Black Diamond Mission 45 £190

This is a big, burly pack with a technical focus on Alpine climbing and mountaineering, which is reflected in the design and features. It is fitted with pick pockets and metal ‘dogbone’ hardware to fit through the head of an ice axe. There’s also an external crampon pouch and a tuck-away rope strap. Luckily, most of those elements transfer well to coldweather adventures in the UK too.

It’s certainly tough enough for Scottish winter epics, being made from heavy-duty ripstop nylon. The conventional top-loading configuration has a floating lid, twin buckles and a double drawcord closure with an extended collar. This makes the pack easy to overstuff when carrying a full complement of winter gear.

The lid design is excellent, with inner and outer pockets. The lid is even big enough to take a climbing helmet. The deep main compartment has an expanding hydration sleeve, plus an extended two-way side zip that makes it easy to dig around inside without having to unbuckle the lid.

It is available in two back lengths and, while the back system is fairly straightforward, it makes for a comfortable carry. Ergonomic shoulder straps offer enhanced mobility when scrambling or climbing, even with a heavy load.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

There are no lower bungees or side wand pockets, so it is awkward to carry trekking poles. This is also the heaviest pack on test – though you can strip weight by removing the frame and hip fins.

■ WEIGHT 1.71kg (1.25kg stripped)

■ VOLUME 45 litres

■ SIZES S/M, M/L

Verdict

A workhorse of a pack that is stable, durable and comfortable, though its technical features are better suited to winter mountaineers than winter hillwalkers.

“A big, burly pack with a technical focus”