The Brenta 25 is the little sister of the award winning Brenta 30 backpack. It's designed for hiking but there's no reason not to use it for any other load lugging duties you can think of. The Brenta features a mesh back panel, adjustable torso length and integrated rain cover.
The mesh back panel on the Brenta is a serious bit of kit that holds the body of the pack a good 2-3 inches away from your back. Once set up, it feels very comfortable to wear and allows maximum airflow to your back, making it a great feature when hiking in hot climates.
The torso length adjustment system is novel. It works by adjusting the shoulder strap length rather than by moving the yoke up and down. This is arguably a 'less compromised' way of adjusting torso length on a pack and we think it results in a better fit. You can make further adjustments on the mesh back panel, tensioning or loosening it off to suit depending on the load and your back shape. We very much like this system; it's clean, fuss free and results in a comfortable and precise fit.
The hip belt and shoulder straps have a modicum of padding but not quite as much as we usually like, being of thin frame and not having a great deal of padding ourselves! We liked the idea of the cut outs in the hip belt though, which reduce pressure, and the chance of chaffing on the iliac crest (top of hip bone).
Once everything is tuned up and you're out on the trail the Brenta 25 carries it's load particularly well. The wire frame works in harmony with the mesh panel to create a solid and stable platform that transfers weight down to the hips brilliantly.
Feature wise the Brenta 25 is good, with the usual array of tool attachment points and pockets, although Vaude have chosen to omit one of the hip belt pockets and the one remaining pocket isn't generous enough to make up for it.
Although the pack is a traditional top loader it has a welcome twist. A half-U zip on the front of the bag gives you instant and satisfying access to the dark depths saving lots of fumbling about feeling for hidden treasures at the bottom of the pack.
Overall the Brenta 25 has proven itself to be a capable, comfortable, well designed daypack and is well worth the £90 price tag.
