A great looking pack with lightweight yet tough ripstop fabric and a big bouncy trampoline of a back system. From behind it looks a little squat, with fairly broad shoulders, but once loaded up on your back it feels fine and stays secure without hanging too far off. The back system is one of the best at keeping the air flowing, without being too cumbersome or compromising internal load space too much. Shoulder and hip-padding is vented, although it doesn’t completely eliminate sweaty patches. Getting into one of the large main compartments is easy with some nicely sized zip pulls. The deep secondary pocket can be a bit tricky to access, but it does have useful security pockets sewn into it.
VITAL STATS
Capacity: 25L
Weight: 1,193g
Main compartment closure: Zip
Back system: Suspended mesh
Accessories: Pole loops; hydration-compatible; compression straps
Contact: 01539 822155; www.thenorthface.com/eu
• Review from Country Walking magazine, July ’11