There were lots of things – at the Outdoor Show – that got me thinking, but I’ve only now got the time to think about them in terms of blog entries.

I’ve already made the point that it is difficult to see new gear at the show, but I did get a good opportunity to have a look at some of the new packs that are around this year. Those of you in the market for a new pack for this summer’s treks have a good range a new packs available. I’d already had a long look at the new Golite packs with Bob and Rob (from Golite) and, at the show, I had a long chat with Paul from Hike-Like who’d bought along some of the new Osprey and Gregory packs

One of the most obvious features of the new ranges is their move towards a more lightweight style. The Golite packs are, of course, lightweight and I’ve mention them before. The new Jam takes all of the features of the old Jam and gives you a bigger, better featured pack for less weight. The new Pinnacle seems quite an improvement on the old Gust.

Osprey and Gregory are old rivals, initially in the North American market, and more recently, internationally. I suppose in recent years – certainly in terms of Europe – Osprey have stolen a lead. But it is the new Gregory packs that impress me the most and the company seems to have learnt quite a lot from the lightweight, specialist companies. The new Z55 is a very interesting pack and, to me, seems quite an improvement on the previous Z pack. I haven’t played around with this any more than you would do in a shop, but it seems very comfortable.

By contrast the new Osprey’s look a bit disappointing. I was interested in having a look at the new Talon range but I didn’t find them as impressive as the Gregory range, and I speak as someone who has happily used Osprey packs, on and off, for the last five years or so. What is really off-putting is a mass of loose, flapping straps that seem to be attached to every part of the pack and it’s not really clear what they’re there for. It was suggested to me that all of these features make the packs look exciting when they’re on the wall of a shop; I doubt they make much difference when walking.

So, if you’re looking for a new pack you have some impressive new gear to consider this year. Of course, you wouldn’t expect this column to ignore weight and in this field Golite still rule supreme. While the Gregory’s and Osprey’s are fine, comfortable packs they are heavy, primarily I guess because of their big and over elaborate back systems. One of the big lessons I’ve learnt from my lightweight experiences is that you can have a very comfortable back system that is still very simple; they can still carry loads well and are just as breathable. But I guess that carrying a full pack can be such a strenuous affair that we want to believe that all of that hi-tec stuff – new polymers, back shapes and air channels, will really make life more comfortable. I doubt that they really do. Certainly, I’d advise people to take a half a kilogram weight reduction over a fancy back system any time.

So, the Pinnacle seems excellent – and great value for money as well. But if you want a more conventional back system then the new Golite Quest seems a real winner – still coming out favourably in the weight stakes. Beyond Golite the Gregory range looks very interesting and I’m assured that they carry well with all of the traditional Gregory comfort.