Review: The Helly Hansen Generator 20L Backpack, My Thoughts after Testing on a few different Hikes, is it a Keeper?

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I’ve been using the Helly Hansen Generator 20L Backpack on a few local rambles and a couple of bigger hikes, and I’ve got to say, I’m impressed. It’s become my go-to daypack, and while it’s not perfect, it ticks so many boxes that it’s definitely earned its spot by the door, ready for the next walk.

Sleek, sturdy and built for British trails, the Helly Hansen Generator is a daypack that thrives on movement, whether you’re hiking ridgelines in Wales or navigating stiles on a local ramble.

👉 Product link: Helly Hansen Generator 20L Backpack

A huge thank you to ‘The Great British Adventure Club‘ for bringing me into the team as a gear tester, and proudly this is my first review for the GBAC. The GBAC are unbiased, authentic, honest and lovers of the Great British outdoors, and want to share their experience so you can maximise your next big great British adventure. So, how did the Helly Hansen Generator 20 Backpack do? You can also read the GBAC review here.

Ideal for: Hiking, day trips
Not suitable for: Running, trail running, fastpacking

The Helly Hansen Generator 20L backpack is a thoughtfully designed daypack tailored for short to mid-length UK adventures. Weighing in at just over a kilo, it features an ultra-breathable 3D Air Mesh back panel, easy-access front loading, sturdy YKK zippers and a host of smart storage options, including hip belt pockets and a hydration sleeve.

While it doesn’t come with a rain cover, its well-considered features, comfort and ease of use make it a top-tier choice for everything from long-distance walking challenges to circular countryside hikes. At £100, it’s not cheap, but for a pack this well made, we think it’s worth every penny.

The Review

Helly Hansen might be best known for their weatherproof sailing gear and ski outerwear, but the Norwegian brand’s outdoor credentials stretch well beyond the slopes. Founded back in 1877, they’ve long supplied explorers with kit that’s designed for the harshest environments, and in recent years, they’ve been making a serious play in the hiking and trekking space. The GBAC have previously tested lots 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. While it’s not an ultralight option, its weight still feels minimal in hand and on the shoulders, and it’s clearly been crafted with active movement in mind. It packs down to a relatively modest size and has a recommended retail price of £100. For anyone searching for a balanced and in-depth Helly Hansen Generator review, this is where the Generator really begins to shine.

That price puts it in the same category as some quality competition. It’s £5 more expensive than the Mammut Lithium 20, which offers similar 3D foam ventilation and even throws in a rain cover. It’s also £15 cheaper than the Osprey Talon 11, which arguably offers even more versatility and all-round durability, but weighs more and gives up 9 litres in volume. While those are strong contenders, we’d 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 just want a good, capable backpack to get outside with. This Generator backpack review aims to show exactly why.

How I tested the Generator

I put the Generator through its paces across three separate test hikes. The first outing was a flat countryside ramble with plenty of stiles and gates to negotiate. Next, I took it on 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, I paid close attention to stability, breathability, pack access and overall comfort on the move.

What we liked about it

Let’s start with the first thing you feel the moment the Generator hits your back, the breathability. The 3D Air Mesh is properly generous, covering the back panel, shoulder straps and waist belt. It’s not just there for show, either. On one of the test hikes, a steep loop in the South Wales hills on a warm spring day I could feel the airflow doing its thing. My back wasn’t bone dry by the end (what pack can claim that?), but there was noticeably less sweat than I’ve experienced with similarly sized daypacks. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you’re stopping for a snack and suddenly feel a wet patch turning cold on your back, you’ll understand why I rate this mesh so highly. It’s 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.

Now imagine you’re on a long-distance challenge. You’re tracking time, pace is everything, and you don’t want to waste minutes digging through a cluttered bag. That’s where the front-loading design really comes into its own. Zip it open and you’re instantly looking at the full interior, jacket? Grab it. Trail mix? Right there. It’s such a game-changer for on-the-go organisation. You’re not fishing around elbow-deep trying to reach the bottom like you would with a top-loader, and that means less faff and more time walking.

👉 Product link: Helly Hansen Generator 20L Backpack

Build quality? Solid. You can feel it in the zips, they’re YKK, which anyone who’s spent time outdoors will tell you is shorthand for reliability. They glide easily, even with cold fingers or when the pack’s stuffed full. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a difference every single time you’re reaching for something mid-hike. Another quietly brilliant detail is the webbing daisy chain, you might not use it every time, but when you’ve got poles to attach or a carabiner you don’t want buried in a pocket, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Interior Space

Inside, there’s a deep hydration sleeve that holds your water bladder securely, but I also found it useful for keeping a lightweight jacket separate from the rest of our gear. It’s a good way to avoid the damp snack/coat combo you sometimes get when everything’s crammed in together. The front pocket, meanwhile, is ideal for the bits you always want on hand: gloves, a buff, maybe a packable waterproof. It’s surprisingly roomy for a 20L bag.

And let’s talk about the hipbelt pockets. These are some of the best-placed and best-built ones we’ve come across on a pack this size. On one trip, I stashed my phone in the left pocket and snacks in the right, and I could reach both on the move without breaking stride. The pockets are stiff enough to hold their shape, so you’re not awkwardly fumbling to fish something out, a real plus on the go. Then there’s the little hook on the upper strap. I used it to hang my cap, but it’s spot-on for clipping on a GPS, water bottle or even a map case if that’s your thing.

The Generator doesn’t shout about its styling, but it looks sharp. The black colourway gives it a modern, understated feel, and the Helly Hansen logo is clean and well placed. You’ll also find reflective accents tucked in smartly, not garish, just enough to catch headlights if you’re walking country lanes at dusk. The sternum strap is easy to adjust and helps pull the load in nicely. The only thing missing here, really, is a rain cover. For a pack that’s clearly built with long days out in the UK in mind, it’s a bit of an oversight, and something I’d love to see Helly add in future versions. This Helly Hansen Generator review wouldn’t be complete without pointing that out.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for a dependable, breathable and stylish daypack for your hikes, the Helly Hansen Generator is hard to beat. At £100 it’s 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’s not aimed at ultra lighters or commuters, though you could get away with it for the odd train journey, but for anyone who hikes for pleasure, challenge or fitness, this is a bag that will more than hold its own.

The Helly Hansen Generator 20L Backpack: Check Price