Bergans Helium V5 W55 Gray

Strong and Light

Light and strong Dyneema fabric has kept this one feeling new for three years of extensive use. Its 55 liters, good-sized side mesh pockets and top lid make it easy to use this pack to its fullest. This one is a W (women's) model, but I can carry it on my regular-sized 185 cm medium/large frame when the straps are at max. The comfort suffers a bit if I stuff it absolutely full and the weight climbs over 15 kg (33 lbs), because the shoulder straps are a little too narrow when the pack is adjusted to my height. But it's been with me on three-day hikes with 19+ kg (42 lbs), and we both survived. For my spouse, we adjust everything down to one or two notches before minimum. Both the backrest/shoulder strap slider and the waistbelt width adjusters are easily adjusted up or down in size. My spouse is slim and small — 165 cm, size 36.

Bergans sell hipbelt pockets and an extra mini pack that you can cling onto the Helium in a myriad of ways.