This brand new pack is smart, sensible, well-made and highly adaptable. It picks up where the lower-capacity Freeflow series leaves off, although it sheds a few of the flourishes that I love about the Freeflow, like the clever diagonal zip-pockets and choice of colours.
But it retains the terrific Biofit feature, which allows you to slide the harness up and down your back to the perfect length while you’re wearing it. The main hold is immense and the load stays virtually flat against your back, but due to the carefully placed padding on the harness, there’s no nasty heat buildup.
It lacks alternative storage space, offering only a lid pocket and two bottle-flaps at the side. Plus the immense black void in the main compartment (and lack of alternative access to it) means it can be hard to find stuff quickly. But it carried everything for a family walking holiday in Ireland, plus changes of clothes on a multi-day trip to the Dales, and I never once felt uncomfortable. Target Price £76.
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SPECIFICATION
Weight: 1267g
Capacity: 50L
Pockets: 3 (lid, 2x side)
Back system: Biofit (padded/suspended)
VERDICT
PROS: Huge main compartment, sliding harness, tough fabrics.
CONS: Little extra storage space, can be hard to locate kit quickly.
Comfort: 4/5
Stability: 4/5
Features: 3/5
Ventilation: 3/5
Best for: Big days when you want to throw loads in and forget about them.
Review from Country Walking magazine