Vaude Brenta 30 backpack
RRP c.£125 – or use our deal-finder for a competitive price:
This excellent unisex pack ticks almost all the boxes. It’s extremely comfortable, with a lightweight frame, well-ventilated mesh back panel and wide belt to spread the load on your hips.
The back length is easily adjustable to help you get a perfect fit. It copes easily with heavier loads – 6kg felt much lighter in this pack than in some of the others tested. (Vaude recommend a maximum load of 8kg.)
The whole main compartment is easily accessible via a long zip. Oddly, only one side of the belt has a pocket.
The fabric is partly recycled, and free of harmful PFC chemicals.
All that really holds it back is the slightly dull appearance; the big front stretch pocket for example is very useful for waterproof gear … but looks a little ugly.
Other features include a rain cover, compression straps, spacious top pocket, front pole loops. The Brent 30 is also hydration-system compatible, meaning it's designed to slip in a water-carrier with drinking tube.
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Also consider...
Deuter Trail 22 backpack (men) / Trail 20 SL backpack (women)
RRP £123.99
This comfortable pack, with a volume of 22 litres for men and 2o for the women's equivalent, is great for summer hikes in hills or coast path, but also a practical option for gentler activities. The close fit and flexible frame brings the load close to your body, improving comfort. A two-way zip on the front gives access to stuff buried in the bottom of the main compartment. And there are a bunch of features to make this practical for hikers, including a rain cover and loops for attaching carabiners, a helmet and hiking poles. To find out more, read our full-length review of the Deuter Trail 22 backpack.
Still searching for the perfect backpack? Then check out our guide to the best hiking backpacks around.
