OSPREY STRATOS 26 / SIRRUS 26 £100

Extra comfortable with more airflow, have we found the ultimate hillwalkers daysack?

■ Capacity 26 litres ■ Me■’s Adjustable back length (Stratos 26) ■ Wome■’s Adjustable back length (Sirrus 26) ■ Weight 1361g (inc 94g raincover)

IT'S GOOD

With all the features of a larger rucksack built into a day-walk-friendly 26-litre capacity, this pack is instantly appealing.

It comes with a back system more akin to a big capacity pack, so it has airflow, adjustable length and above all is incredibly comfortable, thanks to a mesh trampoline design that holds the pack away from the body. The back system also has the right level of rigidity, so I did not suffer from lumpy items poking into my back.

I really liked the ease of access to the main compartment, thanks to a conventional lid. The lid also has two good pockets and the body has a useful large frontzipped pocket, while the two hipbelt pockets are a good size.

In use I found this pack ideal, as it was comfortable, stable and carried well when it was both almost empty or when overfilled with gear. Above all this is one of those rare 20-30 litre daypacks that works really well with my 6ft 5in body.

HOWEVER

This is heavier than other daypacks, so if you are looking to shave every gram from your load other packs are better. I do love the twinbuckle lid, but a single buckle lid is even quicker to use. Although this is a minor point, when it is bad weather being able to snap together just one buckle rather than two does make a difference.

If you really love a lid pocket, then some other packs did have slightly larger pockets here. The front zipped pocket is great, but in summer a stretch front mesh pocket is the alternative, so you may prefer packs with that.

Probably the main reason to choose another pack is if you just prefer zip-around openings or want to spend less money. Of course, many of these issues are really down to personal preferences.

VERDICT

A well-ventilated back system, with the comfort and features normally found on larger capacity designs, makes this rucksack ideal for most hillwalkers.