Paxis Mt Pickett 20 £200, $249 www.paxispax.com

Paxis isn’t the first company to try to make a backpack more accessible, but its solution is refreshingly different. The bottom third is a self-contained ‘Shuttle Pod’ on a hinged arm, which swings around to face you for easy access. Despite this and other frills, the Mt Pickett weighs a reasonable 2.5kg. Space is at a premium inside the 28 x 14 x 12.7cm pod though, and a heavy load causes it to swing wildly if you’re not careful. The upper compartment is an open space, so it’s not ideal for safely stashing additional kit.