Mammut Duncan 24 £100

The most striking feature of the Duncan pack is the Contact Stream back ventilation system. A suspended mesh creates a large gap between the pack and the wearer’s back, making it the most ventilated and breathable pack on test. The pack is still relatively light though, which in combination with the anatomically shaped, soft padded hipbelt and shoulder straps makes the Duncan an extremely comfy pack to carry.

The side stretch pouches have been angled to be accessible while carrying the pack, and although there’s only one waistbelt pocket, on the other hip fin is a bungee cord system specifically designed for carrying the increasingly popular folding trekking poles. There are regular pole holders on the front of the pack, along with a bottom pouch that holds the raincover and an internal hydration sleeve.

The lid houses internal and external zipped pockets, while useful stretch mesh pouches on the shoulder straps will hold a phone, GPS device or compass.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY… There’s no outer panel pocket for wet waterproofs and the Z-pole holder on the waistbelt is pointless if you don’t have folding poles. To keep weight down the main lid straps and cinch straps are quite narrow, the chest strap is made of bungee cord and the mesh of the side pockets feels a little delicate. There is only one back length available.

■ VOLUME 24 litres

■ FIT Men’s (women’s version Duncan 24 Women)

■ BACK LENGTHS One size

■ WEIGHT 910g

■ MAIN FABRIC 9% polyester, 91% polyamide

Verdict

A smart pack offering the best ventilation on test, but a few of its features won’t appeal to everybody.

“The most ventilated and breathable pack on test”