I’m very picky about how I pack and being used to the structure of a suitcase, I didn’t fancy the prospect of cramming all my possessions into a rucksack. With the Vango Freedom 60+20L however, I was able to unzip it on three sides - allowing full access to organise everything as I wished, not to mention find it again without causing mass disruption! Two straps across the main section and a drawstring helped secure everything in place before zipping up.

Pockets on the inside of the front flap and one on the outside (behind where the daysack attaches), although handy, are best just for papers and a small guidebook, as keeping too much here makes it tricky to close the bag if it’s already fairly full. That said, although the bag may not seem to have as much spare space as some more flexible designs, I was able to fit in plenty of souvenirs. Even when packed to its limit, the zips and seams barely seemed to flinch at the strain.

The daysack is a very welcome addition with plenty of space, including a zippered compartment on the front and elasticated net pockets on either side, big enough to take a 500ml bottle. Two clips near the handle at the top allowed me to attach a pack-away rain jacket, sleeping bag liner and travel towel when I was travelling overnight with just the daysack. Inside there are lots of handy pockets, one large one across the back and several smaller ones as well as a clip and pen slots.

This rucksack offers plenty of adjustments to the straps to make it a comfortable fit. I found myself making little tweaks during the first few wears as I got used to how it sat, but after that it became a part of me. When transferring at airports though, I opted to carry it as a holdall, using its side handle, as I’d have the straps stowed away in its handy flight cover – a great way to prevent damage or finding that your ideally adjusted straps have shifted in transit.

I can’t conclude this review without commenting on the fantastic purple colour this rucksack comes in, making it really stand out from the crowd. Don’t worry though, if that’s not your style, they do both this size and an 80+20L in black.

Overall the Vango Freedom is ideal for those who like everything to be in its place. The rucksack is brilliantly designed for women, in terms of both fit and style. With the handy detachable daysack included, the Vango Freedom 60+20L, is ideal for backpackers, very good value for money and looks like it’s built to last.