Gandys Basecamp Recycled Backpack

THIS new backpack from sustainable outdoor clothing and accessories manufacturer Gandys was my constant companion on a recent COVIDcompliant trip to the Lake District. I used it for everything – travel, birding, cycling, even grocery shopping.

The bag is lightweight yet big enough to fit everything you need for a day in the field. It sat comfortably on my back and the padded, adjustable shoulder straps never rubbed or dug in. In fact I generally forgot it was there. It stood up well to everything I used it for and appears rugged enough to last.

It’s quite basic, with no extra straps or buckles to keep it in place and not a huge number of pockets. But I didn’t feel it needed these. It remained in place even when cycling up and down the slopes around the shores of Lake Windermere.

On the one morning it rained, while out birding on Orrest Head, the bag kept everything inside nice and dry.

It features two external slots for a water bottle or flask, plus an elasticated internal one, as well as a front pocket, internal pocket for valuables and a section for a laptop. Certainly sufficient for everything I needed to carry with me. The trolley sleeve, allowing you to attach it to a wheeled suitcase, is a nice touch.

The Basecamp backpacks are made from fabric woven from recycled plastic bottles, with faux suede trims and logos. They’re

100% vegan, so no beeswax used in the waterproofing. Available in either khaki (pictured) or black, this is a good-looking, no-frills backpack that should serve you well. Rebecca Armstrong