HikingHelly HansenDaypack

Helly Hansen Generator 20 backpack review: cool, comfy and ready to ramble

A highly breathable, comfortable and well-built pack that’s ideal for single-day hikes, challenges and general outdoor use.

✓  Top PickHelly Hansen Generator 20L Volume20 litresWeight~1 kgPrice£100 The good✓  Very comfortable on the move
✓  Excellent 3D Air Mesh ventilation
✓  Front-loading main compartment
✓  Durable YKK zippers
✓  Brilliant hipbelt pockets
✓  Hydration sleeve
✓  Reflective accents
✓  Stylish, modern design
The not-so-good✗  No rain cover included
✗  Heavier than advertised
✗  Waist straps bulky for commuting
Check price at Helly Hansen →

At a glance

Overview

Helly Hansen might be best known for their weatherproof sailing kit and ski outerwear, but the Norwegian brand’s outdoor credentials stretch well beyond the slopes. Founded in 1877, they have long supplied explorers with kit designed for the harshest environments, and in recent years they have been making a serious play in the hiking and trekking space. We have previously tested a range of Helly Hansen kit and have generally come away impressed by their blend of technicality, style and attention to detail. The Generator 20L backpack continues that trend.

Designed for single-day missions, this small but mighty pack has been built with thoughtful features that prioritise comfort and ventilation without sacrificing ruggedness. It packs down to a relatively modest size with an RRP of £100. That puts it alongside some quality competition — £5 more than the Mammut Lithium 20 (which throws in a rain cover) and £15 cheaper than the Osprey Talon 11 (more versatile but heavier and 9 litres smaller). We would argue the Generator finds a sweet spot between comfort, practicality and thoughtful design that makes it a real contender for UK day hikes, walking challenges and any time you want a capable pack to get outside with.

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How we tested

We put the Generator through its paces across three separate test hikes. First, a flat countryside ramble with plenty of stiles and gates to negotiate. Next, a tougher loop in the South Wales hills that involved steep ascents, technical descents and a rocky outcrop scramble. The final test was a long circular hike with a mix of woodland, farmland and ridgeline — plus a deliberately upped pace to mimic more challenging conditions. Across all three, we paid close attention to stability, breathability, pack access and overall comfort on the move.

Features and performance

Breathability and comfort

The first thing you feel the moment the Generator hits your back is the breathability. The 3D Air Mesh is properly generous, covering the back panel, shoulder straps and waist belt. On one of our test hikes — a steep loop in the South Wales hills on a warm spring day — we could feel the airflow doing its thing. Our back was not bone dry by the end (no pack can claim that), but there was noticeably less sweat than we have experienced with similarly sized daypacks. It is comfortable too, thanks to the firm but forgiving waist belt that keeps everything in place. Even scrambling over rocky outcrops or leaning forward on steep ascents, the Generator stayed snug and stable — no bounce, no shifting.

Front-loading and storage

Imagine you are on a long-distance challenge, pace is everything, and you do not want to waste minutes digging through a cluttered bag. That is where the front-loading design really comes into its own. Zip it open and you are instantly looking at the full interior — jacket, trail mix, whatever you need. You are not fishing around elbow-deep trying to reach the bottom like you would with a top-loader. That means less faff and more time walking.

Inside, there is a deep hydration sleeve that holds a water bladder securely — but we also found it useful for keeping a lightweight jacket separate from the rest of our kit. The front pocket is ideal for gloves, a buff, or a packable waterproof — surprisingly roomy for a 20-litre bag. The hipbelt pockets are some of the best-placed and best-built ones we have come across on a pack this size. On one trip, we stashed our phone in the left and snacks in the right, and could reach both on the move without breaking stride. Pockets are stiff enough to hold their shape, so you are not awkwardly fumbling to fish something out.

“The Generator never once slowed us down — and that’s really the best compliment we can give it. It just works, and works well.”

Build quality and details

Build quality is solid. The YKK zippers — anyone who has spent time outdoors will tell you that is shorthand for reliability — glide easily even with cold fingers or when the pack is stuffed full. The webbing daisy chain might not get used every time, but when you have poles to attach or a carabiner you do not want buried in a pocket, you will be glad it is there. Reflective accents are tucked in smartly — not garish, just enough to catch headlights on country lanes at dusk.

The one genuine omission is a rain cover. For a pack clearly built with long days out in the UK in mind, it is a bit of an oversight — and something we would love to see Helly Hansen address in future versions.

Performance in UK conditions

Across every test outing, the Generator held its own brilliantly. On a relaxed countryside ramble, it proved its everyday credentials straight away — loaded with a tripod, jacket, flask, snacks and essentials, we still had space left over, and the pack never got in the way at stiles or gates. On a Welsh mountain circuit with full load, steep climbing and descending, and a deliberate diversion over rocky outcrops, it stayed locked in place. The combination of sternum strap and waist belt kept the centre of gravity tight. As the sun rose and temperature climbed, the 3D Air Mesh became more than a feature — it became a genuine performance booster.

Our verdictA dependable, breathable and stylish daypack for UK hikes — hard to beat at £100.If you are looking for a dependable, breathable and stylish daypack for your hikes, the Helly Hansen Generator is hard to beat. At £100 it is up there in price, but what you get is a very high-performing 20-litre pack with smart features, brilliant comfort and excellent usability on the move. It is not aimed at ultralighters or commuters — but for anyone who hikes for pleasure, challenge or fitness, this is a bag that will more than hold its own. A rain cover would make it complete. Everything else already is.Buy the Helly Hansen Generator 20 at Helly Hansen →

FAQs

How comfortable is the Helly Hansen Generator backpack?Very. The 3D Air Mesh on the back, straps and waist belt distributes pressure evenly and keeps airflow excellent. It stays put on steeper terrain and feels balanced with a full load — making it ideal for all-day hikes.

How durable is the Helly Hansen Generator backpack?Extremely well made. YKK zippers, reinforced materials and quality stitching suggest long-term use will not be a problem. After multiple test hikes including scrambling, it showed no signs of wear.

How breathable is the Helly Hansen Generator backpack?One of its best features. The 3D Air Mesh across the back and straps offers excellent ventilation. Even on warm days and high-output hikes, we stayed much cooler than we would with other 20L packs.

Is the Helly Hansen Generator backpack worth the money?Yes. It is a premium daypack with smart features, excellent comfort and solid durability. The missing rain cover is a genuine omission — but everything else is so well executed that we think it justifies the £100 price tag for regular UK hikers.