So what is the Halogen 33 rucksack like and how does it compare? This isn't an 'out in the field' review but some initial thoughts and pictures to show some of the differences.
In this picture review, the Halogen 33 is the red rucksack and the Medusa 32 is the 'greeny-orange' pack, for want of a better colour description..!
Quit Your Waffle - Cut To The Chase
The Halogen 33 is an upgrade in a number of ways, not all of them obvious. There's a *better ventilation system, a slightly bigger size, tall side pockets, an adjusted hip belt, what appears to be a slightly contoured shoulder strap. The gear loop on one of the hip fins has been replaced by a pocket. The shoulder straps and hip belt has had the old 'contact mesh' replaced by a different lighter 'contact air mesh plus'. The pack is slightly lighter than the Medusa 32 by about 80g.Overall, I would say that the old Medusa 32 had a nod towards climbing (even in winter) with a gear loop on the one hip fin, whereas the Halogen 33 appears in my view to be aimed more towards walkers. The pack is still incredibly sturdy. As with everything I'd say try it on with weight and see if it's the pack for you.
Size
First things first - the Halogen 33 is a bit wider - and the Medusa 32 is a bit 'taller'. It's hard to see in the picture as obviously the Medusa 32 (left) has been heavily used and is compressed in the picture. |
| Montane Medusa 32 (left) and Montane Halogen 33 (right) |
The Front Of The Halogen
The Halogen has bungee cord on the front as standard (Medusa has cord inside the inner lid as an option). The Halogen also has an upgraded tool lock at the bottom for an ice axe. The Medusa has had this tool lock system developed over time. Finally, the hip fins both have zipped and are slightly contoured ('fish' shaped), unlike the Medusa fins have are more of a 'straight' fit
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| Front of Halogen 33 |
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| Front of Medusa 32 |
The Straps
As you'll see the Medusa 32 didn't have mesh styled straps whereas the Halogen 33 does. It's also more flexible than the slightly more rigid Medusa straps.
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| Mesh on the Halogen shoulder strap (right) |
The shoulder straps on the Halogen appear to have a slightly contoured angle around the top of the 'shoulder' which does help with the comfort of the pack.
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| Slight contouring of the shoulder strap |
Front of the Pack
The bungee cord stretches across the front of the pack as 'standard'. The Medusa has some spare cord in the inside lid of the pack if you want to rig up some bungee at the front - useful for stashing clothing or even crampons at a push...
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| Bungee Cord |
And here's the tool loop. Stash the ice axe down the front of the pack as with the Medusa, put the adze through the lower loop (pictured left in pic), through the 'alpine safe sleeve' and then twist the lock (the metal bit to the right in the picture) into the the hole in the adze to secure it. More info on Montane's website. The tool system is much neater than my original Medusa system which flaps around.
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| Tool Attachment Points |
The ZephryFX Back System
Replacing the Medusa back system is the Halogen's ZephyrFX contact mesh back system. In essence there's a lightweight moulded back pad with mesh on the top. To wear this is pretty comfortable it has to be said and rests against the back more securely than the Medusa's ridged back. The area in contact with the back is also wider on the Halogen, again adding to comfort.
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| Halogen contact meshed back |
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| Montane Medusa back system |
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| Close up on the mesh with the moulded back pad behind |
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| Close up on the mesh |
The mesh itself seems fairly resilient but I'd be slightly concerned about the possibility of it breaking or snagging. However, the mesh is very flexible so that works in its favour.
The back lengths are the same on both packs (S/M) and (M/L). Pictured are M/L packs.
Side Pockets
The Halogen has a great side pocket feature - the baguette pocket - a side pocket that stretches further up the pack than is normal and much higher than the Medusa. It means poles can be stashed in there more securely, plus things like a flask. There is a gap half way down the baguette pocket so you can get something in the lower side pocket. The opening at the top of the baguette is slightly stretchy but isn't very wide so you won't get a Nalgene bottle in there! |
| The arrows show the size of the side pockets (Medusa below) |
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| Side pockets on the Halogen (top) and the Medusa (underneath) |
Lids
The lid has a slightly upgraded draw closure system ('Cord Lord Lite') and the inside of the pack has an amended 'Cord |
| Inside the Halogen 33 |
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| Halogen 33 (top) closure compared to original Medusa |
Other Features
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| Front Haul Loop next to the lid |
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| Click and Go chest strap release |
Conclusion
When I got a Lowe Alpine pack years back (before they were bought out), the back system on the pack wrecked 2 baselayers and damaged a softshell. So when Montane released the Medusa 32 with a back system that didn't abrade clothing, I got the pack without question! Since then it's served me incredibly well.
The Halogen 33 is a worthy upgrade and the baguette pocket is especially helpful. The pack actually sits against the back more comfortably than the Medusa. I'd be interested to know how the Halogen functions in the snow compared to the Medusa which has shed snow relatively well.
I am also slightly uncertain about the new ZephyrFX back system in terms of durability and not snagging when a pack gets thrown down etc. But I'm sure it will breathe more effectively than the Medusa as the gaps in the back moulding are deeper and the mesh will allow set out and away.
Finally the Medusa does have more of a nod to climbing so if that appeals then you may need to look elsewhere (Lower Alpine, PodSacs, ME etc) for their climbing specific packs.
Otherwise the Halogen is a worthy upgrade.
