Karrimor Hydro-Lite 10

Marcus Crompton
Reviewed: 16 May 2003

Does my bumbag look big?

Get that load off your back and round your waist instead. I thought this would slip off and trip me over, but actually it works surprisingly well. If the forecast is guaranteed, you can stuff two bottles, a hydration bladder, a camera, map, compass, spare layers and even some small sandwiches into this. The hip pockets are very handy for small bits of kit. For anything you can''t reach, just swivel the pack around and delve in without even taking it off. It doesn''t slip and provides a surprising feeling of unladen freedom.

Your back doesn''t get sweaty but your waist does (even with the coolmax padding). It''s a minor point, though.

You'll probably only use this for short trips, or cast-iron fair-weather forecasts, but it's a viable and affordable alternative to a small pack, and might even provide an education in the art of stowing.