Lightwave Fastpack 50 HOWEVER

£149 Capacity 50 litres Back sizes 48cm (unisex) Weight 1144g

The minimal weight of just 1150g is instantly appealing, as is the fact that all the seams on the main body are sealed by taping or welding – making this pack more water resistant than most. As the design is stripped down to its essentials, you get a simpler padded back system with good stiffness for loads up to 12kg. To allow more comfort when walking or negotiating rough ground, the back system twists with your body. The body has a top opening with a fixed lid and no other access, and there’s a huge lid pocket – but that’s the only external pocket apart from mesh side wand pockets which combine well with the compression straps.

There is no women’s specific option and no back length adjustment. Also, there’s less airflow across the back system compared to other options, so this is more sweaty. The stripped-down design lacks lots of little features that come as standard in other designs, so the lid has only one external pocket, rather than a second underside pocket, and you don’t get hipbelt pockets or front pockets. If you like the idea of a base compartment, or base access to the main compartment, then this sack lacks that too. Finally, you are paying a lot more cash for the benefits you do get, which are low weight and waterproof seams.

For some people this lightweight and more waterproof design will be ideal, but the lack of features and price tag will leave others thinking twice.