Berghaus Ridgeway 65+10
+ price; weight; side zipped pockets; back length adjustment; large capacity
– slightly less comfortable than higher- priced sacks
A 65-75 litre capacity for men and 60-70 litre capacity for women makes this one of the bigger sacks here. You get a base compartment and top entry as well as two huge zipped size pockets and a single zipped pocket on the hipbelt. There's no extended lid design and no stretch mesh pockets on the front – which some may miss. This is also one of the lighter packs at 1902g. 5/5
Both the men's 65+10 and women's 60+10 feature a Berghaus Biofit back system that allows the shoulder straps to be raised or lowered to improve the fit. You can make this adjustment with the pack on your back, which is easy to do and useful on the move – you do get less clearance for your head though. 4/5
Compared to the higher-priced and heavier rucksacks, this is not quite as comfortable – it feels a little lumpy and almost too firm. As the pack comes in one size that you have to adjust, there is slightly less space for your head – depending on how much you need to adjust the back length for your height. Having said that, it's a decent option. 4/5
When packing for big trips you may miss the ability to overstuff the main compartment and raise the lid, as this fixed lid won't rise. The side compression straps don’t have quick-release buckles, but can still be used with the stretch mesh wand pockets for stashing trekking poles or tent poles easily. And the zipped pockets on the side are very useful, but a stretch front pocket would be useful, too. 4/5
Overall, the price is good for the features and performance you are getting. 4/5
Good for any backpacker wanting a lower-priced rucksack, with traditional pocket layout and all the key features you need. 4.2/5