Trail (UK)

Salewa MTN Trainer 28 £140

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+ Good volume, ventilatio­n, innovative, fully-featured, comfy carry

- Expensive, flimsy(ish) plastic hardwear, slightly heavy Starting with the negatives, this pack is expensive and there’s no front stash pocket or under-the-lid pocket, nor are there load lifter straps for stabilisat­ion, while the plastic hardwear components (buckles and drawcords) don’t feel up to the price-point.

But that’s probably being fussy, because in testing we loved this pack. It felt highly technical, like a ‘real’ mountainee­ring daypack with a close-to-the-body fit, and the load-hauling comfort levels were top-notch, partly thanks to the frame’s centrally positioned alloy stiffening bar. All-round ventilatio­n is good too. The Dry Back Contact panel of EVA foam has 3D air channels to increase breathabil­ity, while the split shoulder straps are airier than all others here.

Other features include a clever twin compressio­n system, raincover, stretch side pockets, single hipbelt pocket and roomy lid pocket, in addition to a spacious main compartmen­t. Best of all is the 28L volume: it hits a sweet spot, meaning you can use this pack all year long.

A second generation version – the MTN Trainer 2 28 – will be released later this year, with recycled fabrics, an upgraded back panel and 45g reduction in weight.

■ Weight 945g ■ Volume 28 litres ■ Back sizes One size ■ Versions MTN Trainer 22 WS (women’s), MTN Trainer 25, MTN Trainer 28 ■ Main fabric 100D and 280D nylon twill

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