Is the Montane Trailblazer Better than the Osprey Talon?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

What pack features are on your bucket list?

[@davidandmoose8885]

What I want; 1.) Top-loader. Fixed or Floating lid doesn't matter. I only have one front-loading pack; Osprey Daylite Plus, for very small hikes. 2.) If the pack is greater than 35L, I want a separate sleeping bag compartment. 3.) Sleeping Pad straps. 4.) Daisy Chain webbing on the front and top lid. 5.) Good size side water bottle pockets, but don't care about side openings. 6.) Some type of zippered front pocket, not a fan of stuff-it pockets, I don't trust that I won't lose something.. What I don't care about; 1.) Hydration bladder sleeve. I don't use a bladder. 2.) Hip belt pockets. When I started hiking 45 years ago, there were no hip belts pockets, so I never use them. 3.) Trekking pole attachment points. I NEVER use them. 4.) Ultra-light. I don't look at pack weight, just like I don't look at vehicle mileage. My favorite pack: Osprey Stratos 36

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Daisy chain webbing should be mandatory on all packs!

[@davidandmoose8885]

@@BackcountryPilgrim There should be a law.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

New presidential platform lol!

[@davidandmoose8885]

@@BackcountryPilgrim A chicken in every pot, a daisy chain on every pack. lol

[@ianofthetaylors6288]

Superb review. So detailed with useful comments. Greetings from the UK.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, Cheers!

[@davidandmoose8885]

This looks like a REALLY nice pack. Thank God, this is not at my local hiking store, or I'd be buying one and the LAST thing I need is another pack. Looking forward to you taking it out on the trail and telling us how it works.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's been on trail, just haven't posted the videos yet. I think Steven's Trail was the first. It performed quite well! I'll keep the Talon for shorter / warmer hikes but the Trailblazer is perfect when I need more storage options (like winter snowshoeing). There's your excuse for buying another pack LOL!

[@neiljenkins2011]

Thanks, Doug. I've been thinking about getting one of these and your review is the best and most detailed I've seen so far.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! I thought the pack deserved it!

[@neiljenkins2011]

@@BackcountryPilgrim On the basis of your review … I’ve just ordered one!

[@DarrenYee]

Nice job Doug, I am gearing up for a weekend trip at the end of the month and the Trailblazer 30 will be coming along for the ride!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Just packed 3 kids worth of water and snacks along with a 5lb rock out of a gorge and it felt great haha!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very nice!

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

Great video, really good commantary . Pack looks well done. Thanks, Michael

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Well done video. I just received my new Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60 L and that really fills a big part of my bucket list coming in at 2#.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I literally had it in my cart at one point. I decided I didn't know about the zipper and pocket water collection issues. But those were questions, not criticisms. Its a sweet looking pack. Let me know how you like it!

[@patrickculleton9939]

An excellent, practical and informative review delivered in a clear, professional manner 👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GideonSmit]

Hi Doug, I'm so pleased you like the Trailblazer. I've got the 44-litre version and love the harness on it. It is definitely my most comfortable pack. The elastic loop on the left shoulder strap might work for securing small items inside the shoulder pocket if you leave it on the inside, perhaps even a soft flask with straw. I use a hydration bladder. It's got a long hose so it just sits in that inside pocket, no need to hang it up.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love it! Yeah I thought the same thing about keeping the pole loop in the pocket - it would work perfectly for that application. What a pack!!! Thanks for the original tip, I would not have even known about it without you!

[@SouthernHike]

Good to know! We have the Osprey Sirrus/Stratos for a few years now and have been thinking of going to a smaller day pack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love the Stratos features but man is it heavy! Price you pay for longevity I guess - but honestly I think the Montane will go the distance. :) Thanks for watching!

[@soulbronumberone]

LIghtweight, good design, and proven quality = just about perfect for my next camino with room to spare.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's such a great pack!

[@aheart.453]

Lovely chared Amazing Lot thanks to showing it dear 👍💞 Big like

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Big like right back at ya!

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

I was interested to see this video as I have become rather obsessed with the minimalist Camino packing video you made earlier. I have really had good success with Deuter & Vaude products. Take a look at the Deuter Futura 27 as a small camino pack.👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

My first daypack was a Deuter and I loved it! Buen Camino!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I've never heard of this brand at all (not that I'm an expert on all brands). I need a decent day pack and the price is not bad. I'd like to think I could get small enough to use this for overnights too. Nice work Doug!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I hadn't either! Turns out they're a big deal across the pond haha. One of my subscribers suggested it and I was blown away by the specs.

[@davidcressey]

Im an Osprey fan, i have an Exos 46 and Stratos 36. However, i have to say im not too impressed with the new Talon series and i think you have nailed it with the Montane. Its light, versatile, feature packed and perfectly placed in that 'Day Pack' category. Thanks for showing it.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Osprey fan here as well for sure!! I like the Talon but I think it's overbuilt for what it is, adding a pound for an adjustable harness on a 22 liter seems silly to me unless you're carrying a bowling ball haha. The Montane is my go to trad pack, and I love the Waymark Mile for being more ultralight. Thanks for watching!

[@jmeb792]

The top strap is for holding climbing ropes down

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Makes sense, thanks!

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

One solution to the front pole holster situation would be to simply order a replacement pole bungee from Gossamer Gear. I’ve used them on nearly every pack I have and they’re almost always a far superior upgrade to whatever stock bungee comes with a pack. Best part, they’re only $5 for a pair.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The front ones worked fine actually, I just underestimated how large they needed to be. But I am VERY glad to know that GG has upgrades / replacements - that's great, thank you!

[@dominicbryce8737]

My immediate thought was, at that size, that they're designed for quickly stowing a walking axe/ice axe?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah, not as fast as an Osprey stow-and-go but pretty quick!

[@Curlew-Corner]

Excellent presentation. Greetings from the UK

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Always good to hear from our neighbors across the pond. :) Cheers!

[@kevinoshea2870]

Great vid.. I'm getting the trailblazer 🤟

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great pack!

[@jonomichi2262]

The chest bags are gold

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I prefer daisy chains so I can add my own, but for an all in one these are good. :)

[@sepantsystem2237]

Nice honest review

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you!

[@Fellmandave1]

Top drawer review. I live 5 miles from montane HQ!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very cool! Thank you!

[@kierenkd]

Very useful. I'm on the fence between the montane and the Ultimate Direction. I dont like the huge branding on ultimate direction kit but do like the drinks pouches on the front

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Haven't seen that one! :)

[@filmic1]

Neat review...

[@TrailandBackAgain]

Cool new pack!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! I'm definitely in the honeymoon stage right now, getting a lot of day hikes in over the next few weeks to really test it out but so far I am loving it!

[@teambestaguilar1401]

Nice hiking backpack..thanks for sharing..like the color too..red and blue. Keep sharing your videos. New friend here sending my support too so lets connect and see u arround.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I agree! :) Thanks for watching!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I love this pack. 😊🤟🏻

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You can see it when you visit!

[@Legionnaire7777]

Montane make excellent kit especially the clothing 👌🏻 🇬🇧

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Excellent!

[@IanTompsett]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Indeed, I am a walking Montane advert. Apparently can't get enough of the stuff since I realised they make such capable lightweight kit.

[@jonomichi2262]

Totally agree

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@Love2Wander]

Doug nice packs the Montane Trailblazer is a nice looking pack what if you had to do a warranty would it be hard to get it done? I like Osprey a lot my pack of choice right now is the Osprey daylite plus it's a 20L pack WEIGHT 1.29 LBS works pretty good for a day pack. Stay safe my friend

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's a good question. I haven't looked into the warranty and am pretty sure it would require shipping but since there wasn't anything wrong right away I doubt I'd ever use it. I recently had an issue with my Mountain Hardware lumbar pack but decided it wasn't worth the money and hassle to send it in - and they're in the USA. :)

[@pigozs]

Great review! Do you think you could store an ice axe using the trekking poles loops on the back of the backpack?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I lent this out a while ago so I am not 100% sure but I think all the cords are elastic and even if you could line them up for a typical ice axe carry they wouldn't be very secure.

[@pigozs]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Thank you, I suspected that as well!

[@scentybeast9531]

Doug great presenting skills as always. But I've got to ask, because I'm confused by this pack lol... where is the best place to store your water? You don't have the front strap storage, or the normal side storage... water bladder only?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

There's side storage big enough for large bottles but they're not easy to reach from the front. The running style makes it best suited for bladders.

[@scentybeast9531]

​@@BackcountryPilgrim Just realized that "The Lone Exporer" is using a 1L smart bottle in the front there, seems to fit ok.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

He must have modified it, I don't think a 1l could possibly fit in one of the pockets that come with it. Do you have a link? [EDIT: The link you sent seems to have disappeared but I did see it. He has a Trailblazer 44 so the front pockets may be bigger. (Darin Yee says they are 400ml! kzbin.info/www/bejne/goPQlKONbZyCiqM). Anyway, as you saw he unzips it to cram a bottle in there. Personally, I wouldn't consider that a good fit but Hike Your Own Hike haha! :)]

[@scentybeast9531]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Oh in fact it wasn’t L.E. - it was this guy from Wales. Let me know what you think, if its standard or modded kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaq6qJuvqpiSeNU

[@ultrawalker7277]

Very nice review Is the trailblazer 30 better then osprey 36? Need a very good backpack for long trails(3-4 days, 300-400km)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's pretty small for a multi-day unless you are seriously ultralight and don't need a bear can. The Osprey Stratos 36 is built better for heavier carry for sure and those extra 6 L would probably be a big help (personally I'd be shooting for at least a 40L). I'd look at ULA (my choice), Gossamer Gear , or Hyperlight Mountain Gear for more "standard" packs to get you into the lightweight-but-durable category. Lighter than that you need to go full cottage brand and really need to have your gear and skills dialed in. :)

[@ultrawalker7277]

Trailblazer 30 and 44 are on sale in Belgium for 55€ and 62,5€ Might buy those 2 and see which is the best

[@ultrawalker7277]

Will use it for ultra trails, so I have every day access to my dropbag at the checkpoints to fill my backpack

[@IanTompsett]

Good review! Trying to decide between the Trailblazer 44 and the Fast Alpine. Very different looking packs I know, but it's not easy to consider alternatives to Montane when I'm so used to those uber comfortable sternum clips you can quickly do up blindfolded.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Let me known which you choose!

[@andyboy77321]

Nice video and thanks for sharing. Is this backpack good for trail running?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I think it would be. The running vest suspension is great and you can easily adjust it to "running mode" by shortening the torso. It might be a bit heavy to run with if it was full of backpacking gear but if its mostly soft volume I think it'd be ok. :)

[@adventureout-brief6836]

Great review! Could this be your new Camino pack?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

My thoughts EXACTLY! :) Ultreia!

[@GideonSmit]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I think it could work if you are very disciplined with your packing list.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I actually made a video on doing it with the Talon lol! A bit too minimal for me, but I bet this one would work!

[@adventureout-brief6836]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Yep, I saw that one, and took it for what it was intended for. I actually got all my Camino load into my much beloved Osprey Manta 20 AG, but it was TIGHT! Your Zerk review was much appreciated too.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

This one is my Zerks replacement. I loved it but it didn't fit the gear gap I had as well as I had hoped. Might have been perfect for the Camino though! They have have a new model this year too. ;)

[@jeanetteevans4652]

I have narrowed down my options to the Montana, I already have the Talon so when I saw your video was 99% persuaded to make my purchase. However can I ask the mesh on the talon is like a cheese grater on my clothes, have you experienced this with either bags?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I haven't had any issues but I will say I think the Montane is smoother. ;)

[@jeanetteevans4652]

Thank you appreciate you getting back to me.

[@ClydeBuilt]

The Trailblazer 44 is amazing....

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm sure it is. It's got a roll top though right?

[@ClydeBuilt]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Yes, first roll top I've owned. I thought it might be an issue. I'm used to it now and the front zipped pocket and mesh are like a re positioned lid. The 30L looks really good too.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah they're not as quick as some lid openings but if you also have a drawstring or something it's 50/50 to me. Plus roll tops can extend. Very cool!

[@ClydeBuilt]

@@BackcountryPilgrim The roll top is designed to attach to side straps after rolling or it can be rolled and the opening clips are male & female which means it can clip shut that way too, if that makes sense. I've put 3,000 + miles of running into mine carrying varying weight and it's performed very well. The only real niggle was the opening for a hydration tube. It didn't have Velcro to fasten it when not in use so rain just runs straight in. I super glued a Velcro strip inside to solve that issue. Not major as I always have a dry bag inside but it did niggle me :)

[@alpineearth]

Are you supposed to take the trekking pole strap off the back and atatch it to the front plastic part on the loop?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It actually works fine the way it is it just took me a while to figure it out. I was used to Osprey where everything is oversized, this is just a more minimal setup.

[@HanyaUntukMengucapkan]

Montane Trailblazer 44 beli rain covernya dimana yaa?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

??

[@archie2archie]

And the reason why you didnt compare the talon 33L is ?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

1. I didn't have one. 2. I believe it's basically the same pack fearure-wise as the 22 (other than being a top loader) which I already had. :)

[@archie2archie]

@@BackcountryPilgrim No, the talon 22 and 33 are quite a bit different. 22 is more suited to a cycling the 33 a hiker pack.