Salomon Trailblazer 20 Pack Evaluation

Backside Line

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a smooth and cozy daypack with a minimalist design and light-weight construct. Of all the luggage on our Greatest Daypacks For Climbing information, that is one in every of Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s favorites for quick and nimble adventures. He’s climbed 30+ Colorado peaks over 13,000’ with the Trailblazer and racked up over 350 miles within the Rockies, the place its stellar hydration tube routing and helpful hip pockets had been good for large days within the backcountry. With 20 liters of storage, it’s one of many smallest packs on our daypacks listing, making it a bullseye for mild adventures. 

However no bag is ideal. 20 liters could also be on the small facet in your subsequent journey, and if you happen to choose traditional options like an exterior stuff pocket, lash factors, or small zippered pockets for group, this bag might not work. The Trailblazer additionally doesn’t have a body – which is nice for packing and compressibility – however it might really feel floppy when underpacked.

Nevertheless, we hold reaching for the Trailblazer 20 when touring, operating errands, and heading out for 20+ mile fastpacking days. When you want a streamlined daypack for simply the necessities, the Trailblazer is budget-friendly and long-lasting.

Consolation

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a cushty ultralight pack for dayhikers and minimalists. We discovered the curved, ergonomic mesh shoulder straps and mesh-covered foam again panel provided dependable cushioning and breathability to assist dissipate sweat and warmth on scorching days. A versatile sternum strap and padded mesh waist belt allowed us to personalize our match. At first look, the tapered form may appear limiting, however over a yr of testing, we discovered that it distributed weight effectively. When Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer wants a daypack for quick motion and lengthy peak-bagging days, that is one in every of his first picks – together with the REI Flash 22.

Whether or not you’re tackling steep trails or informal day hikes, this pack’s light-weight construct means a comfortable carry with out compromising efficiency.

Group

The Trailblazer 20 is a quite simple day pack, nevertheless it doesn’t sacrifice storage. Our favourite factor about this mannequin is its two massive zippered pockets on the physique of the bag: one on prime for small objects, together with a key clip, and a big vertical pocket on the entrance for bulkier gear like gloves or a hat. Two waist belt pockets—one zippered, one stretchy—are good for stashing snacks or small objects like chapstick or a satellite tv for pc gadget on the go. However the standout function is the lengthy, U-shaped zipper monitor that extends almost from the underside of the bag to the highest. This gives full entry to the principle compartment with out digging via your stuff from the highest. So long as we packed the bag mindfully, our gear was straightforward to entry. Ian additionally discovered that Salomon nailed the hydration setup with hydration tube sleeves operating far down each shoulder straps. That saved his arms free and the tube in place.

On the draw back, this pack doesn’t have a stuff pocket on the again for fast entry to bulkier objects like jackets. The facet pockets are too shallow to securely maintain wider water bottles, lowering their performance. Regardless of these quirks, the Trailblazer nonetheless gives an organized expertise for many adventures.

Person-Friendliness

The Trailblazer 20 is an intuitive, fuss-free daypack that makes life on the path straightforward. We discovered that the position of the pockets and trekking pole attachments intuitive. We additionally cherished the waist pockets – a rarity in light-weight daypacks like this – for ease of use. The streamlined aesthetic isn’t solely smooth however very useful, whether or not we traversed a metropolis or a scree area.

Nevertheless, if you happen to like a extra conventional backpack design, the Trailblazer would possibly  not work. It doesn’t have a entrance stuff pocket for ease of entry, the facet mesh pockets are a bit shallow, and the tapered backside might take some getting used to when packing. However we just like the no-frills design of the Trailblazer 20- it’s a reliable selection for folk who worth simplicity.

Weight and Compressibility

When you’re searching for weight financial savings and compressibility, the Trailblazer is a frontrunner. Weighing simply 14.6 ounces, it ranked among the many lighter daypacks we reviewed. Ian wore this pack for dozens of hikes in Utah’s San Rafael Swell and cherished its barely-there really feel. Its slender and smooth design is ideal for transferring via tight areas with out subject. 

With no inflexible body, this pack additionally will be rolled or folded flat, making it straightforward to tuck into a bigger backpack or suitcase. Even when totally loaded, the minimalist design prevents bulk, with only a few straps or mesh pockets to catch or snag on path. The fabric’s pliability permits it to develop or compress relying on what’s inside, making it versatile for numerous journeys.

Briefly, the Trailblazer stays a prime decide for a light-weight answer.

Sturdiness

The Trailblazer 20 gives common sturdiness, but it’s confirmed its mettle on some robust days within the backcountry. On Colorado’s Skyline Traverse, Gear Analyst Ian Krammer dragged this bag over tough rocks, pushed via thick pine groves, and unintentionally knocked it off a 30 foot cliff right into a lake. The pack’s mix of nylon, polyester, and elastane materials have dealt with every thing we’ve thrown at it.

Nevertheless, the mesh on the shoulder and waist straps lacks the toughness of the remainder of the pack. Throughout our testing, the mesh snagged simply on branches and sharp edges, which result in early indicators of fraying. Ian additionally seen tender factors and slight put on and tear on the physique cloth after dozens of occasions rolling this bag up in baggage or a backpacking backpack. There isn’t any notable cracking or splitting but, so we nonetheless count on to get many extra adventures out of this bag earlier than we retire it.

Must you purchase the Salomon Trailblazer 20 pack?

The Trailblazer 20 is ideal for hikers and vacationers who worth simplicity, consolation, and a light-weight design. Its easy options and smooth aesthetic make it superb for day hikers, path runners, and quick packers who want to hold solely the necessities. It’s additionally compact sufficient to pack away however substantial sufficient to function a major daypack. Nevertheless, not everybody wants such a streamlined pack. This bag might miss the mark if you happen to choose components like a stash pocket, a number of lash factors, or deep water bottle pockets. Nevertheless,  this pack hits the candy spot for folk who need a nimble, no-nonsense daypack for quick, environment friendly adventures.

What different day packs must you contemplate for mountaineering?

If you’d like one thing completely different from the Salomon Trailblazer 20, head over to our information to the Greatest Daypacks for Climbing:

REI Flash 22 Evaluation: The REI Flash 22 is one other pack that’s higher suited to budget-conscious hikers and people needing extra space for storing.

LL Bean Stowaway Evaluation: Perfect for vacationers and multi-activity adventurers, this pack is a good different, due to its versatility and low value level.

Osprey Daylite Plus Evaluation: This one is greatest for path hikers who need consolation, sturdiness, and elegance in an uncomplicated design.