Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 22 £70

+

Good ventilation, comfy carry, fully-featured

-

Poor hipbelt, sits high on back, won’t suit all body shapes

There is a lot to like here. It’s lightweight, streamlined and well-ventilated, with a high-tech back system. Like the Deuter Aircomfort system, Lowe Alpine’s AirZone back panel – a trampoline-style sheet of suspended mesh paired with a gentlycurved spring steel frame – creates an air gap between your body and the pack.

The perforated shoulder straps feel comfy, without being overly padded, but the hipbelt is a little disappointing – the minimalist fins are very small and only just grip the hips. In truth, it feels like a pack with just a waist strap rather than a full hipbelt.

All the other features you’d expect are here: raincover, two water bottle pockets, zippered valuables pocket, hydration bladder compatibility, quick-stash mesh pouch, sternum strap whistle, compression straps, key clip and trekking pole attachments. The lidless backpack is made from 210-denier robust ripstop nylon with a HydroShield weatherproof coating, providing a balance between weight and durability.

At 780g, it’s the second lightest on test. One drawback is the 46cm back length, which will sit high on taller hikers.

■ Weight 780g ■ Volume 22 litres ■ Back sizes One size ■ Versions AirZone Active 18, AirZone Active 22, AirZone Active 26

■ Main fabric 210D ripstop nylon