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TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review

This certainly isn't a pack for the height of winter. In fact, it's probably a stretch to even call it a winter pack at all, due to the thinlish) materials used, ultralight construction and trail running-inspired design. But not all winter activities have to be slow and steady requiring maximum protection, particularly when much of December-March in the UK is snow-less without a deep freeze. Instead you can still indulge in fast-hiking, peak- bagging trips and big mountain days if that's
your M.O. - and the Trailblazer 44 is a great pack for such an approach. I found it exceptionally comfortable, light
and agile during testing on the 21-summit, 50km Cumbria Traverse. The figure- hugging, minimalist shoulder straps and
hipbelt, which are reminiscent of a running vest, delivered excellent close-to-the-body stability while the zipped chest and wing pockets provided superb on-the-go storage (although the latter are too far back, making access awkward). Iņ terms of load-carrying support, a single central stay gives decent structural rigidity (although this isn't a pack for hefty loads),
while the back panel's mesh and perforated foam are designed for comfort and ventilation. Access is via a lidless roll-top
design and you also get a handy mesh stuff pocket, two wand pockets and an internal security pocket