Do you love movement and never miss an opportunity to stretch your legs? This lightweight climbing backpack will be an ingenious companion for a range of leisure activities, especially outdoor activities all year round. It is suitable not only for climbing but also for skiing, nature trips, or as a light bag for commuting to work and leisure.
The versatile new generation Mammut is here to stay
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + low weight | - absence of side mesh pockets |
| + adjustable back panel stiffness | - lacks additional external and internal pockets for small items, e.g., on the hip belt |
| + internal hydration bladder pocket also fits a 14" laptop | |
| + adjustable hip belt | |
| + side pocket with key carabiner | |
| + roll-top closure |
It is a well-known fact that the Mammut brand is primarily known for producing high-quality, time-tested gear for climbers. However, thanks to material development and constant innovation combined with real-world load testing in demanding conditions, this brand can boast that its products are truly durable. If, like me, you prefer reliability, simple design, quality, and material durability crowned by a long lifespan and an effort to be environmentally friendly, then perhaps it is the right time for you to get your own Mammut.
Built for heavier loads
Whether you are an experienced climber or just starting out in this discipline, you surely know that time spent outdoors in nature or on an artificial wall in a gym is not only relaxation but also good training for your own potential, abilities, and skills. Climbing is a royal discipline. In addition to full equipment, which can weigh 10 kg or more, it also requires good physical condition, willpower, and ingenuity. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for it and, at the very least, purchase a backpack made specifically for this purpose. Personally, I like variability, and even when choosing a backpack, I try to focus on usage options, carrying comfort, and appearance. The Mammut Trion Light 28 met my requirements. What specifically caught my attention?
Light as... a Mammut?
The Mammut Trion Light 28 weighs only 700 g, which you will appreciate not only during climbing activities but also, for example, during a demanding hike in the mountains or while skiing. But the backpack can be even lighter. Just detach the hip belt padding and remove the frame reinforcement, and you get down to an incredible 590 g. The low weight is guaranteed not only by the breathable 3D EVA foam padding but also by the perforations on the shoulder straps and hip belt.
Reliable durability
Thanks to the innovative Nylon Cordura material, the backpack is truly strong and durable, so there is no need to worry about even more demanding loads. You can simply thread ice axes with sharp edges into specially reinforced loops. You can also easily handle rope fixation, which you can secure on the top panel using a tightening strap with a carabiner. You can then simply insert your skis into the sturdy and sufficiently wide loops on both sides of the backpack. Two additional loops on the front allow you to attach trekking poles or hang additional gear.
Versatility, comfort, and style
Loops for hanging gear will be appreciated not only during climbing activities but also, for example, during hiking and skiing, where you can hang a helmet, sleeping mat, shoes, water bottles, dishes, or a windbreaker.
The compression straps on both sides are long enough to fix a rope or hang additional gear. At the same time, they ensure that the contents of the backpack do not shift during movement. Optimal volume regulation of the backpack, which is stated by the manufacturer as 28 liters +, is also facilitated by the roll-top closure with a buckle. It only depends on you how many times you roll it. The 28-liter volume is an ideal size for two-day trips or trips to the city, etc.
Neither the shoulder straps nor the hip belt are too robust, but they can still handle a significant load. What's more? They are truly pleasant to the touch, so wearing them directly on the skin in summer will not bother anyone. For comfortable carrying, the backpack is also equipped with a length and height adjustable chest strap, which prevents the straps from slipping off the shoulders during movement. An SOS whistle is also integrated into the carabiner for emergency situations.
The hip belt is equipped with removable padding that can be adjusted according to the circumference and size of the hips (S, M, L). If a different size suits you while traveling or doing sports, just adjust it. And if you prefer a simple strap, just detach the Velcro pads and you will be satisfied. When tightened, the hip belt does not slip, so it helps keep your center of gravity in place and does not shift it.
The internal hydration bladder pocket with a loop and elastic hem can alternatively be used for everyday use as a compartment for a 14" laptop, documents, or tablet. Thanks to compatibility with hydration bladders, you can use the backpack extensively for many different activities – in the mountains in summer and winter, for cycling, rollerblading, simply everywhere where you appreciate lightness and the ability to have your hands free.
The external side pocket with a zipper and key carabiner is suitable for storing keys, a mobile phone, and a wallet.
Will it fit on my back?
The shortened Motion T-Frame back system with padding and ventilation channels for better airflow measures approx. 46 cm and forms the supporting skeleton of the backpack. To ensure the backpack fits well, the sturdy frame construction ensures load weight distribution, thereby reducing pressure on the spine.
The removable metal reinforcement helps keep your back straight when you are carrying a heavier load (rope, climbing harness, climbing shoes, helmet, belay devices, set of quickdraws and carabiners). After removal, the back is more flexible so as not to restrict movement. Even with a full backpack, you can easily turn, lean, and still have the necessary stability. Another advantage is the fact that thanks to its smaller dimensions, the backpack fits better for shorter individuals or smaller ladies with shorter backs.
Evaluation
The Mammut Trion Light 28 is primarily a climbing backpack, but it offers more than meets the eye at first glance. I go exercising and on nature expeditions with a full load with it without any problems. I also tested it as a city backpack, where it also proved its worth thanks to its lightness and large internal space.
As a demanding customer, I have a few minor things with this model that I miss during use. Basically, however, it is nothing essential that would prevent me from using the backpack to its full potential. The only small flaw for me is the absence of side mesh pockets, which, however, climbing backpacks logically do not usually have in their equipment. For better organization of things, I would definitely appreciate a few extra internal pockets where various small items could be stored.
Although the backpack is intended for outdoor sports, according to my stress test, it is practical enough to keep up with me in everyday life. Thanks to the sophisticated back panel, it is comfortable to carry and can be easily and quickly adapted to my needs.
