Osprey Stratos 34 / Sirrus 36

£110/120 ■ Capacity 34 litres (men’s Stratos 34) / 36 litres (women’s Sirrus 36) ■ Back size adjustable S/M and M/L (Stratos 34); adjustable S/M (Sirrus 36)

■ Weight 1426g (size men’s M/L) IT'S GOOD The Airspeed back system allows excellent airflow and this pack is very comfy around the hipbelt area, too, as the mesh from the back extends into these areas. You can adjust shoulder straps to lengthen the back system, and this pack supports a bigger load better than others. The load-carrying compartments favour those who like zipped pockets and openings as there is no buckle lid, just a zip closure to the main compartment of the rucksack. But you also get a zipped top pocket, front pocket and base compartment, plus a zipped pocket for a raincover. There are mesh wand pockets and quick-release compression straps, too. HOWEVER This pack is quite heavy when compared to others due to the stiffer and more supportive back system, the number of zipped pockets, the included 83g raincover, its large capacity and the use of heavy duty, durable materials. Then there’s the question of whether you prefer a main compartment with conventional buckle lids or zipped openings. There’s a lot to consider here at the slightly higher price tag (£110 Stratos, £120 Sirrus) than the others. So, do you really need those benefits? VERDICT Great pack if you like zipped openings and a more supportive back system, but lighter and lower-priced packs offer most of what many hillwalkers will need.