I had an interesting conversation with a friend last night who owns a store in a relatively small chain of outdoor stores in Western Canada (Valhalla Pure Outfitters) after he went to your sit on my recommendation. He understands your running a business with the Big Outdoors but was frustrated by your readers being directed to big retail outlets at the expense of local shops. I spend a couple months each year traveling and leading tours in some cities, but mostly through the rugged country side of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea.. Sometimes I’m in my hiking gear, and sometimes I have to spiff up. Sometimes I sleep on the ground around a campfire, and sometimes I have a hotel and a shower and I can wash my sox.

Webbing keepers make sure the excess straps on the side compression straps are kept under control. I wish the shoulder straps had webbing keepers too.

The Bottom Line

Moreover, I had a bit of a hard time removing, cleaning, and refilling the hydration bladder. It is more difficult to use than Osprey Sunyco’s hydration reservoir. Breathable Shoulder Harness - Constructed from Lifespan foam to provide a generations worth of comfort, the harness are perforated to maximize airflow and comfort on the trail. I know I am a gear freak but I also know that many times my well being and safety depend on the clothing and equipment I am using. To this end working with someone like my friend will result in getting the best piece of equipment. It would be a shame to lose this type of service. Compression: Excellent compression straps allow it to compress down dramatically without hindering other features.

hipbelt design conforms to the shape of your body, seamlessly providing the padding and support needed to carry heavy loads. Hikers willing to accept a small weight penalty for more carrying capacity and superior comfort, access, versatility, and durability, will love the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30. The Exos is not adjustable. However, it comes in three different sizes. I didn’t have a hard time finding a size that fits me well.

Beat The Heat

Under a lid entry, and attached to the main compartment, this extension material offers up some extra protection. The drawcord closure allows the main compartment, and therefore your stored kit, to be sealed off separately from the lid. Hip-belt On a hot and humid hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, a friend and I hiked 21 miles and over 12,000 cumulative feet up and down on some of the hardest trails in the White Mountains. In that laboratory of sweat and arduousness, the Deuter AC Lite 23 demonstrated its strengths of comfort and ventilation.

William Lobley is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor and reviewer for Whats The Best, specialising in technology, gaming and the outdoors. Particularly great in the suspension which you have here is also the lumbar area, with an excellent padding and a ventilation channel, just see the picture above.

You can use it to keep smelly clothing away from the rest of your gear or to store items that you want to keep easily accessible. I used it for my frying pan and flip-flops. It’s great for unusually shaped items. Small white sleeve is for your shades, sliding sternum strap is de rigeur these days - Photo: Lukasz Warzecha (lwimages.co.uk) Modular strap attachment system: 4 side compression straps included, top and bottom vertical straps, optional helmet carrier and extra modular straps

I’m carrying an Osprey Manta 28 bought in 2018. It’s too small, kinda heavy, and is quite angular and cumbersome as a carry-on… plus the hip belt is wimpy. It gives a decent cooling effect in hot conditions, but without compromising the stable, comfortable carry even when you load it up. Small details like the zip-pulls, ice-axe and pole stowage, and yes, that sunglasses loop are all good too. Construction: 3 of 5 — The craftsmanship of the Zulu 30 is solid and what you’d expect from Gregory, but the materials used are nothing special. It’s all medium-density nylon, which strikes a balance of durability and weight.

Analysis and Test Results

Adjustable torso provides 3.5" of adjustment, allowing for a custom fit without compromising support.