LOWE ALPINE HALCYON 45:50L £130

Designed by Lowe Alpine to tackle Scottish winter days, the Halcyon comes loaded with cold weather features. Snow-shedding back panel, rope compression system, double axe attachment points, reinforced ski slots, hipbelt gear loops… this is a great choice if you’re carrying lots of technical kit. Possibly overkill if you’re just walking, but excellent if you’re dipping a toe into winter mountaineering.

VERDICT A serious pack for serious winter mountain trips.