One thing you are in danger of sacrificing with high-capacity packs is stability — those heavy loads need to be kept under control or all hell breaks loose.

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So when we first strapped on the Hawg Low Rider, adjusted the harness, then pulled the extra compression straps to draw the low-riding lumbar reservoir in, we were delighted. It all felt tight as a drum, without restricting breathing or upper body movement, and no matter how twisty the terrain got, it held firm.

That alone would have got it halfway to a winning ticket, but this cracking stability was backed up by top-notch attention to detail, such as the removable tool roll that gives easy access to your most used tools, useful sized compartments and effective compression straps for lighter loads.

The lumbar-situated reservoir that gives this pack its Low Rider moniker is from the new Camelbak Crux, with wider-bore drink tubing and a 45° bend (rather than 90°) at the bite valve, all designed to improve flow. It did, and we were more than happy with fluid delivery, while the quick-release hose made refilling easy and the lumbar design’s low centre of gravity was super-stable.