TRAVELLING LIGHT

THINKING ABOUT INVESTING IN A LI GHT WEIGHT RUNNING RUCKSACK ? WE ’ VE TESTED SEVEN TO HELP YOU CHOOSE

TRAVELLING LIGHT

THINKING ABOUT INVESTING IN A LI GHT WEIGHT RUNNING RUCKSACK ? WE ’ VE TESTED SEVEN TO HELP YOU CHOOSE

COMPILED BY TINA CHANTREY

MONTANE VIA CLAW 14

Tested by: Liz

Lizmontane.co.uk, £120 (available from spring 2017)

First impressions? This is a really small and light pack with loads of compartments. I was immediately impressed with the potential for carrying loads in such a small pack!

How good was the fit? Brilliant, and I’ve spent my running life complaining about the fit of rucksacks – the straps usually slide off my shoulders while the waist and chest straps are often in the wrong place on my weirdly short body. But this pack has wide, shaped straps that ensure the weight stays right in the curve of your back.

What did you think of the quality/ attention to detail? Again, fantastic. It seems more of a race pack than a commuter pack but, just for a laugh, I shoved a day’s work clothes, make-up and toiletries in all the compartments and it’s so well thought out, with small pockets on the front, a main compartment, flat compartment for a bladder and big mesh pockets on the side.

Any useful and/or unique features? Plenty of useful ones – see above!

How does it feel when you’re running? Amazingly secure, even fully loaded. The numerous compartments mean you don’t have loads of stuff wobbling around. The pack sits right in between your shoulder blades and there’s minimal bounce.

How do you feel about the look of the pack? I don’t expect much from rucksacks in terms of looks – although I love purple.

What’s the worst thing about it? I couldn’t fault it.

Mark out of 10 for value? It’s very pricey but well put together. 8.

Mark out of 10 for performance? 10.

Would you buy this? Yes!

OSPREY TEMPEST 9

Tested by: Jenny

ospreyeurope.com, £75

First impressions? I loved the compact design but was sceptical about whether it would fit everything I needed in for work.