One of Tiso’s most popular hiking backpacks is the Jack Wolfskin ACS hike 24 and 26 litres. On a recent trip to the Isle of Bute we tested both of these backpacks while cycling and hiking part of the West Island way. During our trip we faced a whole host of different weather conditions including sun, rain and sleet! These backpacks stood up to these conditions very well and performed exceptionally.

The ACS hike 24 litres is a women’s specific pack, it is designed to suit the female anatomy. This pack features narrower shoulder straps and a shorter back length. The ACS hike 26 litres has a slightly longer back length suiting taller people and this creates a slightly larger capacity at 26 litres.

The Jack Wolfskin ACS hike describes its key feature in its name, the Air Controlled System. This suspension back system holds the load away from your back letting air flow between you and the backpack, avoiding you getting a hot back in warmer conditions. This backpack is a very comfortable fit and with this suspension back system gives a great feel of control over the load in the backpack.

The Jack Wolfskin ACS hike has many different compartments to organised gear. It has a large lid compartment to store keys, phone, wallet etc. A main compartment accessed under the lid and a large base compartment accessed by a separate bottom zip. Even though it is just a small pack, this level of compartmentalisation is very helpful when you need something right at the bottom of your backpack and can just access it through the zip instead of pulling everything out first!

This backpack includes all the key features you would hope for out of a top of the range pack, including, an integrated rain cover in the base compartment, a chest strap with safety whistle, attachments for your trekking poles, hydration bladder compatible and handy pockets in your waist belt for your phone or easy access snacks!

The Jack Wolfskin ACS backpack has the attention to detail and added features of a much more expensive pack. Currently at Tiso the Jack Wolfskin ACS backpack is £65.00, this a significantly lower price than other backpackers in the same category. Being constructed of a ripstop fabric, it is strong and durable but also lightweight. I was most impressed by the comfort of this pack when carrying a heavy load and would recommended it for anyone wanting an all-round mid-sized day pack that doesn’t break the bank balance.

Images Courtesy of Rachel Keenan Photography ©