The Helly Hansen Generator Backpack has made a bold entrance into my hiking gear collection, promising durability, comfort, and practicality. After testing it on a few recent hikes around the South Downs and throughout Sussex, I can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation.

With a stylish yet durable design, it’s equally suited for serious treks and casual day trips, all while providing much-needed support for anyone looking to prevent lower back strain. Here’s a closer look at how this £100 backpack performs on the trail and what makes it a stand-out choice for outdoor fanatics.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the Generator Backpack’s strongest suits, particularly with its well-thought-out waist belt and adjustable harness system. The waist belt has two stretch mesh zip pockets and, crucially, transfers weight from your shoulders to your hips—an absolute relief on long hikes when you’re carrying a full load.

Traditional backpacks often leave my lower back sore, but with the Generator, weight distribution is well-balanced, minimising strain across my back and shoulders. I’m often guilty of taking a normal backpack and not strapping around the waist, with a heavy water bottle and snacks in my bag, so I get home and ache during the night, however this was the perfect solution.

The adjustable sternum strap adds extra security, ensuring the pack stays stable even on uneven terrain, and includes a whistle, a practical touch for outdoor safety.

Storage

The 20-litre capacity is perfect for day hikes or short excursions, offering just the right amount of space for essentials. The main compartment, accessible via a wide U-shaped front zipper, makes it easy to locate items quickly without having to dig through from the top.

Inside, a dedicated hydration sleeve (with a hanger loop) allows for hands-free drinking on the go, something I need to make the most of as I use something similar when jogging and it was a gamechanger. There’s also an expandable front stuff pocket for easy-to-grab items, whether it’s a rain jacket, camera, or snacks (it’s always snacks, let’s be honest).

The side compression straps ensure that, even when the pack isn’t fully loaded, everything remains snug and close to your body, maintaining a streamlined profile. On the hip belt, the two zipped mesh pockets are perfect for smaller essentials such as keys, phone, or a compact energy bar, no more stopping to rummage around inside the main compartment.

Material

Helly Hansen has outdone itself with the materials used on the Generator Backpack. The YKK zippers and durable fabric ensure that this bag can handle rough conditions. The 3D air mesh on the back panel, shoulder straps, and waist belt enhances ventilation, keeping me cool even during strenuous uphill climbs.

This material is designed to wick away sweat, meaning fewer sweaty patches and no uncomfortable rubbing. The backpack is also surprisingly lightweight at just 710g, making it easy to carry even when fully packed.

Features

One of the Generator’s standout practical features is the hydration compatibility, with a built-in sleeve for a water pack (I definitely need to buy some). Staying hydrated on hikes is essential, and I found this feature incredibly convenient. The expandable front pocket also scores points for versatility, allowing me to stash items that I wanted to keep easily accessible, like a rain cover or a spare jumper. The pack also features a webbing daisy chain for attaching additional gear like trekking poles or carabiners.

Reflective elements on the backpack provide added visibility, which is especially valuable if you’re hiking close to dusk or early in the morning. The U-shaped zipper pulls are designed to be glove-friendly, so you won’t have to fumble when the temperature drops (which is just around the corner now). This attention to detail in small design aspects showcases Helly Hansen’s commitment to making a product that works with you, not against you.

Performance on the Sussex Trail

Taking the Generator Backpack on various types of terrain through the South Downs, I found it adaptable to different environments and weather conditions (forever being chased by the rain). The deep canyon colour stood out against natural landscapes, making it easy to spot if you were to set it down for a break.

I carried the pack on both mild and challenging trails (or at least challenging for me), and the robust design handled it all, there were no loose stitches or damaged zips, and the bag maintained its shape even when I packed it to capacity.

Even after hours of hiking, I didn’t experience discomfort or back strain, which is unusual for me. I noticed a significant difference with the weight distribution, particularly on challenging trails with elevation. It’s clear that this pack is engineered with the hiker in mind, offering genuine support on demanding treks.

Of course, I had to finish off each trek with a roast dinner, it would be rude not to!

Conclusion

Helly Hansen’s Generator Backpack combines style, functionality, and comfort in a way that few daypacks do, but it’s what I expect from this amazing brand I’ve become a big advocate for. While £100 means it’s not a cheap backpack, the Generator offers real value with its long-lasting build quality, ergonomic design, and functionality.

It’s clear that Helly Hansen has thought through the needs of hikers, from the breathable mesh for ventilation to the hydration sleeve compatibility and easily accessible pockets. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just enjoy occasional outdoor excursions around England, this backpack is an excellent choice that delivers comfort and reliability on every single trip.

If you’re in the market for a backpack that prioritises support, style, and smart storage options, the Helly Hansen Generator Backpack deserves serious consideration and I’d definitely go for it!