Hiking Backpacks > Lowe Hiking Backpacks

Advantages: Very stable even when 1/2 full thanks to frame sheet, ventilating back, padded shoulder straps and hip belt
Disadvantages: The lid pocket's on the small side, heavy for a daysack, small for a weekand sack

This is Lowe's best-selling backpack for hikers who are dependant comfort, reliability and stability; well that's what they say on their website. I would have to agree, this day pack was fantastic when used in the Peak District for a day pack. The packs construction is very durable and versatile. I found that the design was exceptional, it makes use of 'Pure Air Zone back' which suspends the load away from your body, giving ventilated comfort while ...
...than stay on your back. However, this is because it uses a internal frame, which does make it a little heavy for a pack. Nevertheless, the shoulder and hip padding and back system make it very comfortable. The main sack does appear to be rather small, but does allow all the required equipment and clothing to be stored. But it is not suitable for a weekend sack. The lid and side pockets are rather tight. ... Read review

Advantages: Lots of space and waterproof
Disadvantages: A bit heavier than most bags, but worth the extra weight

I have had this bag for over 4 years, and it is fantastic. It is so well designed and built. It is great for cycling running or just using as a normal backpack. It will easily fit a laptop and files, so is ideal for going to work or collage. All of the stitching is fantastic, it has withstood being dragged along the floor and being kicked for 3 years, and still looks as good as new. The zips are well designed, and have never jammed or broken. There ...
...of the bag, that not only makes the bag waterproof, but also doubles up as a reflective bag so that at night you can easily be seen. I think that the bag is great and would recommend it to anybody for whatever use. It stops your back from sweating, so that you don't arrive to work or school with massive sweat patches! ... Read review

Advantages: Compact, not too heavy, packs a lot in.
Disadvantages: Feels bulky if filled to the brim. Price is a little high.

I used the Tatonka Flightcase for a short trip to Amsterdam and found it really good for what I needed it for. I was on my trip for three days and had more than enough space in the pack for clothes, washbag and other sundries. The capacity of the pack is 40L which may not be ideal for long trips but for trips that last one or two weeks I dont think you'd have a problem. The obvious advantage is that the pack fits in hand luggage and it does with ...
...any problem with the pack but I would say that it did feel a little bulky sometimes even though it's not that big. It is also quite pricey although I have seen it getting cheaper on certain sites. I paid £60 for the pack. Other than that, it was more or less perfect and many people were amazed at just how much it held. Definately going to be using for my next trip. ... Read review

Advantages: Size, durability and rucksack style straps
Disadvantages: Comfort if carrying for extended periods of time (> 1hr)

- The product: Its a bag... a big bag... a very big bag... 140L to be precise. Because of its large capacity its also large in size so those with a small body may find it hard to carry, for those vertically challenged people amongst us possibly consider the smaller 80-100L bags. - Appearance: The bag comes in a variety of colours (I chose a nice and boring black colour so as not to stand out too much, you could go for the yellow though...). - Practicality: ...
...be pretty strong to carry the bag for any length of time and most importantly I think detatchable rucksack style carrying straps for carrying, well, like a rucksack! There is one internal mesh pocket which built into the main flap on the top of the bag, zip closing but stuff falls out of this quite easily into the main comartment when the zip is open. Because of the large d-shaped lid its relatively easy to access things inside the bag. When not ... Read review

Advantages: Strong, durable, roomy and compartmentalised
Disadvantages: None

This camelbak is a beast! I go mountain biking at least once a week plus I cycle to work on 3 or 4 days a week and this bag goes everywhere with me. It's big enough to carry (without the water bladder) a pair of trousers, a shirt, a tie, a pair of shoes, a waterproof jacket and my tools (bike pump, tyre levers, multi tool, 2 spare inner tubes and lube). EDIT ** I forgot to say, I can also fit a plastic freezer bag with a freezer block, sandwiches, ...
...on a weekday as well as a quite chunky 2 metre long cable lock.** On the weekend I normally carry the waterproof, the tools, a banana and some flapjack plus around 2 to 2.5 litres of water. On the weekend I usually use the compression staps to make the bag fit snuggly around everything but allowing it to be as small as possible. The bag has an mp3 player pocket, two side pockets, a front mesh expandable pocket, a tools pocket and a main compartment. ... Read review