SALEWA

Alptrainer 20

RRP £110 Target price: £85

The Alptrainer is as sleek and dynamic as its name suggests, and I had an awful lot of fun with it. I’m not always a big fan of suspended back systems, as they can shift the weight away from the body and pull you backwards, but Salewa have got theirs bang on. The pack is superbly balanced and stable and I carried a hefty day’s load around without any aches or pains in my back or shoulders. Despite being one of the heaviest packs on test, the sturdy hip belt distributes the weight in such an expert way that I could have almost forgotten I was carrying anything – every gram is put to good use. Though its main selling point is ventilation. Salewa have not only designed a back system that keeps the air flowing, but they’ve also incorporated vents into the shoulder straps and hip belt, meaning that you really can yomp with this rucksack without the usual sticky effects. The Alptrainer is tailored for a female frame, which means it has a slightly shorter torso length than unisex packs, and a wider hip belt. RB

INFO: Weight: 1000g Capacity: 20L Extra pockets: 4 (incl. 2x bottle) Back system: Suspended Contact: 01322 918493, salewa.com

Excellent ventilation, very stable, dynamic fit Expensive, heavy

BEST FOR: Fast-paced adventures over moderate and challenging terrain