MontaneTrailblazer 18 Backpack

Best backpack I own, genuinely look forward to going for a hike and putting it on.

The best backpack I've owned. Super lightweight, very strong and versatile.I looked for many weeks for a suitable pack for work. I walk 10-12 miles per day and cycle around 20 miles. This pack does everything I need and does it well.. The stretchy pockets work far better than I expected, the pack holds just as much as my larger pack and is about ten time lighter. All the zips work well, the straps are easy to adjust and feel comfortable all day. The front pockets are really useful and there's a bladder pouch ( I haven't used this yet as I don't get on with bladders ) I would highly recommend this pack for walking or cycling, not tried running with it yet..

Excellent fit, feels like it hugs me. No movement when hiking. Lots of pockets with useful ones on the waist band which is easy to reach without having to take it off. Would recommend.

I purchased this elsewhere from an "outdoor" shop as it was cheaper by a few £.I also use an Osprey Raptor 14 for the same purpose and will admit to being an Osprey fan (I have a few Osprey bags). I will use the Osprey as a comparison as I use both for similar purposes. Reason for purchase a short walk bag (Less than 8 miles) to carry, waterproof, water, snacks etc. for 60 to 180 mins hours walk.Weight - Its lightweight weighing less than the Raptor. I do have a concern that the material used may not stand up to long term use. The raptor is made of more robust material and I have used that for the last 4 years and it is still going strong. Time will tell on this. At the moment the Trailblazer winds very marginally on this.Comfort - is good. The Raptor probably scores half a star more as it has a better hip belt but it is only noticeably if you are being picky (like me). It sits nicely on my shoulders (1.79m and 78 kgs). It has a hip belt and Montane chest strap configuration which is two elasticated straps . It did take me a couple of days to get these chest strap right but it is good system and helps with the fitting/stability of the pack. The pack sits nicely on my back and can be loosen/tighten quite easily. Both bags score the same on this (high).Waterproof. I have not had it out in rain for long periods only in a 30 min shower and a 45 min rain but it did stand up well. As with all other rucksacks I would use a dry bag if I had something that needs protecting from the rain - clothes, electronics etc. So far there it compares favourably with the Raptor. Both bags score the same on this (high) although I would probably give the edge to the Raptor.Size – It’s a good size and my kit fits well. As we are now in Autumn I either carry a Soft shell (Rab) or a thermal layer as well as a hard shell. These fit easily in the main compartment. As it is constructed of lightweight slightly stretchy material, my jackets are easily stuffed into the main compartment. Both bags score the same on this (high) with edge to the trailblazerPockets/pouches - It has less than the Raptor but to it does not suffer from this. You have two large hip pockets - These will fit a Sigg 250ml bottle, although you cannot close the zip completely - that said the bottle sits quite securely with the zip pulled almost closed even when moving across rougher terrain. This is better than the Raptor which does not offer these. It also two harness (shoulder) pockets. These will take my Phone (compact Sony and a Garmin GPS unit (if required) or snack etc. It has a large main compartment - see above an d also a front smaller pocket which has a zipped compartment and the usual key clip.It has a hydration pouch which is easily accessibly and will hold one of my Osprey packs easily. The closure could stand some improvement but again it doesn’t detract from the performance. It is easy to get into than the Raptor (which is not difficult).Both bags score the same on this (high) although I would probably give the edge to the Raptor.Costs- This is where it scores very high. It was less than half the cost of my Raptor (£45 vs. £98). Trailblazer over the RaptorNiggles – these are NOT big niggles. I would prefer a wider hip belt. The pull straps for the shoulder straps can also be long and have annoyed me on one occasion. This was resolved by tucking them into the hip belt. The Raptor has loops that keep the straps away form your hands as I bounce along, The chest straps also bounce off you when not in use (solved by pulling the buckles back to the shortest setting. To be honest these are VERY small niggles and I have a few niggles with the Raptor too.It’s a very good pack for the price I paid. I can see me using it spring though Autumn a lot (I have used it every day for the last few weeks). If I have to choose between this and the Raptor it would be tough and would depend on what mood I am in.

Love this backpack. My previous one was a little large and cumbersome. This one is lightweight, fits well but still has plenty of room to carry all we need. Love it!

I needed to replace my previous backpack for day hikes and wanted a pack that addressed all the niggles I had with that one. After much research I purchased a Montane Trailblazer 30 and it was so great that I decided I needed a smaller version in my life for shorter walks -- hence this purchase. Two main selling points for me. Firstly, there are plenty of pockets to put things. In particular, there are easy-to-reach pockets at the side and on the front of the shoulder straps which can be accessed easy without removing the pack. Secondly, the pack, with the waist and quick-release chest straps, sits so comfortably on your back that you barely notice you have it on. (It's also adjustable for different body lengths and preferences, but it's just fine for me out of the packaging.) And it has all the other things you'd expect from a quality hiking/trekking back pack -- pole loops, waterproof and hard-wearing fabric, sections for damp gear, space for hydration packs (if you use that sort of thing). I'm tempted to buy a couple more to store away somewhere in case they stop making them. If there's one drawback, it's a lack of colour options, but hey!