There are many reasons to like the Brenta: it’s lightweight, the hip belt is wide and comfortable, and it’s a good fit for those short of stature, despite being a unisex backpack. The lightness comes from its simplicity: there are very few extra pockets, though there is a front zip which allows access to the main compartment. It places a real premium on ventilation: the shoulder straps are studded with holes to encourage air to flow, and there’s a good suspended back system that’s held away by a layer of mesh. Unlike some models which use the same method, Vaude ensure the weight of the pack isn’t pushed so far away as to be destabilising. In fact, the Brenta is one of the most stable and secure packs on test. However, the back system’s mesh divider isn’t taut enough to hold the pack completely off the back, and I found that it was largely ineffective – I could even feel the lump of plastic behind the mesh pressing against my back. Target Price £90.
SPECIFICATION
Weight: 1322kg
Capacity: 50L
Extra pockets: 3 (top, front, belt)
Back system: Aeroflex (suspended)
Contact: 01665 510660, www.vaude.com
VERDICT
PROS: Lightweight, stable and excellent at bearing weight over the hips.
CONS: Poor back system and very few extra features.
Comfort: 3/5
Stability: 5/5
Features: 3/5
Ventilation: 3/5
Best for: Fast and light multi-day trips where every gram matters.
Review from Country Walking magazine.