Trailblazer 8 Rucksack

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The Montane Trailblazer 8 Rucksack is an ultralight, custom-fit backpack for fast-paced hikers. It features a COVALENT harness and ergonomic design for comfort and stability.

Montane says: 

The Montane Trailblazer 8 Backpack is your lightweight, durable solution for moving fast in the mountains. The streamlined design is mapped to your body and the COVALENT harness adjusts to fine tune the fit, with vertical and horizontal compression, for comfort on the move.

The new Montane T-Hooks can be moved to any of the laser-cut holes on each side of the front panel to provide adaptable attachment points for walking poles and spare layers, and work in concert with ergonomically positioned, wrap-around and shoulder pockets to carry food and hydration. The RAPTOR CROSS LITE 70 Denier, recycled Nylon fabric boosts durability and keeps your equipment dry, while the moulded back panel and shaped front straps add stability.

A highly adaptable Montane T-Hook system that can be used to stash your walking poles, also makes this backpack fully customisable to your fast and light needs.

Our Verdict

The Montane Trailblazer 8 Rucksack is an impressive addition to any fast-paced hiker’s gear. Weighing just 348 grams, this lightweight pack is designed for those prioritising agility and speed on the trails. The COVALENT harness system stands out, providing a customisable fit that hugs the body closely, ensuring stability even when moving quickly. The ergonomic design, featuring gender-specific moulded back panels and shaped front straps, enhances comfort, making long hikes less strenuous.

The rucksack’s adaptability is a major highlight, with the innovative Montane T-Hook system offering versatile attachment points for walking poles and extra layers. You only get two T-hooks; two more would have been welcome. They are a little stiff at first and take some manoeuvring.

Using recycled, durable materials like RAPTOR CROSS LITE 70 Denier Nylon ensures durability and sustainability, keeping your gear dry and secure. The multiple, well-placed pockets, including wrap-around wand pockets and shoulder strap pockets, provide easy access to hydration and snacks, making it a practical choice for those who need to stay fueled and hydrated on the go. Overall, the Trailblazer 8 is a thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly pack that meets the demands of minimalist, fast-paced mountain adventures.

– 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: 348g
• Capacity: 8L
• H 40.5 x W 19 x D 8

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)

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack
• About Montane
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Why is ‘PFC Free’ Important?