About this product
Shape matters more than capacity on a light pack. This one is 55 cm tall, 25 cm wide and only 16 cm deep – tall and narrow rather than short and fat – and the difference is that the load sits vertically against your spine rather than hanging backwards off your shoulders. A 20 litre pack shaped this way feels lighter than a 20 litre pack shaped badly, and this one is genuinely light too, at 340 g.
The fabric is a high polymer cloth combined with elastic gauze panels – the XPAC-style construction used on technical packs, water resistant and tear resistant without the weight of a heavy nylon. The elastic panels stretch to take a jacket or a bottle shoved in on the move rather than requiring you to open the pack.
The back panel uses an EVA cushion with mesh over it, so there is padding where the load presses and airflow where your shirt would otherwise be soaked. It is hydration ready with a water pipe hole, and it takes a bladder up to 2 litres – a full day’s water in this climate. There is a left side pocket sized for a bottle or a folding umbrella.
Naturehike rate it for a maximum load of 5 kg, which is honest for a pack this light and about right for a day’s kit: water, layers, lunch and a camera. It comes in grey and white. It suits day hikes, trail running, cycling and travel.
Naturehike ZT14 XPAC Backpack 20L - Grey & White