MONTANE

Mezzo 16

RRP £45 Target price: £40

Like the Vango pack, Montane’s Mezzo 16 is a small and modest offering, designed for light loads. However, its ambitions are set higher – this is a pack with its sights on the hills. I was amazed at how stable the Mezzo was. Incredibly, its stability is provided courtesy of a flimsy-looking strap that functions as a hip belt, and another one that serves as a chest strap. Even with a messy array of snacks, bottles and gadgets inside, the two straps kept everything steady as you like. At only 16 litres, you’re not likely to be carrying anything too heavy, so I didn’t find that I missed a sturdier form of support. The back, however, isn’t the comfiest – its sturdiness means it’s also a tad on the firm side. There is a curious front stash pocket, designed to take a spare layer or a map, but unusually it is bonded to the main pack at the top as well as the bottom, meaning you can only access it via small openings at the side. I found myself wondering, as I attempted to extract my hat from it, why Montane hadn’t just included a fastening to allow easier access. RB

INFO: Weight: 430g Capacity: 16L Extra pockets: 3 (1x internal, 2x bottle) Back system: Padded Contact: 01670 522300, montane.com

Compact and lightweight, very stable, good value, versatile Not the comfiest, strange pocket design

BEST FOR: Light-footed and agile day hikes over a variety of terrain