Not too long at all. This review provided loads of no-BS information that i didn't find anywhere else. Helped me making a good buying decision. Thanks for that! 👍🏼
Great review Antonio, I have to choose between Salomon XA 35 set and the Montane Trailblazer 30 Backpack and your review was really helpful. Thk so much
Thanks for your good review! I have the same Salomon XA 35 pack and use it for multi day fastpacking trips. For these trips 35l is perfect. You have to be aware of the different sizes of the pack (S/M or M/L)! You should choose a size smaller than your usual size, then you have less issues with the pack pulling you back. It's a good thing that you can compress the pack on all sides so you can pull the weight towards your back. But still no 100% perfect fit for me though. I have the same problems with the front pockets. There is not enough room in the front to stow away food and what's in it is not easy accessible. This is for me the biggest negative point of the XA35. And then you miss the side pockets for extra water bottles. The big mesh pocket on the back makes up for the lack of room in the front. Allthough it's an ultralight pack, I was pleased with the comfort of the pack on my back and on my shoulders. The foam is soft and comfortable. I'm looking forward to the successor of this pack, hoping they resolve some of the issues mentioned above.
Salomon could fix weight distribution by setting up the roll top buckles to clip to the shoulder straps, doubling as load lifters. Raidlight did this to great effect with the Revolutiv 24L, then inexplicably changed the design.
I own a XA 25 and after a few longer runs including a 195km/16000m+ multi-day adventure I'm still undecided on how to feel about this pack. This pack runs really big in my opinion. I have a M/L Adv Skin 12lt pack from a few year ago that fits me perfectly. With this pack (in size S/M) despite cinching it down to the max the fit is not 100% comfortable. The water bottle pouches are better in comparison to my Adv Skin but the front pockets are disappointingly very small and not forgiving. The left clip near the hip belt attachment popped off on the first use because of poor stitching and I had to sew it back on (first time having quality control issues with Salomon products). After 8h on the trails the pack at almost full capacity (around 6-7kg) started being very heavy on my shoulders causing bruises which I believe is from the awkward fit. Love the waterproof main compartment and the posterior cangaroo pouch. I would love 2 mesh side pockets like on the Ultimate Direction Fastpack series to carry 2 extra water bottles instead of using a water bladder (failed on me several times). So in conclusion I believe the pack has a huge potential but comes a bit short on delivery.
Great review Alvaro 👏, clarified all my doubts about the pack and I absolutely concur with your assessment of Salomon packs over 25L, I think it would better to have something with a frame
Found this review really useful. I have purchased this pack for the Montane Spine Race and think it will work well for that. I will also have a belt that will help with the issue of the smaller front pockets. Will try it out a few times and add a comment or two once it has been used to see if practically it works out. Thanks
Nice review! I’ve been looking for a good pack to walk fast carrying a paraglider, harness, and reserve parachute. This looks like it would work really well for that application.
Nice review, I've been looking into getting into fastpacking for a weekend trip and this was one of my options. Have you seen the Montane Trailblazer series?
@@Honest-Review I guess another way to look at it is get a smaller size and stuff or pack it balanced so that it doesn't need compression. But all your cons are pretty substantial, especially the load lifters to distribute heavier loads closer to your body. Thanks
I find that the bungee cord at the front/chest is not a good idea for this size/load of pack. It just bounces all around and you cannot 'strap' it tight with the bungees, especially for running (fastpacking) causes loads of chafing. I thing the salomon 'out day 20+4l pack' is much better with a proper front strap, and proper hip belt/pocket w zipper, and also straps that you mention on the top of shoulder to fit the pack tight. It's nearly the same construction as this pack but with those extras that you/i find lacking on this. I saw it's not on sale anymore but thay was def a better option for running/fastpacking. I also don't like the bungee at the adv skin 12l, for me that's also a pack when it's filled w equipment food 2l of water it bounces all around. Maybe for a 3-5L bungee is ok but anything bigger i need a flexible end strap (that holds tight but has some minimum bungee at each end..).
hey do you reckon there is a reason for the XA 15/25 if you can compress the 35 to be tight to your body, since they're almost the same weight? And is the hip belt detachable by any chance? It doesn't say on their website awesome video by the way, by far the most informative about the bag. not much content out there...
Hi. The hip belt is NOT detachable. As I say In the review, I think the 25 night be a better choice. If you need 35 liters of space, you might as well get a more supportive pack. There are light ones you can run with rhat will have a frame abs make it more comfortable to carry the load. Thanks mate!
You said in the review that the XA is best suitted for light pack and not when it's getting heavier. What is the weight limit, the point when you recommend to get a backpack with a frame? Anyone else, opinion?
Great question, I did not find an official carry limit or "best carry" weight on their website. I would go sith a frame or some structure when weight is past 15lbs
How does this carry with a full water, food and gear and what is a total carry capacity. I have a 25l ultimate Direction fast pack that I carried about 30lbs for one night for 4 days of food and 7L of water and about 24lbs the next 3 days with less water and food.
Not too long at all. This review provided loads of no-BS information that i didn't find anywhere else. Helped me making a good buying decision. Thanks for that! 👍🏼
Perfect - exactly what I was looking for. Super that it was so detailed. All questions answered. Thanks.
Great review Antonio, I have to choose between Salomon XA 35 set and the Montane Trailblazer 30 Backpack and your review was really helpful. Thk so much
Antonio, brilliant review, thank you so much for your time in creating and sharing this.
Thanks for your good review! I have the same Salomon XA 35 pack and use it for multi day fastpacking trips. For these trips 35l is perfect. You have to be aware of the different sizes of the pack (S/M or M/L)! You should choose a size smaller than your usual size, then you have less issues with the pack pulling you back. It's a good thing that you can compress the pack on all sides so you can pull the weight towards your back. But still no 100% perfect fit for me though. I have the same problems with the front pockets. There is not enough room in the front to stow away food and what's in it is not easy accessible. This is for me the biggest negative point of the XA35. And then you miss the side pockets for extra water bottles. The big mesh pocket on the back makes up for the lack of room in the front. Allthough it's an ultralight pack, I was pleased with the comfort of the pack on my back and on my shoulders. The foam is soft and comfortable. I'm looking forward to the successor of this pack, hoping they resolve some of the issues mentioned above.
Yes. In my experience Salomon is GREAT at their SECOND version of things!
Salomon could fix weight distribution by setting up the roll top buckles to clip to the shoulder straps, doubling as load lifters. Raidlight did this to great effect with the Revolutiv 24L, then inexplicably changed the design.
I own a XA 25 and after a few longer runs including a 195km/16000m+ multi-day adventure I'm still undecided on how to feel about this pack. This pack runs really big in my opinion. I have a M/L Adv Skin 12lt pack from a few year ago that fits me perfectly. With this pack (in size S/M) despite cinching it down to the max the fit is not 100% comfortable. The water bottle pouches are better in comparison to my Adv Skin but the front pockets are disappointingly very small and not forgiving. The left clip near the hip belt attachment popped off on the first use because of poor stitching and I had to sew it back on (first time having quality control issues with Salomon products). After 8h on the trails the pack at almost full capacity (around 6-7kg) started being very heavy on my shoulders causing bruises which I believe is from the awkward fit. Love the waterproof main compartment and the posterior cangaroo pouch. I would love 2 mesh side pockets like on the Ultimate Direction Fastpack series to carry 2 extra water bottles instead of using a water bladder (failed on me several times). So in conclusion I believe the pack has a huge potential but comes a bit short on delivery.
Thanks for your opinion Jan. I was considering the xa 25 but will look at getting the UD 30 instead.
Excellent review! you did it exactly as i want it.
Detailed, great zooming when needed and i got all my questions answered.
This was what I was looking for. Thanks for thorough review!
Thank you, excellent and helpful review for a runner wanting to combine it with some hiking 👏🏻
Thank you for great review! Was helpful👍🏼
Great thorough review my man, thx!
Thanks for the review !!!!! You are great 💯
great comprehensive review. much appreciated.
Great review Alvaro 👏, clarified all my doubts about the pack and I absolutely concur with your assessment of Salomon packs over 25L, I think it would better to have something with a frame
Look at MDS bags. That’s the multi day race in Morocco where they have to carry all their gear except water and tent.
buy the official MDS bag
Found this review really useful. I have purchased this pack for the Montane Spine Race and think it will work well for that. I will also have a belt that will help with the issue of the smaller front pockets. Will try it out a few times and add a comment or two once it has been used to see if practically it works out. Thanks
How dids it go?, did it finally work for you ?
Nice review! I’ve been looking for a good pack to walk fast carrying a paraglider, harness, and reserve parachute. This looks like it would work really well for that application.
You should make a comparison between this bag with the Mammut Ducan 28-35L bag.
Great great review! Thanks!
Thank you for this, been trying to find a detailed video of these packs online but no luck until I found yours!
Zpacks Arcblast or Archaul. ULA or HMG. Best use for that pack is in the campfire.
Nice review, I've been looking into getting into fastpacking for a weekend trip and this was one of my options. Have you seen the Montane Trailblazer series?
Darren Yee I do not own one but have seen them. They look good, but my concern is they seem to not have compression.
@@Honest-Review I guess another way to look at it is get a smaller size and stuff or pack it balanced so that it doesn't need compression. But all your cons are pretty substantial, especially the load lifters to distribute heavier loads closer to your body. Thanks
I bought th e25 and agree that 35L is big weight wich is just too much for a Vest cariage type. in my opinion.
I find that the bungee cord at the front/chest is not a good idea for this size/load of pack. It just bounces all around and you cannot 'strap' it tight with the bungees, especially for running (fastpacking) causes loads of chafing. I thing the salomon 'out day 20+4l pack' is much better with a proper front strap, and proper hip belt/pocket w zipper, and also straps that you mention on the top of shoulder to fit the pack tight. It's nearly the same construction as this pack but with those extras that you/i find lacking on this. I saw it's not on sale anymore but thay was def a better option for running/fastpacking.
I also don't like the bungee at the adv skin 12l, for me that's also a pack when it's filled w equipment food 2l of water it bounces all around. Maybe for a 3-5L bungee is ok but anything bigger i need a flexible end strap (that holds tight but has some minimum bungee at each end..).
Hi, great review, thank you! ¿How much can you compress the backpack? Would it be possible to compress it to the point of using it for 1 day hikes?
Yes. I used it for a couple of day hikes.
Great review thanks 😊 👍
I'm considering getting the 25 litre version to do some fastpacking. I'm 6' 180lbs, thinking of M/L.
Thanks your sharing 😊
hey do you reckon there is a reason for the XA 15/25 if you can compress the 35 to be tight to your body, since they're almost the same weight? And is the hip belt detachable by any chance? It doesn't say on their website
awesome video by the way, by far the most informative about the bag. not much content out there...
Hi. The hip belt is NOT detachable.
As I say In the review, I think the 25 night be a better choice. If you need 35 liters of space, you might as well get a more supportive pack. There are light ones you can run with rhat will have a frame abs make it more comfortable to carry the load.
Thanks mate!
That was real ass review right there
👍 🔥
You said in the review that the XA is best suitted for light pack and not when it's getting heavier. What is the weight limit, the point when you recommend to get a backpack with a frame? Anyone else, opinion?
Great question, I did not find an official carry limit or "best carry" weight on their website.
I would go sith a frame or some structure when weight is past 15lbs
@@Honest-Review thx. I'm planning a trek with a 12 lbs si it should be ok.
How does this carry with a full water, food and gear and what is a total carry capacity. I have a 25l ultimate Direction fast pack that I carried about 30lbs for one night for 4 days of food and 7L of water and about 24lbs the next 3 days with less water and food.
This is a 35L pack. I felt like full to its capacity it was not comfortable at all. it was pulling me back all the time.
It looks like it would by how upright it sits. I was really considering that or the out all night.
Semper Fi
very interesting review, so maybe de the 25 litres fit better?
I would think so. Or just be sure to pack really well so that the 35L does not feel top-heavy
In my opinion those hipbelt pockets are designed for trash,
Probably!