For some reason Madison is not importing the 15L Unzen into the UK, so at present the Unzen 10 is the go-to pack from the big S.

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Shimano has created a system where the wide shoulder straps meet in the middle via a single alloy hook, removing the need for a separate sternum strap altogether. Once the top strap length is set correctly we could achieve a balance that made for a fairly stable pack — invest the time to get it set up as it makes all the difference.

The Shimano Unzen U10 comes with an optional waist belt too, it’s easily removed with the Velcro tab if you don’t feel you need it.

We kept it on, and it did allow the main harness to be relaxed a bit while still keeping everything steady — otherwise the harness needed to be cranked up to the point of restricting breathing.

The side-loading zips aren’t our favourite — it always felt like we had to squeeze our hands in to get kit out when it was fully loaded — but otherwise the Unzen makes for a low-profile pack with an innovative look, finished off by a quality Hydrapak bladder.

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