Vango Heritage Trail 25 Backpack

Those of you that have followed Bearded Outdoors from the beginning of our journey, will be aware that we love nothing more than encouraging people to explore the great outdoors and go and have an adventure! People get apprehensive for many reasons about starting to go hiking, which is not helped by the constant reminder on social media that you’ve not got the right kit for the job let alone the legs or abs. We aim to smash that common held belief.

Okay some of it is for your own safety. We don’t want people wandering up mountains in flip flops with no idea where the trail leads, but it’s not as difficult to get started as some might think.

We’ve said this before, and it probably never change, but to get yourself out there on your local hiking trails you really only need two pieces of kit. Two items that you may not already have at home. The first is a good sturdy pair of boots to absorb the rougher terrain your ankles and feet might be shocked to find. The second is a comfortable and practical backpack. If you’re going to have water bottles, coats, blankets, sandwiches and maybe even a thermos full of tea strapped to your back, you’re going to want it to be comfortable.

We have recently joined forces with Vango to show you some of their products. Vango started life in 1966 in Scotland, and are one of the leading outdoors companies around. They have products ranging from backpacks to groundsheets and caravan awnings to walking poles. Head to their website to see their extensive range of outdoor goods to make your trips into the wild a lot more comfortable.

The product we’ve been giving a thorough testing in the Peak District recently is the Heritage Trail 25 Backpack. A classic looking bag with a durable construction and a modern twist. First impressions of the bag were great. It felt tough. The fabric was strong and gave the impression that this bag wasn’t just for show. The classic black design was broken up with the strong orange branding Vango has been famous for since 1966. We placed our steel water bottle, snacks, map and waterproofs in the bag and went to find somewhere to explore.

Our testing ground was in Monsall Dale in the Peak District. Situated near Bakewell, the steep sided valley encapsulates the Monsall Viaduct and the Monsall Trail. The bag would be tested on steep climbs, twisting woodland paths and windy ridge lines. With the bag on our backs we could feel the AirForce back system working straight away. The padding was amazing and allowed the weight on the bag to be spread across your back without it digging in anywhere. Also, throughout the whole day of walking, our backs didn’t feel warm or sweaty. The straps were wide and chunky over our shoulders and there was no risk of them slipping down at all, something we’ve found with other backpacks.

The pockets on each side provided us with ample storage for camera lenses, snacks and our phones. There is also a pocket inside which would be more secure for car keys and other valuables. Also inside was a deep pocket for a hydration pack with a hole labeled “H2O” on the side for you to conveniently poke your drinking hose through.

The first part of our hike involved a steep downhill section consisting of steps. The backpack stayed stable on my back throughout this. We then hiked along a flat trail for a while, and this is when the bag came into its own. After a while the backpack feels as if its a part of you. I know how that sounds but it’s true. It is so comfortable. It hugs your back and shoulders whilst spreading any weight in it across your body.

We climbed up the sides of the steep valley and onto the ridge line, looking down to the River Wye. It was a breezy, cold day and the bag didn’t get twisted or buffeted by the gusts. When walking up the incline it didn’t rock from side to side either, like many do. It was stable and, again, very comfortable.

This backpack has some great extras like loops and attachments for holding walking poles and hydration packs, but it doesn’t lose its purpose with these features. The bag is a top quality backpack for day trips and long hikes. It would suit someone new to the pastime or an experienced rambler wanting a smaller bag for day trips. This bag would also be just as good in a city as a weekend bag or even on your bicycle if commuting.

The backpack is just one of many bags Vango offer. The Heritage Trail 25 retails at £50 and is available from Vango Stockists. Head to the Vango website to find out more about the backpack and about Vango.