Mountain Warehouse Phoenix Extreme 35L Backpack - Raincover, Hydration Compatible Travel Bag

I bought this bag for use on hostelling/mountain-hut/bothying trips where I don't need to carry my tent. it will also become my winter day bag. I haven't had it out on any big walks yet but initial findings suggest that the front pocket is big enough for a map but you have to push it up towards the top of the bag. The hip belt padding could be a bit thicker, we'll see how it fares when fully loaded! The top pockets are quite small, I think I'd have preferred a single larger pocket. The zipped side pocket is fairly inaccessible so I tend to use it for things like my wallet and keys and first-aid kit that hopefully I won't actually need to access. Thre are a few loops for lashing things on but I'm not sure how effective they'd be as I haven't used them yet. The hip belt buckles look very fragile and I don't like the loop style belt that makes them hard to find by feel. I may well replace them eventually. But overall it does what it says: it hold 35L, carries comfortably and has lots of pockets for keeping things accessible during the day without having to open the bag - and that's basically what I was after. If my opinion changes after a big trip I'll update the review.

This is a nice bag, and has pockets where I need them.My only negative thought is that, because of the "breathe-through" back system, the bag becomes narrow internally at that point. This is not a big thing, but it does stop me getting things from the bottom of the bag easily and bigger items can't squash down.

Looks nice buy way bigger than I expected.Unfortunately too big for my needs and went back.

Great little sack. Bought because of the airflow back, the only type which truly breathes. Nice touches like felt section in zip top for phone or glasses and plenty of pockets such as on belt keeping compass accessable. Not the lightest 35L but worth it for the comfort. Nice rain cover too. Good looking too. Very happy.

Lightweight, good features Inc walking pole holders, raincover, two external pockets, water bottle pockets (see photo though) pockets in hip belt, good airflow and comfortable.