Amplifi Stratos MK II hydration pack

The stratos is notably heavier than any other pack here at just over 1.5kg but that’s due largely to its motorbike-grade Armourgel back protector.

Fat, cushy straps and a vented back panel add comfort, but with the spine guard in place and a bladder (not included) full of water it’s a heavy beast, though it does stay in place well. It’s a far comfier prospect without the back pad. Features include plenty of pockets (including easy-access hip ones), a heavy-duty rain cover, reflective light loop, helmet net, tool roll and compression straps to carry your pads. If you’re the kind of rider who enjoys epic all-dayers yet heads off to the Alps for some gravity riding too, then this could be the pack for you. It comes in a range of colours, as well as black, and two sizes.

BLADDER? No

SPINE PROTECTION? Yes

Price 225$ (L/XL), 210$ (S/M)

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

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KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

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SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

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