Bombproof bag

Alpkit Gourdon 30L £40

This may well be the most useful bit of outdoor kit I own.

There’s not too much to say about the Alpkit Gourdon on a technical level, except that it’s a big waterproof sack that feels way bigger than its 30-litre capacity and does the all-important job of keeping everything inside it dry. The feature-set is fairly basic, and with such a thin hipbelt I wouldn’t use it to drag big loads over long distances. But if you just want to make sure nothing you’re carrying gets wet then the Gourdon is as reliable as they come. You also get padded shoulder straps, a hydration bladder pocket, mesh side pockets and a foam sit-pad. I’ve used mine for day walks, bike rides, canoe trips (once loaded with firewood for an overnight canoe-camping adventure), and plenty of dull tasks like shopping and family swimming trips. The reason I mention the day-to-day use is purely to highlight its durability. I’ve used this pack almost every day for five years and it still looks and performs as good as new. For £40, it’s an absolute bargain.

Verdict

No frills, no flaws and no complaints from me. Just a fantastic waterproof pack. USED BY Oli Reed, Trail editor USED FOR 5 years of daily use