Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

In Review: Why My Go-To Ultralight Pack is the Montane Trailblazer LT

Find Out How I Liked This Ultralight Backpack

By

Ultralight backpackers are taking over the trails, and the days of heavy canvas backpacks — complete with frames that look like medical contraptions — are behind us. Fortunately, you no longer have to forgo comfort and durability to cut down on weight. Even better, ultralight gear is now designed to last. The new Montane Trailblazer LT is the latest model in a line of ultralight backpacks from Montane, a manufacturer that specializes in fast and light equipment.

This backpack is available as either a 20-liter or 28-liter model and is designed to pack out for either single-day or multi-day lightweight trail running or hiking trips. I’ve been using both sizes for the past couple of months for treks, day hikes, trail runs, and fastpacking trips. If you need to carry more gear than you can fit into your usual running pack, or if you want to take your adventure further, the Trailblazer LT will fit everything you need.

    A close-up shot of a man running away from the camera. He is wearing blue jacket and carrying a blue backpack

Recommended Videos

What Is the Montane Trailblazer LT?

The Montane Trailblazer LT is an ultralight backpack designed for trail runners, hikers, and fastpackers. This pack is available in either 20 liters (for high-speed days out on the trail) or 28 liters for fast and light overnight adventures. The bag features a secure harness system that prevents it from bouncing around as you move, as well as a padded back panel to stop your gear from digging into your back.

Related

Everything about this pack shouts lightweight simplicity. It’s not a backpack overburdened with pockets, yet it somehow manages to keep your gear secure and close-fitting to your back. The pockets that it is fitted with are all positioned to keep all the important gear close at hand so you can keep moving.

A close-up shot of a person wearing a red jacket and adjusting the chest band on their backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How Does the Montane Trailblazer LT Work?

When keeping your gear ultralight is essential, you’ve got to start with your backpack. The Montane Trailblazer LT weighs in at under 350 grams — that’s less than a can of soda! The 40-denier nylon is siliconized and coated with a TPU coating to add waterproof protection for your gear too.

The Trailblazer LT uses Montane’s Covalent harness system and a foam back panel to create a close-fitting, body-hugging backpack. This not only prevents the backpack from bouncing around on your back; it also keeps the weight of your gear closer to your body to avoid shifting your center of gravity, which can severely impact your control when you’re moving fast on the trail.

Features of the Montane Trailblazer LT

  • Comes with either 20 or 28 liters of storage
  • Roll-top opening
  • TPU waterproof coating
  • Fully adjustable waist harness system
  • Two chest straps
  • Two chest pockets
  • Wraparound mesh side pockets with security zips
  • External storage bungee
  • Hydration bladder compatible
  • Pole attachments
A close-up shot of the left hand side of a person running, wearing shorts and a blue jacket and carrying a small backpack
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What I Like About the Montane Trailblazer LT

The Chest Pockets

I have to admit that I was skeptical about a trail running and fastpacking bag that doesn’t feature front pouches for soft flasks, but I love the front pockets on the Trailblazer LT. I’m not a big drinker anyway and find that on longer trips, I am happy to slow or stop to get bottles out of the side pockets rather than sip on the move. The front pockets are large enough to stash snacks, a map and compass, and even a small action camera so I can record my journey.

The Side Pockets

Okay, this isn’t just going to be me getting over-excited about pockets, but hear me out on this one. The mesh pockets on the side are awesome. They’re huge, they’re easy to use, and you can access them on the go — the zips are even easy enough to undo while you run. On a recent overnight trip, I had my waterproof jacket and pants in the side pockets, as well as soft flasks and even more snacks. I could reach behind me on the go, unzip the pockets, and grab a snack or a drink as needed.

Minimalism

I’m not a fan of overengineered gear. There are backpacks on the market that have pockets and attachment points that I can’t see myself ever using. If those sorts of packs suit you, that’s absolutely fine, but I love a bag that does exactly what you want it to — and nothing more. I like the large single compartment, the roll-top closure,  and the lack of unnecessary bells and whistles.

What I Don’t Like About the Montane Trailblazer LT

One Size

I’m fortunate that one size fits all systems tend to work for me. That said, because this is a one-size system, I did find that I had a lot of excess straps in some areas, and they flapped around as I ran. This isn’t the biggest problem in the world, but after a few hours on the trail, it can be a bit annoying.

Thin Bungee Cord

Weight minimization is obviously at the top of the agenda for the Trailblazer LT, but the bungee feels as though it wouldn’t take a load of weight. I have to admit, it hasn’t broken on me yet, but I also haven’t been brave enough to test it to its full strength. I’m sure if you loaded a jacket on top of the bag, the bungee would be fine, but I wouldn’t want to test it too rigorously.

A woman runs away from the camera wearing a red jacket, shorts, and carrying a small blue backpack

FAQs About the Montane Trailblazer LT

How durable is the Trailblazer LT?

Confession: I was cautious, especially when I packed out the 28-liter and could see my gear through it! But both bags are holding up well. Of course, I have only had them for a couple of months, but as a test, I took the 20-liter model on several days of wet weather mountain walking that included scrambling up and down rocky outcrops. The bag took a beating as I made my way along the trail, and still looks as good as new — if also in need of a wash. I even used it as a seat at lunch to keep my butt off the wet ground, and it held up just fine.

Is the Trailblazer LT fully waterproof?

In short, no. The TPU coating does stand up well against wet weather, but the Trailblazer LT can’t be used in place of a dry bag. I wouldn’t want to subject it to a proper soaking or submersion. Some items — food, waterproofs, spare layer — might be fine without extra protection, but the important stuff — like your sleeping bag — is worth packing into a lightweight dry bag before loading it into your pack.

Who is the Trailblazer LT for?

The Trailblazer LT is designed for anyone who thrives on minimalism. Packing your overnight gear into a 28-liter bag is no mean feat, and unless you also have ultralight sleeping bags, sleep pads, and everything else, you will struggle to make it all fit. However, the 20-liter model makes for a great day pack for hiking or trail running. It also folds down really small and can fit into the top of an overnight pack — perfect for setting up a basecamp and going out on day hikes.

A man wearing a yellow jacket and red hat walks from right to left across a grassy mountain area. There is a small lake just behind him and the mountain tops are shrouded in clouds.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Should You Buy the Montane Trailblazer LT?

In short, yes. I really don’t have a bad word to say about this pack, having used it for running, fastpacking, and hiking. Whether you choose to go for the 20-liter or the 28-liter will depend on why you’re buying the pack. Both packs surprised me with how much they could hold and how well-balanced they were. Even when I was fully loaded for three days of running and camping on the trail, the bag didn’t bounce around, and the weight was properly distributed between my waistband and my shoulders.

These bags won’t replace your running vest, but they aren’t supposed to. What they will offer you is a versatile alternative for when you want to take your fast-paced adventure further than you ever have.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Tom Kilpatrick
Tom Kilpatrick
Contributor
A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as…
How to calculate hiking time and plan for being away
Calculating your hiking speed isn't as hard as you think
Two people hiking together

To most people, planning a hike can be tedious, but for me, packing my bag gets me even more excited for the adventure ahead. One of the most important aspects of preparing for my hike is determining how long it will take to complete it. This is important for several reasons. First, you'll be able to determine what kind of equipment you'll need during that timeframe, and second, you'll be able to tell someone when to expect you back in case you go missing. About 600,000 hikers get lost every year in the U.S., so if you're one of them, calculating this could mean your survival. Here's how to calculate hiking time.
How to calculate hiking time accurately

If you’re an experienced hiker, you might have noticed that sometimes there is an estimated time listed for a hike in a guidebook or app, which is termed "book time." Almost across the board, these hike time estimations are calculated using Naismith’s (Time Estimation) Rule, which essentially says that it takes about 1 hour to hike 3 miles plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet of elevation gained.

Read more
Try these lunch ideas the next time you go backpacking
Got a rumbling tummy on the hiking trail? Try one of these backpacking lunch ideas
Hiker with a backpack in front of a mountain lake background

Trail mix has to be one of my personal favorite snacks while backpacking. That said, you can't live on it, especially when you're hiking for miles every day. I'll be honest — dinner is my favorite meal while out on the trail, mostly because there's a higher chance that I can start a safe fire and simmer something delicious. Lunch, however, has been a challenge. Not only do backpacking lunches have to be delicious and satisfying, but they also need to be easy to prepare. Hopefully these backpacking lunch ideas will help.
Things to consider for backpacking lunch ideas

When planning backpacking lunch ideas, it's more important than ever to choose foods that are nutritious, lightweight, nonperishable, high in energy, and most importantly, easy to prepare. You might not have access to a campfire while you're out backpacking, so here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Easy preparation
I love preparing a hearty meal while backpacking or camping, but not during prime daylight hours when I could be making better time. That's why I always reach for easy-to-prepare meals. Sometimes, I even do a lot of the prep work while I'm still at home. That way, all I need to do is find a nice view.
Weight and packability
I've made the mistake of packing a huge cooler with sandwiches. Not only do you have to lug the entire thing up the mountain, but you've got to bring it down, too. Plus, on a multiday backpacking trip, no ice pack is going to last that long. Be careful that the food you take is lightweight, and avoid foods that require excess packaging or bulk.
Caloric density
Since backpacking is a high-energy sport, you'll want to select foods based on nutrients. High calories are one thing, but to get the most energy from your food, aim for a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Make sure you're incorporating proteins so your muscles can repair after a long day of hiking.
Shelf stability
A lot of backpackers plan their trips for the summer, which means having to deal with the heat. This can definitely play a part in what kinds of foods you bring. Backpackers aim to bring as light as possible, so foods that don't spoil and don't need excessive cooking are going to be your best friend.
Our favorite backpacking lunch ideas

Read more
Why you need a good merino wool base layer
Here's how merino wool fits into your layering system
The best Merino wool clothing is soft, breathable, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating.

In Nordic regions, they have an old proverb that says: There's no bad weather, only bad clothing. As it turns out, there's actually some truth to the saying! As someone who loves the winter, I've had my fair share of borderline-frostbitten toes, but ever since I discovered the merino wool base layer, I've been able to stay out longer than ever. Here's everything you need to know about merino wool base layers and how to make the most of your gear.

For those unfamiliar with the layering system, a base layer is the innermost part of your gear. Think long underwear and socks. After that, you'll wear an insulating mid-layer followed by a rain or wind-resistant outer shell. Believe it or not, the base layer is the most important layer because of moisture management. Fail to nail this step, and you're probably going to be shivering out there on your bucket list adventure far sooner than you'd like.
What is merino wool, and why do I need it?

Read more