Best known for hiking and climbing gear Berghaus has been making its Mach range of lightweight daypacks for a couple of years. We’ve fallen for the minimalist charms of the Mach 18, which despite its flyaway feel has proven to be a real performer on the trail. A simple, single large main compartment (with separate baffled off bladder slot) is big enough and flexible enough – thanks to a non-rigid back pad – to stuff in more than most other similarly sized packs.
We’ve had hand axes (don’t ask), spare shoes, changes of kit and plenty more besides in there. Adding to the reasons to love it are the three external soft Lycra pockets; a large central one and two angled side ones (for access on the go). With no closures they’re still secure enough to trust that a phone or keys will remain in place, even on bumpy terrain.
Sold without a bladder the Mach 18 has full routing for the hose and we’ve happily used it this way on an Alpine trip in the past. Whatever you’re carrying, snug the straps down and use the internal shock cord to pull the load well onto your hips and the whole shooting match pulls into your lower back to be rock-solid stable.