Review of Karrimor X-Lite 8L Running Pack

This little running pack has been a brilliant add-on to my list of 6 rucksacks...

Sadly as of the time of writing, Karrimor have seemingly stopped making this little beauty. No idea why, although they are doing the 15L version still...

It was on a trail run in 2017 when I decided I needed a smaller lightweight running pack. Trying to run with a strapped down 32L pack became quite comical - almost as comical as my fitness level trying to run up a scree slope and mountain that day...

"I must get a running pack" I kept on repeating, convincing myself that this was obviously the key to my improved running times... Fitness and training may work for some, but for me it's getting a running pack... Or something like that.

Attempting to keep up with a friend up the scree

The pack has a top opening (on the picture below, the zip runs around the black material), a space for a small hydration bladder (inside the pack at the back as usual) and a front zipped pocket. The Karrimor logo is reflective and the small bits of material that hold the yellow bungee also have reflective elements. The hydration bladder can run out of the pack to the back left or right which is useful.

To the rear of the pack there is a mesh bit which won't do much but it really doesn't matter with a running pack. There is a 'waist belt' of sorts which is enough to help keep the thing attached to you when running, as well as a chest strap. Two zip up side pockets are great and the mesh outers just about hold a 500l water bottle but only just.

Inside the pack there's enough for me to stash a drink, some food and an insulated layer.

The outer material is lightweight. It is ripstop but I have slightly damaged my pack on the front as it's not designed to be super-resilient. Still, it's nothing that McNett tape won't fix (I've had that stuff on an old rucksack and gaiters for years without it coming off!)

Recently I've even used it for cycling, stashing a fair bit of kit - repair kit, pump, food, lightweight chain, repair tools, extra layer. Definitely not its intended use but it had more than enough room.

This cost around £8 or so when I bought it in 2017. For running it's perfect. I can't see why it's been discontinued or why anyone would use a 15l pack except doing longer runs or ultras. And then I'd probably buy a more features and well-known pack anyway, just in terms of reliability. For what it is, it is brilliant.

I'm not a gear snob but (as always) the low price does make me think about where it was made and the conditions of the workers (let alone the poor quality conditions of Sports Direct staff and the allegedly questionable business practices of its management). That aside this is a well-featured running pack and for the average amateur runner needing a small pack it's perfect.

Montane Halogen 33 Rucksack Review / First Look

Having used the Montane Medusa 32 for some years now (since its release) and it having seen some battering, I was intrigued to see what the new model was like - the Halogen 33.

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

Front of Halogen 33

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.

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.

Slight contouring of the shoulder strap

The mesh on the hip belt is shown below. Again it's nice and squishy to touch and won't be abrasive to clothing.

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...

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.

Tool Attachment Points

The hip fin on the Halogen doesn't have a gear loop as the Medusa had. Instead there's another hip fin pocket instead.

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.

Halogen contact meshed back

Montane Medusa back system

Close up on the mesh with the moulded back pad behind

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)

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

Halogen 33 (top) closure compared to original Medusa

Other Features

Front Haul Loop next to the lid

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.

Montane Torque 40L Rucksack Review

My go-to rucksack is my Montane Medusa 32 litre pack. But for Winters, something bigger and more beasty needs to rear its head... Drum roll and cue the Montane Torque 40...

(Note that the colour of the pack is not blue as shown below. The most accurate colour is the second picture of the opening clip. The pack is a kind of blue-green colour. The clips and the back of the pack is orange not reddish as in the pics).

Montane Torque 40L

So here it is - flattened on the ground in a sad incident of cupboard squishing... But when it isn't being stored, what kind of kit can fit into it?

Well, I can easily stash a bunch of dry bags in it containing belay jacket, waterproofs, goggles, crampons, food, flask, Nalgene bottle, spare hats and sets of gloves, helmet and rope. And there's room to spare. I find the pack comfy to wear and as it's only one opening it's fairly easy to open up. Obviously the spindrift collar makes things a wee bit slower but hey. What I tend to do is pack my kit in specific dry bags in winter so I know what's where - quickly.

The base of the pack is also reinforced which is essential !


Opening the pack

At the front of the pack, the opening is a simple 'hook and loop' type of arrangement as shown in the pic below. Some may find this a little tricky in snow but I found it's much easier than a traditional opening in brutal conditions!

Bag Opening

Like the Medusa, the Torque has an open and close system that revolves around tugging one side of the cord to close the pack and then tugging the plastic on each side of the pack (shown in the third pic). The pack also has a spindrift collar as well which is mostly a great help!

Opening to the Torque showing inner and top sleeve - top sleeve can be extended for more volume

Showing the outer sleeve closed

Same pic but showing the handles you tug to open up the pack

Both openings closed

Rope compression strap clicked in place

Top Pocket

Very spacious pocket at the top of the pack. The 'buddy system' means that your buddy can open the pocket as it faces 'backwards' away from your back. The material is reinforced so it doesn't 'flop' forward with your kit spilling out. Killer feature - very helpful!

Underneath and inside the pack is a zipped compartment with a key chain on it and spares for the Montane Torque - again, a great feature.

Torque top outer pocket

Underside of the top outer pocket showing key chain and bag of spares

Inside the Pack

Inside the pack there's a single compartment. There is a hydration bladder section which I don't use but it's there for those who do! A great feature is that you can get into the pack via a zip at the top inside of the Torque. When you unzip this, you can take out the 'VertErgo Climb' back system which is there to give the pack needed strength and support. You can also manoeuvre this and shape it to fit your own body. It's also removable for lightweight enthusiasts. Also in this section is a folded removable bivvy mat! It's very thin but again it's a great feature and you could use it to sit on as well.

Looking down into the inside of the pack. The black part you can see is the folded bivvy mat

Looking down into the pack, the 'white' part is the VertErgo Climb back support

Side compression straps

Two lockable / unlock able / adjustable straps either side of the pack for storage or compression of the pack. The lower strap passes through the ice axe holder but don't affect the storage of the axe if you care to stash your axe here. I personally stick my axe down the side compression straps.

Torque side compression straps

The next feature

The back of the Torque 40 is the same style as the Medusa. The great thing is that the shoulder straps are clothing friendly which means they have been designed not to be abrasive on your clothing. And they work! The back is water resistant so snow doesn't weigh down and water-log your pack. The waist strap is very effective and easy to tighten - and padded with just the right amount of padding for me at least. The back also allows moisture to escape fairly well. OK it's not a mesh wafting in the air style back but it's what I like! Makes me feel more secure as it's tight to my back.

Back of the Montane Torque 40

The straps etc

You can see the chest strap in the picture (resting on the back - not done up). The waist strap is great and works very effectively. Unlike most other packs, you simply tug on the strap on either the left or right and the waist strap tightens.

This is a great winter pack. If you're doing the Alpine thing you may well want something more stripped back and with fewer straps and I can well understand this. For UK winter use or if you need to carry extra kit / spares as a Mountain Leader with a group, I cannot recommend it highly enough.


A shameless beautiful winter shot from near Heron Pike

This day was very windy and mad. But in the middle of the madness there was a few moments of clear weather!!

Montane Torque and Heron Pike meet

Macpac Tuatara 25L rucksack review

Quick mini review on the Macpac Tuatara 25 (I think!), sadly seemingly retired now from the Macpac range. It seems to have been replaced by the Rapaki 26.

Here's the Macpac link anyhow - http://www.macpac-europe.eu/tuatara-20.html

Macpac Tuatara 25

Just doing this review because I love this little pack so much - it's been up mountains, on coastal paths, on days out and carried loads of guitar gear and

This is a 25L rucksack with a webbed waist belt, a carry handle, hydration bladder, three zipped compartments and an inner pocket with a key hold. There's a recessed separate inner for carrying things you need to keep safe.

This pack is also weatherproofed and tough as nails.

Back of the Macpac Tuatara 25

The back is pretty padded around the shoulders and lower back and fits well to the back. A perfect rugged day sack for out and about. After around 6 years the pack is still going incredibly strong!

I imagine the Rapaki will be just as good! Only real difference seems to be the lack of bungee on the front of the Rapaki compared to the Tuatara.

Update 2022 - this rucksack is still going. Tough as nails! Pretty sure it was 25L not 20L.

Montane Medusa 32 Rucksack / Backpack / Pack Review

Update October 2017 - this has been hammered, battered, bruised, used all over the UK and beyond and it's still my favourite pack most of the year round. Genuinely can't fault it, despite getting a bit sweaty at times! Will buy another one when it dies.


What an awesome pack. I could sum up the review in those four words but I'm guessing you'd like to know a bit more...?

Oh go on then... 

Having had a 30 litre Karrimor pack before, this is more of a quality pack with a number of neat touches, some of which you'll use and some of which you won't. Nice to have the opportunity though...

Picked up the pack for around £50 on offer which was great as it retails for around £65-£75. 

Montane Medusa 32

The pack has a single top opening with Montane's unique 'pull system' which means you grab the two sides of the top cord and pull it open. I like this system of opening and have found it pretty easy, even in snow with cold fingers and gloves on. To close, you hold one side of the pull cord and tug the other side.

Looking down on the pack (drawcords left and right)

The back of the pack has a foam padding in a delightful orange colour. The pack fits fairly close to the back so inevitably sweat can be a problem on your back. But this is something you learn to live with if you're like me and don't like 'mesh' or 'air gap' type packs that make you feel like you're falling backwards as the pack sits so far from your back! It's also proved pretty effective at shedding snow which is a nice bonus.

Back of the Montane Medusa 32

There is a 'buddy' pocket at the top of the pack which (as you can see) can be opened by your 'buddy'. The 'rim' (lip) of the pocket is reinforced so when the pocket is opened, items don't come cascading out. The minor 'downside' (if that's a fair term) is that when empty the top pocket 'sags' slightly as you can see.

The top stiffened pocket

Montane Medusa 32 'in action' !!

The pack fastens via a single clip that some have argued looks slightly flimsy (you can see it in the picture above in the centre of the pack). I haven't found it too bad at all.

Down to the underside of the pack, the pack is reinforced from the normal Raptor material. I did manage to put a small hole in it when I was crossing a river and slipped onto the rock and landed on my pack. But that would rip any pack. However, it is reinforced and this is a great touch. I fixed the pack with some Tenacious Tape inside and outside and it's worked fine.

On the 'back' of the pack (where the Medusa 32 logo is) there are a couple of tool loops which can also be tucked away into the pack.  These will take a couple of ice axes and will hold them in. There are youtube videos on how to do this, if you choose to stash ice axes in this way. The side compression straps can also be used to put the ice axe through and keep the axes upright.

Talking of compression, the Medusa features two compression straps on each side of the pack to compress the pack or hold in equipment etc. These are neatly placed and spaced helpfully. The sides of the pockets also see two stretchy pockets that will hold part of a bottle / flask etc and the lower compression strap can be used to secure such an item.

There is a waist strap and a chest strap. The waist strap is fairly padded and the right side features a pocket, again with a 'lip' to avoid items falling out. The left side has a loop on to stash any karabiners etc.

As with most packs, the main straps can be adjusted in terms of length and with a top adjustment to help align the pack with your body and your needs. 

The rucksack is hydration compatible with an inner hydration pack section and a feed out of the pack on the underside of the top left side of the lid. I've actually stopped using hydration bladders as just found them to be a bit of a nuisance!

Looking down into the pack (hydration bit just about visible!)

My overall conclusion of the pack is that it packs (boom boom) the perfect punch and really suits me. I've not fully packed it except in Winter so it does sometimes have a wee bit of a sag, but that's nothing unusual with most packs. The back of the frame is pretty stable and I'd say about the perfect balance for the size of pack. It's without doubt the best pack I've worn and useful for all year round. This has travelled across the Moors, across the mountains and in every season.

Not being someone who misses having a thousand pockets, it suits me perfectly. Minimalist and probably just about the right balance of weight and durability (although if you want ultra-durable and more weighty, you're better off looking to things like the Deuter Guide range). But for me this is a great pack. I've also got its older sibling - the Torque 40 but the Medusa 32 is my go-to pack for almost all 'proper' walks, outside of full winter conditions.

One final thing to mention is that the back material / waist strap material has been designed by Montane so that it is very easy going on fabrics like baselayers, being non-abrasive. So if you're like me and take good care of your outdoors clothing, this pack scores even higher!