Access to the main compartment is via the roll-top or via the two side zips. It’s good that Highlander have thought to add a waterproof coating to the zip that’s closest to your back, as the waterproof cover won’t always be able to give this full protection.

Details

Mountaineers will appreciate the rope strap that runs over the top, and also the ice axe head lockers. There are straps and loops for telescopic trekking poles. I tend to use Z-folding poles, which I’ve been sticking in the side mesh – no issues with the tips snagging yet. I’d be reluctant to stick crampons in these though. The only real safe space for them would be inside the pack, I’d say.

There are daisy chain loops and the hipbelt also has useful loops for hanging carabiners. There’s also one convenient point for attaching a light (a useful detail for cyclists). Other details include an integrated whistle and a bladder sleeve that has a Velcro hanger, which should make it compatible with most bladder brands.

Sizes

This is available in 35L and 45L versions. I tried the 35L, which is a good size for big mountain days, particularly in winter when you need to carry extra layers and technical equipment. I can see the 45L version suiting overnight trips, or it’ll be useful for mountain guides who need to carry loads to safely support a group.

The back system is a fixed length, measuring 44cm from shoulder to base. For my back length, which is roughly 50cm, this was fine. It might not suit those with very long or very short backs.

Ventilation and Padding

The back has panels of foam with air channels between them. There are also holes cut into the panel. I’ve found this does the job I want it to do. There’s plenty of padding and I’ve not really had any noticeable issues with moisture build-up across my back. I’ve not used it in summer conditions yet, but it was fine for a steep and strenuous ascent on a mild to warm day climbing Helvellyn.

Related: Highlander Nap Pak Arctic Air Sleeping Mat review.

There’s a nice bit of lumbar support and the hipbelt and straps are quite thickly padded. This enhances comfort but does add to the overall weight of the pack.

Weight and Stripability

At 1.4kg, it’s fairly standard in weight. It’s not light but not heavy either. But what I’ve found you can do is strip the weight down to just below 1kg by removing the top lid, the hipbelt and the waterproof cover. This essentially turns the Vulkan into a minimalist daypack – and, as I’ve found, a nifty pack for cycle commuting.

Who Will Like the Vulkan 35?

This is a versatile pack that will suit a range of people. It has all the technical details to support fast and light alpinism, it has the capacity and comfort for big day hikes, and then it has that stripability to make it suited to more casual stuff – like country walks and bike rides. It can pass as a fastpacking or run commuting pack, though the main hipbelt is a little too chunky for that – and it’s not ideal to run with that hipbelt removed. There are actually attachment points where you could fasten a minimalist hipbelt, but you’d need to source this yourself.

Highlander Vulkan 35: Verdict

This served me really well on my big hikes with it in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, and I’m going to keep it stowed away for any more technical mountaineering missions I might have in the future.

It’s a little on the heavy side compared to similar, more expensive packs with higher-spec materials (like Dyneema) within its category – like the Black Diamond Speed Ultra, for instance – but it’s not the heaviest either, and it’s certainly good value for money.

For future iterations of this, it’d be good to see some more sustainable materials used. No recycled materials are listed by Highlander. That’s the main downside – other than that, this is a useful daypack and another very good product from the Scottish brand.

Pros: Can be stripped down for a lighter carry, lots of technical details, durable materials, suitable for an array of different activities, lots of storage and organisation options.
Cons: A touch on the heavy side, could do with an optional lightweight hipbelt add-on, no recycled materials.
Price: £99.99
Weight: 1.4kg (can be stripped to 1kg)

Where to Buy

Highlander Vulkan 35 pack

Our editor’s verdict: “A versatile pack with durable fabrics and all the technical details you’d want for adventures above the treeline or big hill days.”

★★★★☆

Check 35L price at Highlander-outdoor.com

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