Pictures to follow… If you think it just looks like a drybag with a strap, then you’re spot on. Designed to be minimal in its design, there are no pockets just one cavernous, waterproof main compartment. The smaller Gourdon 20 or Stealthy Gourdon both come with external bungees if you really need them. There’s a clear panel (to show off your sweeties and beer) that helps you find stuff deep in the pack. The shoulder straps are sturdy, and much more comfortable than the straps on my rapidly ageing OMM 32 that are uncomfortable for anything more than lightweight summer day walks.

While they are comfortable, they are let down as they don’t stay at the desired length. The straps used are too thin for the clips, so keep sliding through. The waist belt is also thin, but does the job. Backpacking Light are selling some pouches to add onto the waist strap, something that i’ll definately be getting soon as I like a windproof and some jelly babies close to hand.

I originally thought that i could stow my poles on the outside with a bit of lateral thinking and a webbing strap. But, many, many trips since then and i’ve never bothered. I just end up carrying them in my hand towards the end of a walk. This does make the pack much less suitable for anyone who needs poles and wants to do a bit of scrambling. Where this pack impresses me most is with it’s weight and toughness. Weighing in at less than the OMM32 (about 590g) it feels like it could be dragged backwards through a boulderfield and be none the worse for the ordeal. Yes, you trade in the functionality or complexity of extra pockets to acheive this, but as a result you end up with a no-messing, non-flouncy, no-nonsense pack. It truly is waterproof too. This summer’s certainly given it a run for its money. It’s even been paddling on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and is just as good keeping sand out as it is water. No more worrying about the camera getting damp, even though you’ve got a drysack and a pack liner. And a final goodbye to the hassle of having to dry out the day sack that’s absorbed an extra kilo of water that you’ve just lugged up and down the Glyderau. After four months of using this as my only pack, i’d have to say i’m mostly happy.

It’s tough and no-nonsense, being waterproof makes packing for a quick walk much easier as i’ve not got to worry about much. It really is a shame that the pack is let down solely by the adjustments on the shoulder straps. If the webbing was just a little thicker, then it would be ok. I’m going to put a safety pin in each one to keep them from slipping. That said, you’re probably not going to get a better pack for £20, just go for the 20 litre version if you need to use walking poles.

Ive just been given one of these as a leaving present and it’s only been used so far to carry 12 cans of Guinness (also a present), and it took the weight well.

If you think it just looks like a drybag with a strap, then you’re spot on. Designed to be minimal in its design, there are no pockets just one cavernous, waterproof main compartment. There’s a clear panel (appears white on photo) that helps you find stuff deep in the pack. The shoulder straps are sturdy, and much more comfortable than the straps on my rapidly ageing OMM 32 that are uncomfortable for anything more than lightweight summer day walks.

The waist belt is thin, but does the job. Backpacking Light are selling some pouches to add onto the waist strap, something that i’ll definately be getting soon as I like a windproof and some jelly babies close to hand.

The other notable absence is of any straps on the outside. No problem I thought, then realised I had nowhere to stow my poles. However, a bit of lateral thinking and a webbing strap later, and i’ve got the poles securely attached to the outside. They’re not on that tightly, but that’s no problem as I’ll be using them for most of my walk anyway. They’ll only be stowed on the ride in and on scrambles, I tend to end up carrying them in my hand towards the end of a walk as I can’t be bothered to pack em.

Where this pack impresses me most is with it’s weight and toughness. Weighing in at less than the OMM32 (about 590g, but i’m yet to weigh the pack) it feels like it could be dragged backwards through a boulderfield and be none the worse for the ordeal. Yes, you trade in the functionality or complexity of extra pockets to acheive this, but as a result you end up with a no-messing, non-flouncy, no-nonsense pack.

Oh, and it’s fully waterproof. No more worrying about the camera getting damp, even though you’ve got a drysack and a pack liner. And a final goodbye to the hassle of having to dry out the day sack that’s absorbed an extra kilo of water that you’ve just lugged up and down the Glyderau.

I’ll take some pics tomorrow, including the poles being stashed on, and i’ll add a field review.

For £65 it was too tempting.

I’m going to need one of these staying in a camping barn at the end of February, so i had to buy it, honest.

First impressions are that it feels well made. It was a good fit (so their XL is similar to everyone elses, despite their discalimer on the webpage) and was really warm walking home the other night.

Not yet tested it on the hill, but i will be combining it with my Pipedream 200 in the Lakes mainly as a dry run for using it wild camping and in bothies.

And it comes with Alpkit’s prompt delivery and afterservice.