rear pouch is perfect for stuffing wet weather gear (waterproof shell jackets and rain pants) into, both before and after you’ve used them, and the little zipped hip-wing pockets are good for holding snacks, a phone, compass and other things you might need to access often. The external hood pocket is ideal for a head torch, a hiking hat and gloves, and the interior pocket can be used to safely store valuables. 

My main beef with this bag is with the ‘Bivi’ opening system, which requires you to flip the hood forwards (the opposite way to most packs) before you can loosen the pull cord that secures the main compartment shut. No matter how often I used this bag (and I’ve been taking it out pretty much daily for months now) I just never got used to this back-to-front system, and always found myself undoing one of the compressions straps by mistake. I admit, this could be more of a reflection on me than the bag, but I just don’t understand why the pack has been designed this way. If it’s to improve security (by stopping people from opening your pack while you’re on public transport for example), then this is rather undermined by the fact that a side zip grants easy access to the main compartment (a feature I actually appreciated much more than the so-called ‘quick-access’ Bivi system). 

The harness is decent, and the pack is comfortable to carry whether it’s fully loaded or half empty (the compressions straps do their job very nicely, although there are a lots of straps and cords on this pack, which feels a bit busy at times). However, I did end up with a very sweaty back on some occasions, when working hard in the hills, and I’m not convinced that the Flow system on this pack allows enough air to permeate through – the sides are snug to your back, so while there is a (pretty small) gap between your body and the bag, air doesn’t actually flow through it very effectively.

• How Advnture tests products

Love Fjällräven? You’re now able to buy and sell second hand gear from the Swedish outdoors experts for a reduced price on their new pre-loved marketplace. 

Launched recently, ‘Fjällräven Pre-Loved’, aims to reduce waste by extending its products lifespans. Instead of gathering dust at the back of a cupboard, your old Fjällräven gear could now be going to someone who’ll appreciate it, and vice versa.  

“We aspire to ensure our products serve generations,” Fjällräven CEO Nathan Dopp told Forbes. “Resale is a natural evolution of this philosophy, allowing us to reduce waste and conserve resources while honoring our craftsmanship.”

Striving for sustainability, Fjällräven are responsible for a number of eco-friendly initiatives. The repair initiative allows customers to take, or mail in damaged Fjällräven clothing to a store for repair. The initiative repaired some 8,531 items last year. 

The clothing industry is a major contributor to the climate crisis, responsible for an estimated 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions each year; that’s around 10% of global emissions. To make matters worse, the European Parliament estimates that only 1% of used clothes are recycled into new ones, with the average person discarding about 24lb / 11kg of clothing each year. 

Want to find out how to keep your clothing sustainable? Read our guide on how to recycle, return and repair old kit.

• 12 easy ways to make your hiking more sustainable
• The best ski backpacks 2024 for adventures on and off-piste

Whether in the city or the wilderness, land or skies, Matador wants you to travel in style with their latest travel pack. Maximizing storage despite its minimalist design, the SEG45 travel pack boasts 45 liters of capacity, while still managing to meet most airline overhead requirements. 

Claiming to be the perfect all-rounder for organized travelers, the SEG45 features five external storage compartments so users can categorize their belongings. In addition, larger compartments provide space for adventure oriented travelers to separate their clean and dirty clothes and footwear.

Balancing comfort and style, Matador’s latest travel pack can either be worn as a backpack or carried by one's side. When worn as the former, shoulder and back pads support the mid and upper back. 

Matador says that the SEG45 was designed with adventure in mind. While suitable for the city, this travel pack aims to last, using a combination of durable, sustainable materials, which Matador backs to keep your belongings safe and secure when off the beaten track.

Available in the Classic Black and Arctic White colorways, you can snag the SEG45 for $305.59 / £229.95 / €273.82 on the WildBounds website. 

• The best ski backpacks 2024 for adventures on and off piste
• What is a daypack

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Unisex Triple Canyon 36L Backpack: first impressions 

At 36L, this hiking backpack is perfect for a longer day hike or even an overnight backpacking trip, and for a bag that looks straightforward, it seems to have a lot of the right bells and whistles.

Its unisex single-sizing means it won't work for all bodies, but with adjustable shoulder straps, sternum and hip straps, it can work for a lot of bodies and provides a comfortable carry, taking the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips making light work of a heavy load.

A breathable back panel and ergonomic design might not be as high-tech as other backpacks, but it seems to get the job done allowing air to circulate when you're hiking over hot days so you don't get too sweaty. It's also hydration bladder-compatible for those days when you need to be sipping water regularly.

The main compartment is roomy and we found it really easy to load up. If you're packing for an overnight backpacking trip, you'll appreciate the deep side pockets, zipped top pocket and additional front pocket for stashing small pieces of kit and overflow gear. 

Most companies make you purchase a rain cover separately, but this pack comes with its own integrated rain cover that you can pull on in a jiffy if the heavens open. It's also got an integrated hiking whistle for safety.

There's not a lot wrong with it, except for the fact that the pockets on the hip belt aren't quite big enough for most phones, which is what we'd usually use it for, and the addition of adjustable load hauling straps would help get an even better fit. We'd like to see some recycled materials used in the next version, and we'd be more than happy to use this pack again and again.

Columbia Unisex Triple Canyon 36L Backpack: in the field

It's always good to give a backpack a good challenge, and for this one I had to pack it for two separate, but back-to-back trips to the Alps. First, I was heading to Chamonix where I was covering the UTMB and trail running in hot weather. Next, it was off to Switzerland where I spent a couple of nights in an alpine hut in Val d'Anniviers hiking, foraging and stargazing with a mixed weather forecast. Oh and both were work trips, so I need to bring my laptop along. Could it hold up and hold everything I needed?

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

This is a unisex, one-size backpack, so there's definitely a lot of room for error, but I think Columbia has done a great job making it versatile for different bodies. I'm 5' 4" and slim and I could easily adjust it so that the load is up on my hips and off my shoulders. Fortunately, I took this to the Alps where I was testing it alongside about 20 other journalists of various heights and body dimensions and overall it seems to work well, though if you're very tall you might want a more specific fit. 

The shoulder straps and hip belt are adjustable with lots of leeway, while the sternum strap slides up and down so if you have boobs, you can find the perfect spot. It doesn't have adjustable load-hauling straps which I'd ideally like to pull the load a little closer to my body, but this wasn't really a problem.

I ended up carrying it fully loaded on a plane back and forth from Geneva, on and off multiple shuttle buses, through Chamonix and on the short hike to our mountain hut. Once there, I could unpack and just carry what I needed for day hikes, which usually lasted several hours or longer. Ultimately, it's lightweight and comfortable whether it is full or half empty, in hot weather and cold.

The breathable back panel might not be as high-tech as those on backpacks made by brands that really specialize in hiking backpacks, but I've worn this in fairly warm conditions and can't say my back is any sweatier than with any other pack.

Storage and fastenings

After comfort, I'm looking for good storage in a backpack and I'm learning that 36 liters is about the perfect size for a pack. At a push, it's big enough to fit some lightweight camping gear, but it's not so big that it doesn't make sense for a day hike. I also found it to be roomy enough for a weeklong trip.

It's got lots of extra storage which I used well, including deep side pockets for my water bottle and trekking poles, and a front pocket where I stashed my waterproof jacket. The hip belt has two small zipped pockets which I'd like to have used for my wallet and phone for easy reach at the airport, but sadly they were a little too small for my phone.

The pack is hydration bladder-compatible but every time I've used it, it's been a work-related trip so I used the sleeve for my laptop and here's my my favorite thing about this backpack: at airport security, even when the pack is full, it's really easy to slide my laptop out to place in the tray and slide it back in again when I get through. I can't tell you how happy this makes me, and if you do a lot of outdoorsy travel but need to stay connected, I know you will understand.

The fastenings are straightforward zips and plastic buckles which don't require instruction manuals, and that's all I ask for really.

Durability and other details

This is a lightweight pack, but it's sturdy and well-built and mine has shown no signs of fraying yet. Lately, I've had issues with the sternum strap popping off a few of my backpacks, but this one is designed to make that nearly impossible, much to my relief.

The big extra feature to applaud with this pack is the fact that it comes with an integrated rain cover for wet weather. When it started to rain on me over the weekend, I just undid the hook-and-loop fastening at the bottom, pulled the rain cover out and whipped it up over my pack. It stays attached at the bottom so it's not easy to lose. I really wish all packs would come with this feature.

Columbia Unisex Triple Canyon 36L Backpack: the bottom line

I actually like this backpack so much that when I had to travel by plane down to England last week for a short work trip, I chose it again out of my never-ending pile of backpacks. It's comfortable, the right size and easy to pack and unpack. I know there are more technical backpacks out there, but for the price you get a lot for your money. For comparison, also check out the Kathmandu Valorous Pack 38L which is a similar size and price.

• How Advnture tests products

Right now, you can pick up the Osprey Daylight backpack for just $44.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of over $20 off the list price for this lightweight, versatile daypack.

I've owned this backpack in black for 15 years and hiked with it all over the world, from the highest peaks in the Colorado Rockies to the Scottish Highlands. Despite a fair amount of abuse on the trails, it still looks as good as new and I like it so much I ended up buying it in a 22L size for longer days, too. 

I love how lightweight, neat and straightforward this pack is while still being really functional. With a 13L storage, it's perfect shorter hikes and even racing around town with my laptop. I've been known to use it for the occasional run when I need to carry a bit of extra gear (or want to capitalize on school pick up with a run and have a dry jacket to throw on at the end) as it hugs the load perfectly to my body.

In all my  years of wearing it, I've never experienced any discomfort, thanks to well-designed and adjustable straps as well as a mesh backpanel to help with ventilation. It's a simple pack, but still has a few of those more technical bells and whistles you'd expect from Osprey, such as a built-in hiking whistle and adjustable sternum strap.

Not in the US? Scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Osprey Daylite pack near you.

This deal applies to the day pack in two fun colorways: Cosmic Red and Wild Blossom Print/Alkaline. This item has been discontinued, so we suggest you act fast if you want to get your hands on one for your next hike.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on the Osprey Daylite pack near you.

• The best daypacks: for shorter hikes and casual walks

Ever since founders Chris Roff and Jake Doxat met on an expedition in Southern Chile in 1989, British brand Montane has prided itself on creating high-performance, lightweight gear for mountaineers and fast and light adventurers.

The brand’s range of backpacks embodies this DNA, consisting of its Gecko hydration packs, its Azote daypacks and its ever-popular Trailblazer series, packs designed for speedy mountain days. At Advnture, we’ve previously reviewed the standard Trailblazer 44L and the Trailblazer LT 20L, an ultralight, waterproof pack designed for mountain running, and were impressed with their lightweight qualities and design features.

In 2024, Montane unveiled the redeveloped range, which included the 25-liter and 35-liter Trailblazer XT packs. The XT is burlier, made from a more hardwearing, 210D triple ripstop nylon, making it suited to more serious mountain pursuits. It’s slightly heavier than the 25L version of the standard Trailblazer and also a tiny bit more expensive. I’m gonna stick my neck on the line here and assume XT stands for extreme.

The wonderful people at Trekkit, UK outdoor specialists supplied me with a sample and I was lucky enough to put this mountain pack through its paces in the Munros of the Scottish Highlands and in the English Lake District.

First impressions

The best outdoor gear tends to look elegantly simple at first glance before revealing hidden depths as you get to know it. This is the case with the Trailblazer XT, which crams a lot into a small package. It looks neat and tidy, while close inspection reveals subtle but thoughtful design touches, like the hidden ice axe loop or its clever use of elasticated mesh alongside hardwearing nylon.

From its beautifully designed harness clips to the ingenious main compartment opening, everything is intuitive, making manipulation of the pack quick and easy. It sometimes takes a little while to get in tune with a backpack, but I was in harmony with the Trailblazer at the trailhead.

Sustainable and durable fabrics

One of the key differences between the Trailblazer XTs and the standard Trailblazers is the recycled face fabric. Where the standard Trailblazer is woven from a lightweight 70D Nylon, the XT boasts a rugged 210D Triple Ripstop Nylon of similar strength to that seen in packs like Fjällräven’s Abisko Friluft or Osprey’s Manta. Sometimes fast and light gear comes with a durability penalty – that’s certainly not the case here. This should make the Trailblazer XT a solid pack for more technical mountain routes and able to withstand its fair share of rock and ice abrasion.

The fabric is treated with a PFC-Free DWR coating, making it water-repellent but not fully waterproof, unlike its cousin, the Trailblazer LT20. Breathability, ventilation and stability are supplied by the foam back panel, which is overlaid by mesh. The hipbelt is also nicely padded with a breathable polyester lattice. All the nylon and polyester in the pack is recycled, which earns a big green tick in the sustainability stakes.

Lightweight design

As a moderately lightweight pack, there’s no metal frame for additional support here, which is fine considering its 25-liter capacity. The compression straps and chest straps can be moved thanks to Montane’s new T-Hooks, allowing you to reconfigure the fit of the pack or adjust it to better hold trekking poles and the like. The T-Hooks are securely held in place and can be moved up and down a series of fabric loops that act as fixing points.

The Click and Go chest harness straps are beautifully designed, easily – and very satisfyingly, I might add! – clipping into the plastic runner and then detaching easily with a pull tag.

To fine tune the fit of the shoulder straps, the ZephyrAD system enables the wearer to move the upper back up and down, with Velcro holding it in place on the front and back. A handy scale on the inside assists you in finding the perfect fit.

A range of storage options

Considering the size and capacity of the pack, there are loads of places to stash your bits and bobs, enabling you to keep your gear organized. At the top of the pack, there’s the standard zippered lid pocket, as well as zippered compartment on the underside with a key clip.

The main compartment is easily and intuitively opened and closed using the drawcord, pull tab and fabric loop. There’s one inner pouch for the separation of items or for a hydration bladder. There’s the usual opening for a water tube and a Velcro fastening at the top. There’s also a sizeable, zippered pocket hidden behind the main front panel, accessible from the side.

From here on in, we’re into 'on the go' storage territory – and there’s plenty of it. Fabric meets mesh on either side of the back's base, providing two stretchy pockets that are ideal for water bottles or other items that you may want to hand. The hip belt also features two zippered mesh pockets with plenty of stretch.

One of my favorite features is the design of the zippered harness pockets, which open up to reveal an inner stretchy mesh gusset. This enables the pocket to expand to a size large enough to stash a soft flask, while it also doubles up as a secure and easily accessible place to put your phone or headlamp.

There’s no waterproof cover bundled in – hallelujah! These unwieldy additions to many of the best hiking backpacks often end up blowing away and littering the backcountry: internal dry bags are a much better solution, continuing to keep possessions dry once the pack's DWR coating has given up the ghost.

Mountaineers will notice little touches that nod to climbing or winter use. There’s a strap and buckle that runs across the top opening that can be used to cinch a rope in tight. Meanwhile, tucked in tightly into its own little opening on the front of the pack is a gear loop for an ice axe, which can be secured in place with an elasticated toggle higher up. There’s only one of these, so it’s not a pack for more technical mountaineering exploits or ice climbing, where two axes are de rigueur.

Capacity wise, it’s also obviously pretty low for all but the most lightweight winter adventures. It seems a shame Montane haven’t included a helmet holder, as seen in Berghaus’ MTN Guide 45 or Osprey’s Mutant backpacks, which allow a climbing helmet to be carried externally.

Out and about

I used the Trailblazer XT25 on hiking adventures throughout the summer, including trips to England’s Lake District National Park and the Scottish Highlands.

I found that it struck a good balance between support and lightweight comfort. It’s the kind of daypack that you forget you’re wearing, in a good way. Once the hip belt and chest straps are fastened and tightened, weight is nicely distributed, thanks to its body-hugging design. I’d rather feel like a snow leopard than a yak in the mountains and the XT25 certainly helped me feel more like the former. I was agile and unencumbered – though perhaps a little easier to spot among the peaks than the famously elusive big cats.

The ventilated back panel isn’t as breezy as a fully suspended system, but that’s the price you pay for a lighter pack without an internal frame. Nevertheless, airflow was decent and I found the whole harness system comfortable and easy to adjust.

When previously testing the Trailblazer LT 20L, I was disappointed that I couldn’t effectively stash my soft flasks in the harness pockets, as you can with many other hydration packs. So, I was pleased when one of the first things I noticed on the XT25 was the improved design of these pockets. The elasticated mesh gusset holds a flask in place even when the zipper is open, which gave me the option of using them in this way, as well as for handy but secure access to a phone or energy gels.

However, when taking things slower, it felt a bit odd having soft flasks up front and center, so I tended to use the side mesh for hydration storage while hiking. These were easy to reach while on the go, meaning I didn’t have to take the pack off every time I needed a drink. Similarly, the stretchy mesh zippered hip-belt pockets were very useful for quick stashing.

One very minor qualm is that the axe attachment points are on the same side as the zipper for the front compartment, so they have a habit of getting in each other’s way. Add in the buckle for one of the compression straps and you’ve got three features all clustered together in a small space. However, the customization offered by the T-hook attachments and fabric loops mean that you can move, or completely remove, both the ice axe attachment and the buckle, should you wish. Nevertheless, it’s not as though you can move the ice axe attachment to the opposite side, away from the zip, as the ice axe loop is fixed in place, so the clash still remains a bit of an issue.

At the end of the day, the Trailblazer XT25 is a pack that I can see myself getting loads of future use from. It hits the sweet spot in terms of weight, capacity and comfort for fast and light day hiking or scrambling and I'd be tempted to use it for easier winter walking and low grade mountaineering too.

It's the collab we didn't know we needed, but we're very much here for. Finisterre has teamed up with Gregory to create new versions of two of the brand's classic backpack styles, with a focus on sustainability and a lifetime guarantee.

Finisterre has built a reputation around sustainable products, and the new designs are no exception.

Each backpack is available in two sizes, and is constructed from 100% recycled polyester ripstop, which the brands say provide a "significant reduction in carbon impact" when compared to standard materials.

The Stout (men's) and Amber (women's) styles are both previous Gregory best-sellers. The new versions are designed to suit many body types, with a VersaFit back panel made from breathable 3D foam that can be adjusted lengthwise to find the perfect fit. The FitTune hipbelt has 4in / 10cm of adjustment as well, so that the backpack load is being spread as efficiently as possible.

Each style has a pull out rain cover, made from recycled polyester and coated in PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent). The packs also feature a hydration sleeve, with Speedclip hydration attachment system, which is compatible with Gregory Hydro reservoirs.

There are four versions available:

The Finisterre + Gregory Men's Stout backpack is available in 45L for £175 and 55L for £195.

The Finisterre + Gregory Women's Amber backpack is available in 44L for £175 and 54L for £195.

Each pack comes in multiple colorways, with a lifetime warranty and is available both from Gregory and Finisterre.

• The best hiking backpacks 2026: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers
• The best hiking shoes 2026: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

Meet the reviewer

Gregory Jade LT 24: first impressions

Gregory, a US brand based in Utah, has been producing women-specific packs since 2003, with its first model, the Deva 60, paving the way for its women’s products to be recognized as a global leader in fit and comfort. The Gregory Jade LT 24 is the women’s version of the Zulu LT, which is seen as Gregory’s current most dynamic, ventilated pack.

Gregory states that part of its ethos is to mix simple designs with unique fit geometry, creating packs that feel comfortable to wear all day. The padded shoulder straps of the Gregory Jade LT 24 have a smooth surface and a breathable mesh, meaning they can be worn comfortably next to the skin even if the weather conditions mean the backpack is worn over a strappy top.

Useful features include a bungee attachment and bottom loops for a trekking pole head to attach to, with a front laser-cut light attachment loop for a bike light or additional reflective accessory. These give the bag durability beyond the trail, so it could also be ideal as a ‘commuter’ pack as it’s big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop. A durable water repellent coating is also good to note, keeping moisture from penetrating the bag.

Additional detailing scores well for hikers who go out in a multitude of weather conditions, such as a U-shaped zipper that can be used with gloves, panel-loading access on the side for spare layers and trekking poles, oversized side stretch mesh water bottle pockets that ensure that Nalgene water bottles don’t accidentally tip out and a center-zip front pocket that fits everything from documents to a sit mat. These are all useful aspects to the pack that ensure the walking experience is not encumbered by overzealous amounts of straps nor are there any features that feel superfluous for most hillwalkers.

For British weather, the rain cover is also appreciated, which can be stored in a zipped pocket, while the hip belt pockets plus pouch for a hydration bladder are all appreciated. Finally, Gregory’s fit guide is comprehensive, and provides a close-fitting pack whilst still having a well-ventilated backspace.

Gregory Jade LT 24: on the trails

I tested the Gregory Jade LT Pack 24 as a hiker’s daypack for a busy season working as a guide on Alfred Wainwright’s coast-to-coast walk in northern England. I opted to test the Jade LT pack on a number of day hikes where I wanted a pack with simple technical design for tackling classic hill days in the Lake District in British summertime weather, which can vary from cold blustery days to humid sunshine where breathability is key.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Gregory Jade LT Pack’s ability to feel comfortable and breathable, even when the thermometer crept up, carrying loads up to 9kg with full water bottles and kit. One thing to note is that the backpack could feel a tad small if you were after something for a full mountain day, but a 28L option is available for those who like to pack a bit more.

Gregory Jade LT 24: fit

For me, fit is one of the most important aspects to whether I enjoy wearing a backpack or not. Having tested a range of packs from Osprey, Black Diamond Alpkit and Montane, this was my first time venturing out wearing a Gregory pack. The Jade LT pack is a decidedly snugger backpack to previous models I’ve tested, using more of an anatomical fit and customized chassis technology rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

I wore it on a warm day and found it was comfortable despite the weather, thanks to the wide straps. I did notice that the pack itself sits higher than more traditional ‘alpine packs’ which sit flat on my shoulders and usually have a flat panel back.

By contrast, the Gregory Jade LT has what feels like a premium breathable mesh that helps allow moisture and sweat to wick away easily. The Jade LT helps provide anatomical support with the use of adjustable shoulder straps to put more weight on the shoulders, and a hip belt to balance the weight over the hips. Gregory mentions that the hip belt is close fitting and uses two straps on either side of the hip socket to minimize hot spots from over-tightening. This ensured a comfortable day, especially when navigating steeper, rockier mountain terrain where I could manage the weight so it didn’t cause any imbalance or wobbles when descending.

Gregory Jade LT 24: features

Gregory has opted for a simple, minimalistic design without sacrificing the useability of the pack. A big central pocket on the outside is useful as an easy access pocket for documents, or putting something like a sit mat in. From a security perspective, I still felt a bit weirded out by putting a wallet in this pocket, so opted to put my car keys and money in the top zipper pocket closer to my body. It might be slight paranoia, but having a big zipped pocket feels a bit too noticeable for me, and I think having a slightly less obvious zipper down the middle (perhaps one to the side in a concealed flap) would look more discreet.

There’s also the dilemma of trying to work out where to put your lunch – usually reserved for the big pocket at the top of the bag, the space in this pocket feels too narrow for anything more than a few slim bars. The more discreet pocket at the top has everything you need to keep things secure though, and feels the logical place for a headtorch, packet of tissues or wallet.

The hip pouches have *just* enough room for an iPhone to fit inside (with a bit of wiggling) but I’d like to see more material to help these pockets fit snacks and even a separator. My worry would be putting a phone inside then taking the pack off to rest and the phone falling out, so I’d like to see Gregory bring bigger pockets here.

I really liked the water bottle pockets, with a side compression strap that emerges from the pocket. Not only does this balance a well-considered design, it also means that if you were worried about bottles falling out you could clip these straps through a webbing loop or Nalgene lid. Nalgene bottles are often much wider than the typical single use bottle, so it’s great to see bag designs accommodate a stretch mesh that doesn’t feel too small.

Gregory Jade LT 24: sustainability

It’s worth noting that the Gregory Jade LT 24 has been made with the aim of cutting down the resources needed to produce it. Gregory says that using recycled polyester fabric across the range has resulted in a 25% reduction in carbon impact. Gregory has also created a customized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to calculate the environmental footprint of the energy used and the impact generated from the entire lifetime of the product, with the hard data available for customers to see and make that assessment on whether they want to make a purchase.

To provide the reduction percentage, they compare a new product to the same product produced from virgin nylon textiles as a benchmark. Virgin nylon was Gregory’s material of choice for many decades until newly developed highly durable recycled nylons and polyesters became available. To ensure accurate analysis, each type of different material in the product is separated and weighed individually before being entered into the life cycle assessment software, so the software can calculate the impact of each material separately before aggregating the overall impact.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Fjällräven High Coast Duffel 36: first impressions 

When you're getting away for a long weekend that's going to involve activities like hiking and climbing but you don't want to check a bag, the Fjällräven High Coast Duffel 36 has plenty of room for outdoor gear but isn't likely to get the flight crew too riled up when you want to bring it on board without paying extra.

This spacious duffel bag easily fits hiking and climbing gear for a few days, or everything you need for a more relaxing warm weather break, and has four zipped pockets to help you keep smaller gear, passports and chargers organized. The full clamshell opening makes it easy to pack and rummage through to find gear. You can carry it in one hand using two padded handles, or turn it into a backpack with stowable straps that make it easy to tote around the airport hands-free. 

The backpack straps can be a little fiddly to secure, and once they're in place you can't easily unzip the main compartment, which is a little frustrating. The back isn't padded, so you'll need to take care with packing, but even still we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and breathable it was to wear as a backpack. 

Made using recycled 210D recycled polyamide with a 10,000mm PU coating, this duffel is lightweight and water-repellent if you find yourself trekking through a downpour to reach your hostel. It has loads of grab handles for chucking it up into overhead lockers or heaving it in and out of taxis. 

It comes in several nice colors, but the part that sits on the ground is black, so when you're wearing it as a backpack you're not showing the entire airport the grimey bottom of your bag. Fjällräven gear is known for being pricey, but we actually think this comes at a reasonable price for a functional, versatile bag.

Fjällräven High Coast Duffel 36: in the field

It's difficult to say no to testing gear from Scandi brand Fjällräven and with as much active travel as I do, I had no problem agreeing to try out this duffel bag, particularly since my North Face duffel was commandeered by my boyfriend. I first took this bag on the train to the Lake District for the Arc'teryx Climb Academy where I had to bring a decent amount of gear for hiking and climbing in mild spring weather, before taking it on vacation to the Greek island of Corfu, where I wanted to pack for a week in hot weather without checking a bag.

Here’s how it performed:

Weight and comfort

Because a duffel like this is the type of bag I carry around, and don't check in at the airport, weight does matter and I was really pleased to feel how light it is. The light materials and lack of padding also mean it folds up nicely and packs away when I'm not using it.

Duffel bags are great for fitting lots of kit and accessing that gear, but they're not always the most comfortable carry. Once I had this loaded up, I realized I'd made a bit of a mistake and found a slight flaw in the design. I'd packed my yoga mat and trail running shoes at the bottom, my clothes in the middle and my water bottle and books at the top for easy access during my floght. 

Naturally I used the mesh pockets in the top to pack gear like my phone chargers, toiletries, passport and books. However, that's the part that was going to be against my back when wearing this as a backpack, so I was expecting it to be really uncomfortable when worn on my back, especially since the lid isn't padded, but it wasn't too bad at all. 

It may not have the contoured design or chest strap of a hiking backpack and I'm not saying I'd wear it up a mountain, but it was actually pretty comfortable to wear on and off over the course of a few hours between getting to the airport, going through security and queuing to board the plane. It's also nice and breathable in hot weather.

Capacity and performance

I tested the 36-liter duffel and thanks to the shape and clamshell opening, it easily fits more gear than a 36-liter backpack. For my first trip, I was able to load it up with hiking clothes for a few days as well as my climbing helmet and a yoga mat, and for Corfu, I was able to pack six day's worth of summer clothes plus running shoes, a yoga mat, toiletries, water bottle, a daypack and books and still have extra room. The main compartment is just one big space, so if it was half empty your gear might roll around, but there are a few zipped pockets to organize gear.

Once it was packed, I pulled out the backpack straps to wear it to the airport and found the clips on them to be a little fiddly. Once they were clipped in, I also realized that I then couldn't unzip the main compartment, which was a little annoying, and meant I ended up using a fanny pack to keep my wallet, phone and passport close to hand.

Without compression straps, all the gear inside does obviously sag towards the bottom when it's used as a backpack and it feels slightly unwieldy when full, plus when not packed thoughtfully it can feel a little lopsided.

I didn't pay for a hold bag and I was a little nervous I'd get hassle for bringing it on board without paying extra as it looks bigger than a backpack, but it fit easily under the seat in front of me (easier if you have the middle or window seat than the aisle). It's nice and squashy for stowing overhead too, with tons of grab handles. I also like that the base is black so it doesn't show the dirt after sitting on the ground.

Weather protection and durability

Though I haven't had to endure a rainstorm, this bag is water-repellent which is about all you can ask for. It's definitely not as indestructible as my North Face duffel, but it's good quality and I think can hold up to the type of adventures it's likely to go on, which would be active weekends away and not mountaineering.

Fjällräven High Coast Duffel 36: the bottom line

This lightweight and roomy duffel bag will hold everything you need for a few days away when you want to haul some gear but don't want to check a bag. It's reasonably comfortable to wear as a backpack, especially if you pack it carefully, and you can easily pack and access your gear. It's also surprisingly affordable for the brand, coming in cheaper than the Fjällräven Kanken Outlong day pack. If you're looking for something sturdier, check out the The North Face Base Camp Duffel which is a little heavier, but very robust.

• How Advnture tests products

I’ve been testing several roll-top dry bags recently and, while I like the flexible sizing and excellent waterproofing they possess, it made a refreshing change to use a dry bag that didn’t require me to unroll the top to get into it. Instead, the top on the Dri-Tide bag simply zips off around its semi-circular side, and hinges open at the back flat edge, making it very easy to get items in and out, and the inside holds its shape well. Bluefin provides a rigid inner to insert in the bag so that it completely keeps its shape, but you don’t have to use this if you don’t want to.

My main use for dry bags is hauling around wild swimming gear, but this one has a specific purpose - it’s built by paddle board specialists Bluefin and is designed to clip directly onto your board's cargo loops so you can keep all your belongings safe on your latest SUP adventure. That doesn’t mean it’s not suitable for other pursuits though, and I've been using it for my wild swimming gear, as it’s a great size for my wetsuit, water shoes, and other swimming kit.

So how did it measure up against the best dry bags? 

Waterproofing

The Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag has a waterproof zip and is made of thick nylon TPU with welded seams. On test the waterproofing held up completely, both when the bag was filled with wet kit, and when I submerged it in water. It has two larger outer mesh pockets that work well for water bottles and anything else you don’t mind getting wet. 

Obviously the outer mesh pockets aren’t waterproof, and what I felt this bag could really use is an internal or external waterproof pocket for small valuables. The hinge top design means you can really fill this bag to the brim without having to worry about folding it down like most dry bags. It also comes with a bungee system and webbing loops, so there is extra space for more items if you can’t fit everything you need in, although of course anything going on the outside can still get wet. 

 Harness and handles 

The main harness comprises some seriously wide straps, with a reasonable amount of padding, and separate webbing loops that you can use to hang smaller items off. The padding appears to be made of the kind of neoprene you would see on a surfing wetsuit and felt comfortable against the body, although it lacks the breathability you would find with a mesh backing and I did find my back got sweaty using it fairly quickly.

I’m always a fan of a chest strap, even on smaller bags like this, to help spread the load, particularly when carrying heavy items such as a sodden wetsuit. Unfortunately the Dri-Tide bag doesn’t have a chest strap and, given the weight of what you could be carrying in it if you’re using it for wild swimming, this felt like an oversight.

However, the bag does have two large top grab handles made from padding webbing, which are comfortable to hold and don’t cut into your hands, even when carrying a heavy load.

Design

This bag is designed to strap to a paddleboard deck - a job made easy by the short straps top and bottom on each side that clip and unclip with carabiner-style fastenings. As long as you have cargo loops fixed to your paddle board you can clip the bag on using this system. 

Unlike many other dry bags, which are usually a simple rectangle or backpack design, the Dri-Tide bag in shaped somewhat ergonomically, similar to the shape of the front of a paddle board. The wider end of the bag is at the top, which makes it a breeze to get kit in and out of it. However, this also makes it a little top heavy when it’s being worn as a backpack, something I noticed when carting heavy kit down steep steps to one of my favorite beachy wild swimming spots.

If you bear that in mind when you’re loading it, and put your heaviest things at the bottom, then it shouldn't be an issue, but if, like me, you chucked a few beers into the top last minute then you may notice a slight sense of being off balance.

This bag is only 22L, but its large top opening makes it feel surprisingly capacious. Roll top dry bags are very effective at keeping things dry, but can feel hard to get into and finding things buried in the bottom of them can be tricky. The hinge style opening on the Blufin Dri-Tide 22L bag is a useful innovation that means you can pack the bag with more care and really use up every scrap of available space.

• The best dry bags 2026: keep your gear bone dry during adventures on land and water
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• How Advnture tests products

Canadian brand Norda has launched what could lay claim to be the world’s strongest and lightest duffel bag / backpack, but what is weighty is the price: $595/£540.

The norda Toolbox is made entirely from Bio-Dyneema, the world’s strongest and lightest fiber, which was also the material used to make the company’s game-changing Norda 001 trail running shoes launched in 2021.

The Norda Toolbox is the brand’s first step into sports equipment rather than clothing, and it’s a premium product in every way. So what do you get for half a grand of bag?

For a start, it can swap between being a duffel bag and a backpack. In either configuration, it has a decent capacity of 70L. It also has a whistle and comes with its own stuff sack, because when not in use it can cinch down quite considerably.

With a single strap option, the bag can be buckled in diagonally for it to be carried crossbody as well. The interior features a non-woven ultralight fabric and a highly breathable layer which allows items in the Toolbox to breathe.

Oddly, however, for a product that’s using its light weight as a selling point, Norda has not revealed any details of how much the bag actually weighs. It should be super rugged though.

The The Norda Toolbox is available to purchase at nordarun.com, but it’s only being released in a limited run for the moment.

• The best hiking backpacks 2024: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Just why is Fjällräven gear so expensive? Whether it’s the trendy and colorful Kånken backpacks, which saw sales explode globally during the 2010s, or its high performing outdoor apparel, such as the iconic Greenland jacket, Fjällräven gear costs a pretty penny. What is it about the Swedish brand that has seen it rise to prominence on the world stage and how is it able to command such a cost?

We’re here to reveal what’s behind the price, detailing Fjällräven’s ethos, design practices and commitment to sustainability so that you know what your hard-earned cash is paying for.

Why is Fjällräven so expensive?

The primary reasons Fjällräven is so expensive are that its products are of exceptional quality, featuring highly durable and ethically sourced materials; they have a commitment to sustainable practices; and the brand is highly sought after, which means it can set its prices high.

Meet the expert

Fjällräven’s origins

As is often the case with premium outdoor brands, Fjällräven’s origins can be traced back to a young, adventurous individual who was dissatisfied with the quality of outdoor gear at the time. In Fjällräven’s case, this was a 14-year-old named Åke Nordin, who was born in Örnsköldsvik on Sweden’s High Coast. It’s a place where rolling, forested hills meet the sea and it was the setting for the adventures of Åke’s youth.

After having trouble with his hiking backpack when trekking through the mountains of Västerbotten in 1950, he set about creating a new pack design in his basement, at first using a wooden frame. Fast forward ten years and Åke had perfected his design, this time using an aluminium frame. He launched the product and Fjällräven was born.

Through the 60s and 70s, Fjällräven’s range expanded to tents, sleeping bags, jackets and trousers and the brand enjoyed significant success in Sweden, particularly with its Greenland Jacket and, in 1978, it released the first iteration of the now iconic Kånken backpack.

The following decades saw global expansion. The brand was driven by the value of enabling people to get out into nature. Åke was a strong believer that the more people experienced the magic of the great outdoors, the more they’d want to care for it. As time went on, Fjällräven put more and more of its efforts into sustainable development, launching initiatives that gave back to the natural world. Today, Fjällräven are one of the most highly thought of outdoor brands around.

High quality products

I’m always impressed with the quality of craftsmanship and the obvious durability of Fjällräven’s products. You can think of it in this way: the reason Fjällräven’s gear is so expensive is because Fjällräven don’t make cheap gear. The brand has an overarching philosophy that the more and longer outdoor products are used, the better it is for the environment. This is because its users should develop an affinity for the outdoors and want to protect it, while their Fjällräven kit will last long enough that it doesn’t need replaced. You can read more about it Fjällräven’s Sustainability and CSR report.

I recently tested and reviewed the excellent Fjällräven Kajka 55 backpack that, just like Åke’s first design in 1950, features a wooden frame. When the backpack was delivered, it came with a letter from current CEO Martin Axelhed underlining this ethos of sustainability through quality. The letter said: ‘If we promise to continue to work hard making long-lasting products with as little environmental impact as possible, will you promise to let those products work hard too? To use them for many years and not replace them with new products one or two seasons later?"

When developing products, Fjällräven’s designers make considerations like whether or not the cut can be adapted to reduce waste, ways to enhance the recyclability of the finished product, and whether or not recycled materials can be used while still offering the same level of quality. The brand pioneered a dying technique called SpinDye that, according to the brand, uses 75% less water, 67% fewer chemicals and 39% less energy than traditional dying. Each product then goes through a long period of testing. All this research and development takes time and it doesn’t come without a cost.

Ethical, yet high spec materials

The materials Fjällräven use have to satisfy the brand’s ethos of both sustainability and quality. It has a ‘Preferred Materials and Fibres’ list that’s graded in terms of its environmental impact. For example, recycled wool and organic hemp are rated as ‘excellent’, recycled polyester and the brands’ proprietary G-1000 Eco fabric are rated ‘good’, while polyamide, cotton and metal buttons are rated ‘OK’. The designers use this grading system when developing products.

However, there’s a balance to be struck here too, as Fjällräven firmly believes that the materials selected have to be durable enough to last for many years of use. So, for example, it wouldn't use a recycled material if it thought it wasn't hard wearing enough to meet the brand's standards. Nevertheless, Fjällräven is clear that it doesn’t use harmful PFCs, PVCs or Angora wool, a cruel product created at the expense of Angora rabbits. Fjällräven’s use of down in its down jackets and sleeping bags has also been fully traceable since 2014, meaning the product lives up to strict animal welfare standards.

This all affects the overall price of products, as sourcing suitable recycled materials, ensuring animal products are fully traceable and buying in high grade components all costs. This outlay is understandably passed on to the consumer.

Commitment to sustainability

The decline in numbers of the Arctic fox across Sweden forced Fjällräven to up its sustainability game during the mid-90s in order to protect the emblematic species. Not only is the Arctic fox the brand’s logo, Fjällräven literally means ‘Arctic fox’ in Swedish. Habitat loss due to human influence and the changing climate meant that by 1994 there were less than 100 of these beautiful animals left in Scandinavia.

In collaboration with the EU, Fjällräven set about sponsoring research and conservation efforts. These efforts continue to this day and the Arctic fox has become not just a symbol of Fjällräven as a brand but also a symbol of its environmental efforts. In 2019, Fjällräven founded the Arctic Fox Initiative, which awards grants to non-profit organisations with the goal of protecting the natural environment and inspiring people to spend more time in the great outdoors.

These kinds of initiatives are funded through the purchase of certain Fjällräven products. So, when you buy these products, you’re not only paying for the research and development that went into it, the high-quality materials and components, you’re paying towards worthwhile sustainability efforts.

The brand's reputation

Like Patagonia or Rab, Fjällräven’s reputation for quality and responsible manufacture means that it’s a brand that consumers trust and one that outdoorsy folk want to be seen wearing. Just as Arc’teryx and The North Face are able to keep prices high because people pay them regardless, the same is true for Fjällräven. In short, the Arctic fox logo commands high prices.

Is Fjällräven gear worth it?

For me, if you can afford it, Fjällräven gear is worth every penny. I’ll give two principal reasons. First, the designs and materials are highly durable, so will last a long time. Sure, the initial outlay may sting a little but if you think of it as an investment, you should get value over time. Secondly, like Patagonia, this is a brand who are committed to doing things ethically and sustainably. Fjällräven is the antithesis of fast fashion and its products are increasingly recyclable.

Even better, consider buying second hand, which will save you money and is the more sustainable way to buy kit. The longevity of its products means that used Fjällräven gear should still be highly functional.

Right now, Amazon is holding a huge sale on Osprey backpacks, with over £40 off selected designs. The deals include bags for hiking, everyday backpacks for work or school, and specialist lightweight bags made with cycling and running in mind.

Osprey makes some of the best hiking backpacks around, and I speak from experience – I've taken my trusty Hikelite 32 around the world, and it's seen me through adventures in the US, China, and all over Europe without ever letting me down.

I've rounded up a selection of the best Osprey deals for you below, or you can browse all the offers at Amazon if you prefer.

If you're not in the UK, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Osprey backpacks near you. We'll also be hand-picking all of this year's best Amazon Prime Day camping deals next month, so stick with Advnture to make sure you don't miss out.

If you're not in the UK, here are some of today's best deals on Osprey backpacks where you are:

Fjällräven need little introduction. The Swedish brand has enjoyed worldwide success with its Kånken daypacks, now iconic lifestyle packs originally designed for school children. Meanwhile, its technical mountaineering and trekking ranges have garnered a solid reputation for quality, durability and classy design.

The brand have three trekking lines: Keb, Abisko and Singi. Keb products, such as the Keb Agile Winter Trousers, are designed for seriously tough trekking in challenging conditions and on varying terrain. The Singi range marries functionality with traditional aesthetics to create premium equipment with a timeless feel, such as the excellent Kajka trekking packs.

The Absiko family of products is named after Abisko National Park, a stunning, mountainous Arctic landscape in Swedish Lapland that, as well as being home to Scandinavia’s largest alpine lake is also one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. The products in the range are designed to be lightweight, ideal for day hikes and the kind of cabin-to-cabin trekking that’s so popular in the region. I was excited to test out the Abisko Friluft 45, a classic pack with a modern ventilated back system, courtesy of the wonderful people at Trekitt, UK-based outdoor gear specialists.

Meet the reviewer

First impressions

Having recently tested and reviewed Fjällräven’s excellent Kajka 55 trekking pack, which boasts a classic look and wooden frame, it was interesting to directly compared the two. The Abisko Friluft is a lighter hiking backpack with an unmistakably more modern aesthetic. It still looks classy though, with nice brand touches like the stitched mountain fox logo on the front of the lid and a little tab saying “Fjällräven Sweeden 1960” across one of the harness straps. Let’s face it, when you buy Fjällräven gear, you’re paying a little more for the logo, so it's a good job it’s included in various places on the pack!

The ventilated nature of the pack also jumps out, with its Friluft – meaning open air in Swedish – suspended back panel nodding towards suitability for summer use. After testing, I can safely vouch that this is a comfortable pack to wear even on the kind of hot, sunny days that have you questioning why you chose to spend them ascending a mountain instead of being in a beer garden or on the beach. It’s obviously lighter than the Kajka and the levels of cushioning are dialled back, though there’s still plenty of spacer foam here, which gives a nice degree of carrying comfort.

Frame and fabrics

The Abisko Friluft makes uses of a light but strong, hour-glass-shaped aluminium frame, providing support and stability on the trail. This lies behind the firm, mesh suspension system, which enables air flow between the wearer’s back and the pack. The harness system is padded with spacer mesh and features a sternum strap that can be slid up and down the straps for the perfect fit – particularly important, as there’s no women’s specific version. The plastic buckles on the sternum strap feature an emergency whistle, while the pack’s other buckles feature the mountain fox logo – a nice little touch.

Durability is core to Fjällräven’s ethos. One of their three core values is to ‘Develop functional, durable and timeless outdoor gear.’ This is reflected in the 210D polyamide ripstop main fabric and the even more rugged 500D polyamide base, which should make this hard-wearing pack last for many, many years. Another tick in the sustainability stakes comes with the fact that all of this contains recycled materials.

Versatile storage

One of the standout features is the way the main compartment can be opened right up from the front for easy loading and unloading. Full length zips run down either side, enabling quick side access. Here’s the little slice of genius though – a long, thick Velcro strip runs along the top, enabling you to virtually remove the front of the pack. As usually, you can also access the main compartment via a drawcord closure at the top. Inside the main compartment is a clip for a hydration bladder and a large, slightly elasticated pouch for separating items. The front panel also includes a sizable, zippered compartment, perfect for items that you want to stash separately to the pack’s main hub, such as wet gear on a multi-day hike.

The detachable top lid has the usual zippered compartment on the top, while there’s webbing above this to quickly stow clothing while on the move. There’s also a zippered mesh pocket included on the underside of the lid. This is where the waterproof cover is housed. I’ve gone on record numerous times about these being an unnecessary inclusion in backpacks, as they have a habit of blowing away and littering the backcountry. Besides, best practice is to keep items dry by storing them in separate internal dry bags.

Twin open side pockets are large enough to fit a 946ml (32 oz) Hydro Flask bottle and contents can be cinched for additional security. The hip belt also provides a little extra storage, with a zippered pocket on each side, one of which is mesh.

If you’re wild camping and need additional space for a sleeping pad or similar, The Abisko has straps at the bottom for external attachment. A cleverly tucked away loop also allows for ice axe and trekking pole compatibility, when used along with the elasticated drawcord towards the top of the pack.

On the trails

I wore the Friluft on long hiking, scrambling and wild camping days in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. I was impressed with the pack throughout, though its feature set makes it better suited to longer hikes on less technical trails than some of the rockier terrain I took on. However, the smaller, lighter 35-liter version would be a better shout for day hikes with a bit of scrambling.

The standout qualities are how comfortable it is for hour after hour of wear and how the suspension system held the bulk of the pack away from my back, providing ventilation during some very hot spring afternoons. Despite being held slightly away from my centre of gravity, the pack is really well balanced and very much felt like a part of me once all the straps were properly adjusted.

Quick access to water on the move is always essential on these kinds of days and I found that I was able to reach into the side pockets to liberate my supplies with relative ease. 

I loved the ability to open up the front for quick access to my gear when wild camping, while the straps at the bottom of the pack were useful for holding my sleeping pad. The hipbelt pockets also gave me handy access to items like headlamps or powerbanks. The amount of storage makes it perfect for one- or two-night expeditions or hut to hut trekking, though it’s a little on the large size for day hiking.

How its durability will fare in the long term remains to be seen, yet the grade of fabrics present here and Fjällräven’s usually high standards should mean it will last decades. I was certainly impressed with how it brushed off multiple instances of rock abrasion while I was scrambling and there's no sign of wear as of yet.

At 1.64kg (3.6lib) it’s middling in terms of weight, so those who want to really hike fast may be served by something more minimal. This certainly isn’t one of those that doubles up as a runners’ option. However, for those who desire to trek in comfort for day after day, this is an excellent pack.