Montane Naukan 60 $310
Used by: Contributing editor Matthew Cattin
Used for: 10 months

Big enough for multi-day tramps, and light enough (900g) to carry overnight, the Naukan 60 is a rare find: a Goldilocks pack – it seems to suit every trip. 

My girlfriend feels the same. Despite being a foot shorter than me, it fits her perfectly where many other packs have failed, and she nicks it at every opportunity. Perhaps this has something to do with the design’s simplicity. With no bulky padding in the hips or back, it moulds to the body extraordinarily well, and with the excellent ZephyrAD back system, adjusting the back length requires minimal admin. 

The ‘click and go’ sternum strap, which can move up and down the shoulder straps, also aids in the pack’s versatility (particularly for unisex use). 

In my initial review, I had some concerns over the durability of the pack – particularly given its weight. So far, however, it’s stood up well, even when packed fit to burst on four-day tramps. 

I still question the sense of the vertical zip in the lid, which makes cramming in bulky gear difficult, but it’s a small criticism that can be worked around. 

Verdict: An excellent value pack with a versatile fit.