I have been testing the Berghaus Remote Hike 35 rucksack, which was sent to me in return for an honest review.
Berghaus state: “We’ve poured generations of experience into engineering this high-performance daysack. At 35 litres, it’s got the capacity and features you need for a long day on the trail and we’ve carefully thought through every detail, from access to the main compartment, to the size and position of the many pockets.”
There is a women’s specific version of the pack, as well as a male/unisex model.
The women’s Berghaus Remote Hike 35 rucksack has an adjustable back system designed for the female physique.
Other features of Berghaus Remote Hike 35 rucksack:
- Easy access to the main compartment at the rear of the top, with two side release buckles
- Extra easy access with quick access bivi system
- Extra side entry zip
- Large lid pocket with internal zipped pocket and key clip.
- Elasticated front stash pocket
- 2 large side mesh pockets with easy-to-grip Hypalon rubber tabs.
- Two stretchy zipped hip-belt pockets
- Side compression straps with side release buckle
- Dual density foam in arm straps and the pre-curved hip belt
- Hard board in the back system to protect back
- Two walking pole holders
- Daisy chain lashing points for additional external storage
- Sternum strap
- Women’s version has an adjustable female-fit back system
- Vented Flow back system for great breathability
- Large external front stash pocket
- Price: £95.
- See Berghaus women’s Remote Hike 35 rucksack and men’s/unisex version. Buy on Amazon (I receive a small commission for sales through Amazon.)
My thoughts: Berghaus Remote Hike 35 rucksack
This is a great pack size for winter walking kit. In the summer, I would usually carry a smaller pack unless I am heading away for an overnight. In winter, I winterise my pack , and that means I need more space for items such as crampons, ice axe and more clothing. So 35 litres is ideal.
Berghaus lists a lot of information about the ease of access into this pack, especially the main compartment. I actually find the access a bit of a hassle, I’m sad to say.
Instead of opening the top lid from the front, as you would normally, there are two clips at the rear of the pack. The problem is they are close to – and tucked behind – the shoulder straps and I find them a fiddle. This is especially true when my hands are cold. I prefer one easy access clip at the front of the lid.
To be fair, once the lid is open, there is a good wide opening, secured by a single pull cord toggle.
There is also a small side access zip and I didn’t spot it at first. It is there, however, and this allows you to stick your hand into the side of the rucksack lower down the pack. It’s more of a rummage around access point than an opening that shows you what is inside.
Aside from these these points, the pack is great. It’s lightweight and easy to adjust to fit. I like the slimmer style to suit the female physique and I found the hipbelt and shoulder straps are ideal.
It’s a comfortable pack when fully laden as well. The back system and padded hipbelt and shoulder straps are good quality.
There are lots of useful pockets. The lid has a couple of zipped pockets. When the lid is open because you want to access the main compartment there is a zip underneath that offers a good storage place for essential items.
There are two zipped hipbelt pockets and they are large enough to store a big phone.
The side pockets are big and I like the external open-topped storage pocket.
The walking pole storage system would work well for an ice axe, too.
I wish Berghaus has made this pack in another colour. I tend not to choose darker colours for outdoors kit for safety reasons.
The price is reasonable for a 35l pack.
I’d like to see a waterproof rating or, better still, a rain cover.
A note about sustainability: Berghaus appears to be trying hard to address environmental issues although I don’t see any specific commitments with this particular product. There is a free Fixed for Life repair solution should you need this.