Osprey Kestrel 48/Kyte 46 HOWEVER

£140 Capacity 48 litres/46 litres Back sizes adjustable S/M and M/L (men's Kestrel); adjustable WS/WM (women's Kyte) 1658g

Like many Osprey packs the back system lifts the Kestrel above others. Its stiffened Airscape back panel provides support for heavier loads and easier packing, the mesh trampoline covering over the padded zones allows more airflow, and there's a supportive hipbelt for heavier loads. There are back length options and you can raise the shoulder straps The durable nylon body has a fixed lid with huge internal and external pockets and you get top and base entry along with front entry to the main compartment. There’s a massive zipped side pocket, front stretch pocket and the usual compression straps and stretch side pockets.

This pack tips the scales at 1658g, which is relatively heavy, although that weight does include a 118g raincover and tough nylon materials. But if packs with less features fit your needs, then you can save weight and cash. Some packs allow even more airflow than offered here, too, so for really warm conditions other packs may be better. The large side zipped pocket extends down the whole length of the pack so smaller items tend to get lost at the bottom, which may annoy. The price tag is steeper than some other packs so this is really about making sure you want, or need, the extra benefits you are paying for.

A superb pack for overnighting and day trips, but the weight and price tag are drawbacks and other designs do allow even more airflow across the back.