Fast packing, mountain marathons, adventure racing, multi day adventures…. they all share one thing in common, the necessity to carry kit over an extended period of time, often over challenging terrain, whilst the wearer is generally moving pretty fast. Yes, other than a few individuals who can seemingly run at a mere mortals average marathon pace for days at a time, most of us will slow down when loaded up, however, you’d be surprised how much distance you can cover with a 20-30 litre bag fully loaded on your back and therefore, how much of a difference a bag can make to your experience.
The last thing you want is it bouncing around on your back, pulling the straps, chaffing and tiring you out. Think about races like the Type 2 Fun Run for instance, you wont be travelling with a minimal pack.
Montane have been a regular in the mountain endurance ever since I can remember – my first windproof was bought in the Lakes back in 2008 for running in the mountains. In the past 5 or more years, they have made headways in the running pack category and this spring – don’t ask me what season we are in, this year’s weather systems really do seem messed up on a new level – they have launched the Trailblazer series.
Fastpacking, run-camping; it’s so new its terminology has yet to properly evolve. Whatever you call it, its philosophy of pushing hard to achieve a goal – whether it be a day-long summit push, or multi-day missions – runs through the bones of these packs.
Montane‘s goal was to blend durability with lightness, a minimalist silhouette that was feature rich and intuitive. I know, some of these characteristics may appear on the face of it contradictory, but can be achieved with intelligent design and material use. The Trailblazer, at your chosen volume, was not there to be a burden, but to enhance your efficiency when crossing long distances.
“The Trailblazer packs were born out of a recognition that there is a change in how people are approaching outdoor activities. There is a rapidly growing movement that is goal orientated, time focused and hard hitting… We are not necessarily talking running, just moving fast paced in the mountains, achieving your goal within a shortened timeframe.
Recognising this change, we have designed the Trailblazer pack range, with nothing else like it on the market they have a customisable body-hugging harness for a close, secure fit, a mass of storage options, all accessible on the move allowing you to push hard, non-stop in the mountains to achieve your goals….”
Matt Kemp, Product Manager for Equipment
The innovative Montane® COVALENT harness delivers a customisable, body-hugging fit without restricting movement. Influences from our VIA Trail Series of packs can be seen in features such as a chest click-and-go strap, and high mounted harness pockets bely the ranges’ propensity for dynamic and unrestricted movement.
Available in 3 volumes; 18, 30 & 44L with ample storage capacity and a multitude of pockets, they offer easy access to hydration, food and essential kit while on the move. With its intuitive design and balance of dynamic and passive technologies, Montane have been shortlisted for the Outdoor Friedrichshafen Design award.
For more information on the Trailblazer Series of packs CLICK HERE
Information for the article provided by Montane
James Mackeddie 