Vaude Brenta 30 / Maremma 32

£100 ■ Capacity 30 litres (men’s Brenta 30) / 32 litres (women’s Maremma 32) ■ Back size adjustable one size on both ■ Weight 1108g (men’s) IT'S GOOD The men’s and women’s packs both benefit from a Aeroflex back system that allows excellent airflow across the back. The shoulder straps and hipbelt are perforated for yet more airflow, and you can adjust the shoulder straps to lengthen or shorten the back length. The main compartment is top entry with a fixed lid that has a large pocket. Plus there’s a front zip opening and mesh wand pockets on the pack sides, as well as quick-release buckles on the compression straps (men’s Brenta only) for easy stowage of trekking poles. A big, front stash pocket is great for waterproofs between showers. HOWEVER The women’s Maremma 32 does not get the compression straps, wand pockets and big front stash pocket, but instead gets big side pockets and you can still attach trekking poles with the dedicated straps. If you want to save weight then it’s possible to get lighter packs although the difference is relatively small. The weight does include a 73g raincover, which you can remove. You can get slightly lower-priced packs, too, and although they don’t quite have the benefits that this pack offers they would suit the needs of many walkers, for sure. So there is really not a lot wrong here for most hillwalkers in search of a comfortable pack. VERDICT A great general-purpose hillwalking rucksack with only small benefits available in other packs.