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UOG TOP PICK: The Montane Trailblazer 18, a lightweight daypack, packs features into its 18L capacity. Made from durable recycled nylon, it reduces environmental impact. The COVALENT harness ensures a stable fit. One of our Top Picks.
Montane says:
The Montane Trailblazer 18L Backpack is mapped to your body to stay stable when moving at pace, and is made with recycled materials. The COVALENT harness and shoulder straps and 100% recycled RAPTOR CROSS LITE 70D fabric provide lightweight durability, comfort and performance.
This backpack has more than twice the carrying capacity of the Trailblazer 8L, but only weighs 75g more, and can carry everything you need to be self-sufficient for fast and light one-day missions in the mountains.
Easy-to-access and adaptable storage includes wrap-around pockets, the modular Montane T-Hook system, and a stretch mesh front pocket, for fuel, drinks and spare layers. Vertical and horizontal compression straps secure the load, while the T-Hook system can be configured to carry walking poles in the mode that best suits your activity, whether you’re running your favourite trail, or fast packing off the beaten track.
Our Verdict
The Montane Trailblazer 18 is a lightweight yet robustly constructed daypack designed for fast, light mountain adventures. At just 410g, it packs an impressive array of trail-worthy features into its 18L capacity.
Constructed from durable 100% recycled nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating, the Trailblazer 18 reduces environmental impact without compromising performance. The COVALENT harness and shaped straps provide a stable, body-hugging fit when moving quickly over technical terrain.
Storage is one of this pack's strengths, with ample easy-access pockets, including wraparound hip pockets, a stretch mesh front pocket with a hidden security compartment, and Montane's adaptable T-Hook system for attaching poles, layers or accessories externally. The hydration sleeve allows it to be used as a minimalist running vest.
Compression straps secure the load, while the two T-Hooks enable customised configuration for your needs. Unfortunately, you only get two T-hooks; two more would have been welcome. They are a little stiff at first and take some manoeuvring.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS - Durable recycled Nylon fabrics throughout the packs ensure reduced environmental impact without compromise
- IMPROVED VERSATILITY - Improved pockets configuration throughout offers more versatile easy access storage, allowing more variety of carry to be stowed securely
- IMPROVED STABILITY - Gender specific moulded back panel and shaped front straps add stability and comfort when picking up the pace
- Customisable, body-hugging trail specific COVALENT harness - pulls pack close to body using vertical and horizontal compression
- Two off-centre Montane Click and Go chest harness straps for security whilst moving at fast pace
- Accessible, wrap-around wand pockets with locking security zips - access bottles/snacks on the go, lock a larger bottle poking out of zip
- Mesh stretch front pocket for quick access gear/layers on the move
- Hidden security pocket with key clip underneath mesh front pocket
- Bonded front panel and modular T-hook system - can be used to attach poles (front of pack or side carry), bungee system, extra compression strap - customise to suit your needs
- Hydration bladder compatible
- Shoulder strap pockets with mesh gusset - can fit soft flasks or hard bottles
Specifications
- Weight: 410g
- Capacity: 18L
- H 45 x W 24 x D 18
Material & Construction
- Main - Raptor Cross Lite 70D 100% Nylon (recycled) with durable UTS Polyurethane Composite coating and a PFC-Free DWR Coating
- Reinforced Base - Raptor Cross 210D 100% Nylon (recycled) Triple Ripstop with PFC-Free DWR Coating
- Lining - Halo 200D 100% Polyester with PFC-Free DWR Coating
- Mesh Pockets - Power Mesh 80% Nylon (recycled) 20% Elastane mesh
- Back Pad - Contact Open Mesh 100% Polyester mesh
- Shoulder Straps & Hip fins - Contact Air Mesh Plus 100% Polyester (recycled)
