Montane Trailblazer® XT 35L Backpack

This is a really excellent pack - and now my 3rd from the Trailblazer range.

I bought it to replace the older "standard" Trailblazer 30 as I wanted something slightly bigger, and tougher. Also the dual lid closure straps on the 30 drove me slighty mad - as they didn't really cinch it down properly if the pack wasn't full.

Overall I think that this 35XT version is an improvement (compared to an already impressive pack) - but with a couple of slight caveats - at least for me .

Positives:

- Most of the many good features in the series have been retained

- The wider shoulder straps are very comfortable

- The stretchy "gussets" on the front shoulder pockets mean they are effectively bigger, and are much better for holding a proper compass, a folded plastic map (maybe even a mobile) etc

- I prefer the central "alpine" lid closure as the lid doesn't flap around with a half-filled pack

- Although the pack is a bit heavier I don't really notice the difference once loaded. I think it's an acceptable compromise in order to get the more durable fabric (hence "XT" ...) which I suspect will last longer, and be better for winter use.

Caveats:

- I like the idea of the vertical full length zips at the back which give access to the main body one one side , and to a useful shallow rear pocket on the other (replacing the big rear mesh pocket on the old standard 30 pack) . However I'm not sure yet whether they are actually an improvement in practice. The mesh pocket was super-quick to access …

seems pretty rugged so far, and is nice to use, once you have set it up properly.

Adjusting the back is a little awkward, but is only something you would really do once, so not a great bother. The elasticated chest straps took longer for me to get into a comfy position, and the toggle fittings are awkward to move about.

The waist band is super padded and nice and comfy, and the placement of the stretchy hip pockets is really nice to use. You can also reach around to get to the wand pockets should you need to as well. The wand pockets and side compression straps are fine, do what you would would expect.

The chest pockets are OK. They do stretch, and can take a soft flask or trail treats with no bother, but they are a tight fit for modern phones.

There is a hidden front pocket which is useful for flatter items such as a map, and would keep it separate from the main compartment. The main part has top and side opening, but you need to pop the side compression strap open to use that usefully. The top opening is good, nice and wide, and easy to use.

The lid has a good top pocket, and a secure underlid pocket for keys etc.

There is also a single axe/pole loop which is nicely hidden away into a little recess with an accompanying elasticated toggle further up the sack.

All in all, I like this pack.. it does run a little warmer on the back than my previous pack, but the back is well padded, so not entirely unexpected.

It does seem cavernous for its 35L capacity as well. Would…