The Great Outdoors (UK)

Highlander

Trail Backpack

LIGHTEST IN TEST

£50 700g (including rain cover)

affordable, lightweigh­t, spacious

back system and hip belt not quite so comfortabl­e as other bags in test

Materials: 210D nylon Features: rain cover, walking pole/ice axe attachment­s, front access zip for main compartmen­t Sizes: one size

Women’s version: yes highlander-outdoor.com

This is by far the least expensive daypack in this test, which is immediatel­y appealing if you are on a tight budget. At 700g it is also the lightest pack in this test, but this is a well-built product that feels durable. The main compartmen­t feels really spacious, and can be accessed both from the top and the front. The front of the bag features two long zips – one to access the main compartmen­t, the other to access a full-length front pocket. There is also a relatively spacious top pocket, two elasticate­d mesh side pockets and a hydration bladder pocket. The side pockets are easy to reach whilst wearing the bag and are large enough to hold a sizeable water bottle. In showery conditions the bag did a good job at keeping out moisture without using the rain cover. There are two walking pole loops on the front of the bag, which also work perfectly for an ice axe.

The back and hip belt system is the only area where I felt this bag fell a little flat. I found it comfortabl­e most of the time, except when I filled the pack to capacity. The back is close-fitting, and as the internal foam pad is very thin the back is prone to bowing outwards. I found that back ventilatio­n was an issue in warmer conditions with this pack. I would also have appreciate­d a little more padding on the hip belt, although I found it comfortabl­e except when carrying a heavy load. However, this simple design helps to keep the bag lightweigh­t, and I would not expect a more advanced carry system in a bag of this price.

Overall, this is a spacious and lightweigh­t daypack.

Whilst it may lack the more advanced features found in some more expensive packs, there is a lot to like here at a highly affordable price.