VAUDE TRAIL SPACER 18 £140

This compact daypack is like the love-child of a knitted waistcoat and a rucksack. A weird description I appreciate, but it is the most comfortable and unrestrictive pack I’ve used. It’s incredibly light (550g) and its seamless Spacer Knit back (yes, its knitted) ensures an excellent fit, good ventilation and shock absorbing properties. I’ve run, cycled, paddled, skied and hiked in it, and it works for everything.

VERDICT The perfect summer pack, for when the load is light and freedom is calling.

USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail senior writer USED FOR 3 years