We've used these packs in locations as varied as the Cairngorms, the Lake District, Iceland, the Dolomites, the Atlas Mountains and Slovenia to name but a few so you can be sure that our pick is based on many miles of walking with a range of different gear carrying requirements.
Ortovox Traverse 20 daypack
£78
The Traverse 20 comes in one size so it’s worth trying one on for fit before committing to buying but the fit was good for our 6ft 2in tester.
Comfort is excellent, with the well-placed padding on the back of the Traverse creating a channel for air to circulate, as well as a mesh finish to aid sweat management. Although the comfortable hip belt straps aren’t adjustable they have a good level of padding and an integrated pocket big enough for a GPS unit.
The sternum strap has an emergency whistle built in, there is a ski fix system as well as a helmet net and pole straps. A rain cover is also included.
VERDICT
A comfortable, versatile pack that combines quality construction with well thought out features
Deuter Futura 28 daypack
£85
The Futura's main selling point is its ventilation system, comprising a very rigid bit of metalwork which holds some rugged mesh, nicely padded shoulder straps and luxuriously enveloping hip fins in place. The body of the bag is separated from the stiff mesh by a space about the width of a fist. We’ve not used a better ventilated bag but the cost is a weight of 1180g. However, we’d say it was worth it.
You get compression straps, side stretch wand pockets, walking pole holders and a rain cover, while inside, there is one main storage compartment with various access points.
VERDICT
Weight aside, the Futura 28 is comfy, well ventilated and useful for the commute as well as in the hills
Osprey Kestrel 38 daypack
£120
Although larger than your average day pack, and weighing a fairly hefty 1.42kg, the Osprey Kestrel 38 hits a sweet spot for not just regular walking trips but overnight trips and winter adventures too. It has a bevy of handy features, and could be the only rucksack you need.
There are plenty of great storage options, including hip belt pockets, wand pockets, a large helmet pocket and a rear pouch for wet gear, plus a brilliant system to carry walking poles fixed at the hip and chest with the bag on. There's also a built-in rain cover, and a rigid back system with an adjustable torso length.
VERDICT
A large rucksack, sitting in a middle-ground that will appeal to many outdoor adventurers for many reasons
Lowe Alpine Eclipse 35 daypack
£85
The Eclipse 35 is a good looking, relatively light (1kg), comfortable and well-ventilated day pack design that includes innovative stowage for walking poles and even ice axes.
It performs as well as it looks too, with a capacity that’s exactly right for most outdoor activities, and compression straps on either side make it usable even when not entirely full.
Comfort is excellent with effective cushioning on the shoulder straps and hip belts, and a flexible padded back system which has enough stiffness for moderate weights.
Storage is also great, with hip pockets, mesh side pockets, lid pouches and outer mesh pouch (for wet gear or a helmet), plus a well-placed hydration system pouch, loops for ice axes, and even an excellent walking pole holder, which works better than any other method yet tested.
There’s an included rain cover cunningly tucked into the underside of the main compartment, the shoulder straps are height adjustable, the main storage space is cavernous and the side entry zip system extremely useful.
VERDICT
It’s very difficult to fault the Eclipse 35. A well sized, versatile multi-sports bag at a great weight and for a great price
Montane Batpack 6
£50
Although the Batpack 6 is aimed at fell runners we’ve used it as a super lightweight walking pack (it weighs just 350g). That’s because, although its capacity is just six litres, it's enough to fit in a lightweight shell jacket, a map, a compass and a few snacks. When you’re out on safe terrain or in more-or-less guaranteed benign conditions, then that could be all you need.
It comes with two matching water bottles which lock in securely on either side of the main body, and two storage pouches, the main one making up most of the six litres, with the smaller outer pocket being suitable for items such as keys.
VERDICT
An effective approach to a bare bones daypack for the most approachable of mini adventures
Vaude Scopi 32 LW daypack
£95
This 32-litre rucksack comes in at an incredibly light 650g. The closest rivals in the same mould are roughly half as heavy again. Minimalist climbers will love its big, single main compartment secured by both zip and roll-top fastenings; hydration pack compatibility; a removable hip belt; dual ice axe loops and top fixing straps. The siliconised 40D ripstop fabric is tough, and the build is tall and narrow, so ideal for climbing or scrambling. The sacrifices to get to its impressive weight are on the comfort front, with the shoulder straps and belts giving up suppleness and padding.
VERDICT
If value saving grams over ultimate comfort for super lightweight tours, climbs and scrambles, this is for you.
Montane Medusa 32 daypack
£85
Weighing 967g, the Medusa has excellent storage for a pair of ice axes and has a slender profile well suited to climbing. But that’s only half the story, with the pack popular among hill walkers too. That’s partly because of its great price, but also because of the range and versatility of its features. There are two modestly sized lid pockets (one inner, one outer), two wand pockets either side for general storage, and a single hip pocket. Comfort is good, with cushioned shoulder straps and a solid hip belt, while the back system is a simple but effective soft pad.
VERDICT
A brilliantly lightweight rucksack at a fantastic price with some excellent features for more technical users
