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The Osprey Exos 48 is marketed as a lightweight, multi-day backpacking pack, boasting several standout features to achieve a well-balanced product. We certainly found it to be just that, with the quality of the product clear to see, not least with the build itself, but the attention to detail that can only come from listening to the end-user. The bag comes in both a male-specific model (Exos) and …

Osprey Levity 45L ReviewI managed to get hold of a pre-production version of the Levity 45 to take on the final leg of the Pyrenean High Route between L’Hospitalet d’Andorre and the finish of the walk at Banyuls sur Mer. First impressions were that this is an amazing pack, it weighs in at just 830grams, it has a fully supportive frame with a ventilated back, a lid (with a large pocket) and copious …

Lightwave Fastpack 30 ReviewI used the Lightwave Fastpack 30 for a two day backpacking trip to the Lakes recently, I wanted a small capacity backpacking rucksack with a good hipbelt and a 'proper' lid – the Fastpack 30 did the job very well indeed.There are a lot of 30 litre packs out there but the Fastpack stands out for a number of reasons, durability, virtually waterproof and a really good …

The Vaude Citus 24 is a light daypack that carries well, well suited for high exertion activities. The Citus 24 does not compromise on features, it has; a ventilated back panel, padded hip belt, chest belt, and compression straps, all for a very respectable 500g. We found it to be particularly effective for cycling and trail running, activities where the ventilated back system kept our back dry, a …

I'm used to light rucksacks, even for backpacking, and I know you can get a good 60-litre pack with an internal frame and a comfortable carry around the 1kg mark (Granite Gear's Crown VC and Exped Lightning 60 are our favourite examples), so the Boreas is a bit heavier than this at 1.32Kg - the question is what do you get extra for the extra weight. In this case, the answer is pretty simple - the …

Vaude Zerum 58+ Litre LW Rucksack ReviewWe had been sent a Vaude Zerum 58+ Rucksack to test and as I was about to set off on my 5 day hike to Knoydart I Jumped at the chance to try it out, especially as it sounded like an extremely impressive rucksack on paper. Vaude have managed to get so many features into what is still an extremely light pack. It has an adjustable back length on a central spine …

Haglofs Strive 50 is designed to meet the requirements of lightweight backpackers who can get their kit into 50 litres. This is exactly the type of trip I was planning last year to Scotland, and I was delighted to get hold of a pre production sample to try out. First impressions are good, its a 50 litre pack, with a decent framesheet and weighing in at just 1150grams. There are lighter packs out t …

This trip was another chance to use the  Granite Gear Crown 2 60L rucksack. Having found the Crown 2 so comfortable on an earlier trip to the Howgill Fells, I was very happy to use it on the Affric Kintail Way. The  Granite Gear Crown 2 is designed as a lightweight multi-day backpack. The previous version, the Crown V.C. 60 had long been one of our ‘Top Pick’ backpacks. We we …

Positive:LightweightFeatures - side pockets adequate size - cannot fit large bottle in though.Additional chest pocket - useful and recommended for extra space & easy accessCentral zip - good for access from top or bottom but need to pack organised for this to be effective.Negative:Not very durable - Alex's got a hole in itStraps - compromised comfort for lightweight - could have more padding and/o …

I had the opportunity to do a few day's walks while on holiday in Tenerife, so I was looking for a hydration pack that would also swallow all my day gear as well. The Camelbak Volt 13 LR was my choice, and although it's designed as a bike pack the bike-specific features are fairly nominal - like the hooks for attaching a helmet - ideal for attaching other things.In use I loved the pack - the hip b …

ULA's CDT pack is remarkably lightweight, I took one with me for a few days on the Cleveland Way. with a stripped weight of just 580 grams its a very lightweight 50Litre pack that's nevertheless got a very good hipbelt, well padded shoulder straps and is very tough there are no compromises made anywhere on strength and durability, except perhaps for the main stuff pocket on the outside of the pack …

Testing the ULA Circuit 68 Rucksack while backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National ParkWe were lucky enough to be in California for a sales meeting, the last time we visited Yosemite. This time we wanted something different and opted to backpack the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park. Even in May the weather up high in the Sierra can be challenging and this year was a much …