Designed with absolute breathability in mind and built on the basis of a supportive anatomical frame, the Tasman comes into its own with a heavy load on a hot day.

Utilising an idea that has become more common, the Tasman has a significant curve in the main sack and frame and a tensioned back panel of open mesh; incorporated with a padded lumbar area and form-fitting waist and shoulder straps. This provides excellent airflow and an extremely comfortable harness while keeping poorly packed objects from poking you in the back.

It’s 1100g weight is very respectable for the apparent sturdiness of the pack.

This shape of pack is slightly more awkward to pack, but the comfort advantage is worth it, and Macpac has nailed this by also adding practical features to the rest of the pack.

Overflow or water bottle carrying capacity is catered for with stretchy side stash pockets and a large zip-closed pocket with waterproof zip on the outside of the main compartment. A webbing strap zigzags up each side of the pack for compression and means tent poles, snow stake or probe are well supported. Capacity is there for two ice tools or walking poles and crampons can fit under the side webbing, although it’s not the ideal place for them as it widens your profile when crashing through bush.

Snack and media pockets on the waistbelt, lid pockets and reflective tape on the outside of the sack round out the deal.

The hydration system hose port could be better weather protected, but combined with the Airstream harness it’ll still help keep you cool on those hot days tramping.