Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ £180

Though primarily designed for ski mountaineering, this pack works well for winter walks and scrambles too.

Despite being nominally smaller than other packs on test, it swallows plenty of kit and is positively laden with useful on-board storage. There are two generous front pockets, a hipbelt pocket, twin lid pockets and a side security pocket for a phone or GPS unit.

The roomy main compartment has a double drawcord collar with a mesh hanging pocket and a hydration sleeve inside. The top lid pocket even has a microfleecelined pouch, ideal for stowing snow glasses or goggles.

There are also attachment points for ice axes and trekking poles, plus ski holders, a rope strap, a detachable helmet net and removable webbing straps for lashing crampons. Deuter really has thought of everything here.

We also like the fact that, just like the Mammut and Berghaus packs on test, it has a U-shaped zip around the back panel. This ensures fast, easy access to the main body.

Fabrics are tough enough to take plenty of hammering, while being 100% recycled and bluesign-certified – both big ticks for sustainability. There’s also a dedicated women’s version of this pack, the Freescape Pro 38+ SL.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

It’s lighter-framed than the other packs here, so doesn’t carry quite as well. The back padding and straps supposedly use a snowshedding fabric but seem to soak up a lot of moisture, which feels cold and clammy.

■ WEIGHT 1.51kg (not strippable)

■ VOLUME 40+ litres

■ SIZES One size (women’s Freescape Pro 38+ SL available)

Verdict

Easy to load and equipped with masses of on-board storage, this versatile pack has some unique and very useful features.

“Positively laden with useful on-board storage”