I only review products I have had for at least 6 months and have worn out several times. I am by no means an expert on hiking gear, just ahring my personal experience with different products. (None of these are sponsored)
Osprey tempest 33
Having taken this bag on summer day hikes and wild camping in heavy rain with lots of gear, I can confidently say that however much weight you are carrying this bag distributes the weight well and is comfortable to wear even after long distances. It has tonnes of useful features like hip belt pockets, an emergency whistle and a compartment for a hydration bladder.
As a student I didn’t want to be purchasing multiple bags, I wanted one that could cover a range of hikes and camping trips and this bag has done exactly that. Admittedly, it can be a bit big for a short summer hikes, however I knew this would be the case before buying it. The bag is extendable which makes it perfect for fitting extra camping gear and also for when you need to stash away layers on colder hikes. Whilst the price tag is quite high for a novice hiker like myself, I am confident that this bag should last many years.
Pros
durable
comfy to wear
hip belt
lots of compartments
Cons
rain cover not included
slightly big for short hikes