Whilst the Vaude Skomer 24 tips in at just over our suggested price cap of £100 for “budget daypacks”, we forgave it on the grounds that there were so few female specific daypacks available at this price bracket in the first place, and that all said and done, it’s a very good pack! With a raft of features, a lot of effort has gone into creating a daypack that genuinely answers the needs of a demanding female hiker.
Lara Dunn’s verdict
This is an exceptionally well-designed pack that ticks all the boxes at a reasonable price.- Attention to detail
- comfort, fit
- environmental credentials
- No real padding at hip belt
- bottle holder pocket quite large
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | £112 |
| Weight | 894g (including optional waterproof cover)/818g (without cover) |
| Material | 200D/320D 67% Polyamide/33% Polyester (uses recycled polyester yarns); PFC-free DWR; Closure: Single clipped top lid |
| Features | single walking pole attachment, hydration bladder compatible, sternum strap, padded straps, detachable rain cover. |
Available in four colour options, the Vaude Skomer 24comes in three different sizes too – 16 litres, 24 litres and the Tour 36+ option. I tested the 24 litre variant, as being the sort of size I most often reach for when heading out for a decent day’s hiking. With one main compartment in a slight teardrop shape, there’s plenty of versatile useable space here. The top closes with an internal drawstring and a flap lid with a generous zipped pocket inside. Inside the pocket are a couple of smaller organiser pockets, and this is where the removeable raincover lives too. Inside the body of the bag is a hydration pack pocket, and on the outside is a single stretch mesh pocket suitable for a bottle, although it doesn’t favour smaller or slippery sided bottles as well as grippier ones.
The padded shoulder straps and back system are where the magic happens though. Shaped to accommodate a range of shapes and sizes of bust, the shoulder straps are superbly cushioned, adjust at the top and bottom and feature an adjustable height chest strap. The framed back system keeps the pack away from the back to prevent sweating, but it’s shaped such that it doesn’t adversely affect the weight balance of the pack if fully laden. Despite a fairly minimalist waist and hip strap (although generous in length to accommodate a range of waistlines), the Vaude Skomer 24 is stable and comfortable out on the hill, including over rough ground. There is plenty of space for a lightweight waterproof jacket, warm layer, hat, gloves, packed lunch and bits and bobs.
In addition to being comfortable, practical and stable, the environmental bonuses with this pack are impressive. First off, it’s made from tough fabric made from recycled PET bottles and is built to last. The outside is treated with an environmentally friendly water and stain resistant finish too, working well with the lid design to keep contents dry.
This is an exceptionally well-designed pack that ticks all the boxes at a reasonable price.
This review was originally published in January 2024.
