www.craghoppers.com | £35
Craghoppers is a British outdoor gear manufacturer that has been producing good gear at good prices for nearly 50 years, and it’s a great brand to choose if you’re on a budget. I think its gear often performs as well as similar kit that’s far more expensive.
This Kiwi Pro Backpack 22L is not a very technical pack, but it does what you need for day hikes, sightseeing or the daily commute. It’s made from robust 600-denier polyester which has a water-repellent finish and a polyurethane backing to withstand a lot of rain, but it’s not waterproof and there’s no rain cover, so keep your kit in dry bags when the weather’s bad.
The back has a decent internal panel to keep the pack’s shape. There’s padding on the shoulder blades and lower back, forming what Craghoppers calls its Air Flow system to prevent a sweaty back, although I prefer a bag that has a mesh panel to keep it away from the body. The shoulder straps have adequate padding and adjustment and there’s a waist strap to stabilise the bag.
The main compartment is accessed by a zip with a storm flap to help keep the weather out. Inside there’s a sleeve for a hydration bladder and several organiser pouches. There is a soft sunglasses pocket and another smaller outer pocket for items that it’s useful to have close to hand, such as a chocolate bar or the guidebook. Then there are two small mesh side pockets that would hold smaller water bottles, and walking poles can be stashed on the pack too.
For a day hike, travelling or commuting is fine. It’s comfortable, robust and does what it’s intended to do… well.
Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Backpack 22L Verdict
A no-nonsense budget daysack.