Why We Chose It: Comfortable, practical, great ventilation, eco-friendly
The search for the perfect daypack has consumed us for years here at Outdoors Magic. We’ve tested some brilliant offerings, but it’s fair to say that there have also been many false grails – clever and innovative packs that have been let down by annoying quirks and niggles, or otherwise brilliant packs that are just a fraction too heavy, too expensive or too fragile.
Vaude’s Brenta 30 may not quite be the ultimate daypack, but it’s pretty damn close. In terms of carrying comfort, back ventilation and practicality it ticks every box. Commendably, it achieves all this by also being a more sustainable product than many of its rivals, incorporating recycled fabrics and a PFC-free water repellent finish.
What Is The Brenta 30 Best Suited To?
The brand describes it as ‘a sporty hiking backpack for demanding day trips’, and to be fair that just about sums it up. It’s a comfortable and capable gear-hauler with a roomy 30 litres of volume, which ought to give you all the carrying capacity you’re likely to need for three-season hiking and hillwalking. Plenty of practical pockets also give you quick and easy access to your kit on the go.
Eco Credentials
The Brenta 30 is partly made from polyester that includes fibres from recycled PET plastic bottles. The bottles are collected, cleaned, melted down and processed into high-quality yarn, which conserves both resources and energy compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
“It’s PFC-free and incorporates recycled polyester.”
The pack also features Vaude’s water repellent Eco Finish. Applied to the face fabric of the product, it uses no environmentally harmful fluorocarbons (PFCs). As such, this pack carries the Vaude Green Shape label, which stands for environmentally-friendly, functional products made from sustainable materials.
Construction and Performance
The Brenta 30 has an adjustable back system to deliver a precise fit, with ergonomically sculpted shoulder straps to alleviate pressure points. The suspended back panel holds the load slightly away from the body, improving airflow and ventilation. That’s a real bonus if you’re pounding out the miles on long, sweaty summit-bagging days with lots of punishing ascent.
