With the Fiord 40, Macpac has taken the lightweight design and tech developed for its Alpine Series and applied it to an overnight tramping pack. The result is a 40-litre pack that weighs 1040g, but that isn’t too minimalist.

It has a single compartment and a removable two-pocket lid, which, if required, could trim the weight further.

There’s a removable back panel that doubles as a bum-pad or emergency sleeping mat and a hydration pouch, which I found tricky to refill while the pack was full.

The removable harness is comfortable and reasonably well ventilated. The corrugated mesh design helps promote a pleasant airflow and strikes a balance between being light and providing some cushioning.

A stiffened front panel allows the pack to keep its shape even when relatively empty, and it works well for bracing awkward loads. The stretch mesh pocket on the front of the pack is big enough for stuffing in a rain jacket, and mesh pockets on either side stow bottles. There are two walking pole attachment points, but none for ice axes.

A cinching cat’s cradle secures items to the side of the pack and is quick and easy to tighten. But it can be fiddly to undo and it is not ideal for large items like a sleeping mat or tent.

Much of the pack’s body is made of 100D nylon, with a 500D Cordura nylon base. I have been surprised by how tough the fabric is, but have some reservations about its durability over time and in use in tough environments.

The Fiord 40 is a neat weekend pack. It is comfortable, comes at an affordable price and will appeal to those who go fast and light.