Less than 350g (waistpack), 500g (running pack), 1200g (rucksack) Divided storage, large and small compartments Bottle pockets (even on a waistpack) Ventilated panels to reduce sweat buildup

Pulse 3

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Pulse 1 and 2 are tiny packs with not much more than a bottle holder and a zip, but the Pulse 3 is like wearing a proper rucksack just around your waist, with a fraction of the weight. It has the same sophisticated mesh back panel used on Deuter’s Trail packs, two compartments with clever sub-divisions (including a perfectly phone-size pouch), two generous hip-fin pockets and provision for a small hydration system. (Or you can stash a small compressible water bottle in the space behind the hip-fins.) You can even tuck the belt straps away neatly. It’ll hold any of our midlayers, plus a small lunch bag, first aid kit, hat, gloves, keys and wallet, and keep it all stable and secure on the go. If you’ve ever needed persuading that a ‘bumbag’ (eek!) is a viable proposition for a walk, please try this; I hope you’ll be convinced. deutergb.co.uk

HYDRATION

With the exception of the very smallest bumbags, most compact rucksacks and waistpacks are designed to accommodate a small-scale reservoir and drinking hose. Good waistpack-size options include the Osprey Hydraulics Lumbar 1.5L (130g, £30, ospreyeurope.com) and Camelbak Crux Lumbar 3L (229g, £45, camelbak. co.uk).