Bag capacity: 4 litres - Liquid capacity: 2.5 litres

With just enough room for essentials, the Typhoon has a small zipped pocket on the inside for valuables. The water pouch, which is attached to the main body of the bag, is filled via the front of the bag, which led to rather a lot of leakage and there were no measurements telling us how much water was in the bag.

The Airmesh back system means it's comfortable to carry, although the straps can't be adjusted mid-run/cycle should they need to be. Ideal for walkers who only need to carry the basics.

Bag capacity: 16 litres - Liquid capacity: 2 litres

This pack is designed for skiing and snowboarding and its hydration system is fully insulated to prevent it freezing. There are no measurements on the water pouch, which is attached to the main bag, making filling it rather awkward, but once in place it is easy to use and drink from.

The bag is comfortable to wear with padded, insulated straps and storm-proof zips. Despite its 16 litres capacity, the bag seems quite small and only has one zipped mesh compartment inside. The dark colour makes it difficult to be seen at night and, for the price, this is perhaps best for snow-lovers only.

Bag capacity: 15 litres - Liquid capacity: 1.5 litres

The Vango Mist is small but perfectly formed. The water pouch fits neatly in the main bag compartment and the drinking tube has an easy-to-use lock mechanism preventing leaks whilst on the move. It has numerous handy pockets for keys and valuables and the Air Force back system offers a comfortable, sweat-free fit.

But what really makes this pack stand out from the rest is the straps. The harness is shaped to the body, the adjustable shoulder straps are padded and the padded hip belt not only offers support, but two handy zip pockets as well. Ideal for runners but perhaps not enough storage for cyclists.

Bag capacity: 7.6 litres - Liquid capacity: 2 litres

This bag offers a whole host of accessories from the very useful safety light, the front pouch that could hold a cycle helmet, food or a waterproof to the key chain and secure inner zipped pocket. But at the price you'd expect a bit extra for what is essentially a small water pack.

The pouch has no liquid measurements on it and both compartments of the bag have narrow openings, restricting what you can get in it. The straps are adjustable and the bag sits comfortably on the back making it useful for taking on a day's hiking or cycling.

Bag capacity: 7 litres - Liquid capacity: 1 litre

The Aztec Aqua is a good basic water pack. It has reflective strips on the front, providing visibility in the dark and roomy access via the front zip that opens the length of the bag. The water pouch sits in an elasticated section of the main bag, which is spacious, but there are no other inside pockets or key chain. The two zippered mesh pockets on the front can hold maps or guidebooks but offer no protection from the elements.

You can't adjust the straps mid-run and the middle strap is neither a chest nor waist strap and could restrict breathing if the wearer was exerting themselves. But for a fell runner or hiker carrying a waterproof and a packed lunch, this bag offers good value for money.

Bag capacity: 23 litres - Liquid capacity: 2 litres

This reservoir is easy to fill and the water pouch is kept in a separate compartment from the rest of the bag. The drinking tube has a HydroLock which prevents leaking and is easy to operate.

The main compartment of the bag is very spacious and can cope easily with a change of clothes, helmet, food and whatever else you need on your travels. It fitted well on the body and offers good support from the adjustable straps and there's enough compartments on this to store keys, maps, valuables and almost the kitchen sink. Excellent value for money.