Berghaus Freeflow 20 Rucksack Review

Overview

The Berghaus Freeflow 20 is a no-frills 20-liter daypack built around Berghaus’s Freeflow suspended mesh back system — essentially a curved plastic frame that bows the main pack away from your spine to boost airflow. It’s aimed at day hikers and ramblers who want a breathable, budget-friendly pack for short-to-medium outings rather than multi-day trekkers who need serious load-hauling capacity.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Volume	20L
Weight	840g (includes raincover)
Dimensions	50H x 27W x 18D cm
Material	300D high density polyester
Raincover	Included
Hydration compatible	Yes
Walking pole loops	Yes
Hip-belt pockets	None

Performance

The headline feature here is the Freeflow back system, and by most accounts it does what it says on the tin. One reviewer who tested it specifically to solve a sweaty-back problem on hot-weather trips found the freeflow design makes minimal contact with the back and, where contact does occur, the materials used prevent sweating. Another long-term user who put 8 months into the pack similarly noted the Freeflow system to work reasonably well at keeping his back dry, though only the top half of the shoulder straps breathe well. So don’t expect miracle-level ventilation across the whole harness — it’s the back panel and upper straps doing the real work.

Comfort under load gets consistently good marks for a pack in this weight class. Testers reported it stayed comfortable even loaded up — one reviewer packed 2 vacuum flasks, 3 large water bottles, 2 waterproofs and food, totalling around 7 kg, and the Freeflow 20 swallowed it easily and without bulging at the seams. The shoulder straps and hip belt were both singled out as comfortable, and the frame kept things stable: the shoulder straps are padded and comfortable, the hip belt is comfortable too, and the frame and mesh arrangement hugged the reviewer’s back well. That said, fit isn’t universal — one user with a roughly 20-inch back found the Freeflow 20 rides above his normal resting point for the hip belt, so it’s worth trying on if your torso runs on the shorter side.

Storage is where opinions split. The main compartment’s curved frame creates some awkward, oddly-shaped space, but the half-length zip helps: the main pocket is not very roomy and has an awkward space due to the curved plastic frame, but thanks to the zipper opening almost half way down the pack you can still fill it pretty well or reach the bottom without having to take everything out. The top lid pocket fares better — the zipped top lid pocket is great and will accommodate phone, keys, sunglasses and wallet without problems within accessible reach. Side pockets are functional but small, fitting a point and shoot camera in its pouch or a small water bottle. The biggest recurring complaint, though, is the total absence of hip-belt pockets — one reviewer called it the biggest oversight in the design, noting in general hip-belt pockets are a minimum expectation for an outdoorsy rucksack, since it means no handy access to keys, phone or wallet without taking the bag off.

Weather resistance is decent but not bombproof. One long-commute tester found it weather-resistant and tested through a very wet summer — while not waterproof, it kept nicely folded clothes dry on wet commutes of around 20 minutes. The included raincover earns praise when it’s actually in the box: in heavy rain one user had to deploy the bag’s raincover, kept in a zipped compartment at the base, and it worked very well, keeping the contents of the bag dry. Worth flagging, though — this hasn’t been universal. One reviewer’s unit arrived without it: there should be a shower proof rain cover included, although this is not present on the bag I have been sent. Worth double-checking on arrival if buying secondhand or from a reseller.

Build quality gets a thumbs-up across the board, with fabric and stitching holding up over extended use. After 8 months of regular use, one owner reported the pack was still in very good condition with minimum wear at the bottom and hip belt areas, and another noted the material is very sturdy straight out of the box.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Genuinely breathable back panel that keeps sweat down on hot days
• Comfortable carry even loaded close to capacity
• Half-length main zip makes packing and bottom access much easier than a top-loader
• Well-built top lid pocket for quick-access essentials
• Durable materials that hold up over months of regular use
• Raincover included (when present) works well in heavy rain

Cons

• No hip-belt pockets — a genuine annoyance for quick access to phone, keys, or snacks
• Main compartment shape is awkward due to the curved frame, limiting usable volume
• Side pockets are small, fine for a water bottle but not much else
• Some units have reportedly shipped without the advertised raincover
• Hip belt may sit high for shorter-torso wearers
• Not ideal for cycling or high-intensity movement, per at least one tester

Who Should Buy This

This is a solid pick for casual day hikers and ramblers doing warm-weather outings where breathability matters more than raw capacity — think summer trail walks, dog walks, or light commuting. If you regularly carry bulky winter layers, need quick-grab hip-belt storage, or plan on anything more strenuous than walking, look elsewhere.

Verdict

The Freeflow 20 does its core job — keeping your back cool and carrying a day’s worth of gear comfortably — reasonably well for the price, but the lack of hip-belt pockets and the fiddly main compartment keep it from being a standout. I’d call it a 6.5/10: a sensible budget daypack for fair-weather rambling, not a pack I’d reach for if organization and all-day comfort on rougher terrain are top priorities.