Salomon Trailblazer 20 Pack Overview

Backside Line

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a glossy and cozy daypack with a minimalist design and light-weight construct. Of all the baggage on our Finest Daypacks For Climbing information, that is considered one 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 useful hip pockets have been good for giant 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 gentle adventures. 

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

Nonetheless, we maintain reaching for the Trailblazer 20 when touring, working 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 snug 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 might sound limiting, however over a 12 months 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 considered one 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 snug 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 giant zippered pockets on the physique of the bag: one on high for small gadgets, 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 gadgets 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 presents full entry to the principle compartment with out digging by means of your stuff from the highest. So long as we packed the bag mindfully, our gear was simple to entry. Ian additionally discovered that Salomon nailed the hydration setup with hydration tube sleeves working far down each shoulder straps. That saved his palms 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 gadgets like jackets. The aspect pockets are too shallow to securely maintain wider water bottles, decreasing their performance. Regardless of these quirks, the Trailblazer nonetheless presents an organized expertise for many adventures.

Consumer-Friendliness

The Trailblazer 20 is an intuitive, fuss-free daypack that makes life on the path simple. We discovered that the location 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 will not be solely glossy however very useful, whether or not we traversed a metropolis or a scree subject.

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

Weight and Compressibility

When you’re searching for weight financial savings and compressibility, the Trailblazer is a pacesetter. 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 glossy design is ideal for shifting by means of tight areas with out situation. 

With no inflexible body, this pack additionally may be rolled or folded flat, making it simple 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 varied journeys.

Briefly, the Trailblazer stays a high decide for a light-weight resolution.

Sturdiness

The Trailblazer 20 presents common sturdiness, but it’s confirmed its mettle on some powerful days within the backcountry. On Colorado’s Skyline Traverse, Gear Analyst Ian Krammer dragged this bag over tough rocks, pushed by means of thick pine groves, and by accident 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 little thing we’ve thrown at it.

Nonetheless, 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 observed delicate 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 is no such thing as a 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 glossy aesthetic make it splendid 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. Nonetheless, not everybody wants such a streamlined pack. This bag could miss the mark if you happen to want parts like a stash pocket, a number of lash factors, or deep water bottle pockets. Nonetheless,  this pack hits the candy spot for people who need a nimble, no-nonsense daypack for quick, environment friendly adventures.

What different day packs do you have to contemplate for climbing?

If you would like one thing totally different from the Salomon Trailblazer 20, head over to our information to the Finest Daypacks for Climbing:

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

LL Bean Stowaway Overview: Perfect for vacationers and multi-activity adventurers, this pack is a good various, because of its versatility and low value level.

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