I usually use an Osprey Talon 22 for day walks. It's a bit tight for space in winter and I'd also like a rucksack that I can carry overnight stuff for youth hostelling in (so extra clothes, toiletries, not camping gear) but that will then compress down well to double up as a day pack, leaving the extra stuff behind at the hostel. Ideally it would have:
- large stuff pocket on the front
- bottom part can be sectioned off to make a separate compartment, accessible from the bottom
- air mesh back
- usable pockets on the waist straps
- ice axe and walking poles attachments
I've been looking at:
- Osprey Talon 44 - not sure how well it would compress down for day use?
- Lowe Alpine Airtrek 40 - ditto
- Lowe Alpine Airzone 35:45 - has bungee net rather than stuff pocket, no separate compartment but does have side access to main compartment and adjustable capacity handy
- Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek Plus 35:45
- Vango Ventis Air Pro 45 - not sure how robust this would be, other Vango stuff I've had has worn out quite quickly
Does anyone have any experience of these and can comment?