I bought this pack earlier this year to replace an old Ultimate Direction pack that was showing it’s age. The Gecko 12+ is just so much more comfortable and usable. I’ve run two ultras so far with it and haven’t experienced any issues with the chest straps that others have mentioned. I’ve been training with poles and find that the support system for poles works well. I’ve only attached the poles to the front so far but you can attach them to the back if you want. The top stash pocket is a great addition and works well for items that you need easy access to such as gloves, hat or lightweight jackets. I highly recommend the Gecko 12+.
Tested, switched from M to S (38inch chest approx) and it's so much better, snappy. When I tied M more tightly, it was a little bit too much above shoulders, not comfortable around neck and with soft flasks, some movement on shoulders, but for example, it will be totally fine for walk/hike or I ran with camelbak in the back and was fine. Additional S/M size would be perfect from Montane.
Hi there, I'm looking for a larger pack for longer runs which can take my wet weather clothing. Appreciate this video is a few years old, I was wondering if this pack is still as good or if there is a better version worth considering. Thank you 😊
Darren, the anchor part of the chest straps have repeatably unhooked them selves when the hook part is unfasten a very poor engineering design. I use sewing thread wrapped around the anchor part of the strap to keep it in place... The soft flask pockets are to narrow to hold the bigger mobile phones to date like S21. I'll stay with Salomon ADV Skin 12 that has worked for 23x 100 milers . Geko VP12+ is a more durable pack, but I took my thread mod off and sent it back. Staying to what works... Thanks for the info...
I agree on the toggles, it’s something they should look to fix though I understand their approach wanting the vest as adjustable as possible. To be honest I don’t have issues with my phone it holds nicely in the side pouches without falling out as I prefer to keep other stuff in this zip pockets.
Hi Darren, great review thanks. A few other reviews complain about the chest straps repeatedly coming free. How have you found this a few months in now?
I can understand that and agree the design of the toggles isn't ideal, they do detach so you can reposition them. They're made for convenience but can come undone. They have not come loose for me unless in the wash or because I reposition myself then fail to clip back in correctly. However, I am surprised they haven't come undone more often. Having said that it would not stop me buying another pack, the pro's outweigh the con's for sure.
Hi Darren, great review! Would you happen to know how this vest compares to Salomon Advance Skin 12? Is the velcro strap sticky enough, doesn't it come undone when running? Thanks.
Thanks. I have not used that specific Salomon pack but I have always found Montane packs much better, personally. The Velcro is plenty sticky enough I had no issues throughout a 48 mile Ultra and comfort was spot on. Never had the Velcro come undone yet
Could you suggest any lightweight vests which zips up at the center with some pockets which can be worn over a T-shirt for a little protection against rain and wind or perhaps just to provide some pockets for a large cell phone or a wallet or a small water bottles, etc.? By the way, thank you for the review of this very cool product.
Hi, the nearest I can think of is again from Montanes Gecko range but its not full length zipper (though I doubt such a design would work) it zips at the bottom only to make it easier to slip on and off. Many people I have spoken too like the design and find it comfortable heres a link montane.com/products/montane-gecko-ultra-v-black
For me it was personal preference there is no difference between them. However, the previous version of the Gecko range was only in black and it was no where near as good as the new version so I wonder if some people see the blue as higher end possibly because of this.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Hi Darren, it says on the website that this is compatible with montane bladder systems, however I searched their site and it produces no results. Could you confirm which type of bladder might fit? Concerned there is no "hook' system and wary the bladder just sits at the bottom of the pack sloshing. TIA
@@davewilliams2414 Hi Dave I don’t use a bladder when running so couldn’t confirm from experience however there is a hook in the pack and they do state it is suitable to use with a bladder as all montane vest are but I don’t believe they produce their own.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning many thanks Darren. Trying to find what the hook looks like so I can source a bladder. I have a Gregory pack so will hopefully have on that works already. Have an ultra next year and not sure the 1 ltr in the bottles will be enough. Think the kit list requires more than that. Thanks again. Dave
@@davewilliams2414 to be honest no ultra race can request you carry more than 1 litre unless extreme conditions and no checkpoints they should have CP’s every 6 miles really. It’s so much better using the soft flasks personally because you know how much you are consuming but totally understand it’s personal preference
Think the only thing not covered off was bladder option and poles... Presume there's looping for bladder? And for the poles can they attach at the front or just at the back? Good review otherwise
Yes it will take a bladder and poles...personally don't use either but it has the capability and designed for it. I'm sure there are loops at the front for the poles.
Thanks Darren. I'm in the market for one at the moment. I'm wondering if this would facilitate wearing a jacket over the vest for runs in changeable conditions.
Any hydration vets will it comes more down to the jacket not been too tight fitting and how filled the pack is but I've worn mine over at the start of numerous races.
Hi Darren. Thanks for the video. I like Montane kit, but am wondering how that Velcro is with expensive running shirts. Do you notice any damage (like if you ever get unfastened Velcro in the washer and it damages the surface of material)? Thanks and regards
Hey Neil. The bottom ‘belt’ is made that the Velcro side will never touch your shirt as it’s facing outwards, the side facing down is soft…having said this, I have noticed a little rubbing on some of my tees but this is due to how tight I like to fasten mine and would be the case with any thicker belt.
Hi, not sure what chest size I am but remember measuring and just selecting from their size guide. I would recommend doing the same. Its just right for me, think I'm small.
Please can I ask, I’ve bought it already, but where is the detachable whistle meant to be kept! I can’t find it… but don’t think it’s missing, think I’m missing it!
oh, i went for VP5 size M and running with one soft flask, it was bouncy on the chest / shoulders.. but when I ran with camelbak, it was fine, should I switch to S? 38 inches chect, so i fit to their M size initially
The sizing's are quite broad and generic so you may lie on the border of two, maybe go a size down. Assume you have tightened up all the adjustments available.
I bought this pack earlier this year to replace an old Ultimate Direction pack that was showing it’s age. The Gecko 12+ is just so much more comfortable and usable. I’ve run two ultras so far with it and haven’t experienced any issues with the chest straps that others have mentioned. I’ve been training with poles and find that the support system for poles works well. I’ve only attached the poles to the front so far but you can attach them to the back if you want. The top stash pocket is a great addition and works well for items that you need easy access to such as gloves, hat or lightweight jackets. I highly recommend the Gecko 12+.
Its certainly one of the best and has been for a while for me.
And here we are when I finnally realised that I’ve watched so many of Your videos I thought I already subscribed😱 but don’t worry I’ve just done it👌🏻
Tested, switched from M to S (38inch chest approx) and it's so much better, snappy. When I tied M more tightly, it was a little bit too much above shoulders, not comfortable around neck and with soft flasks, some movement on shoulders, but for example, it will be totally fine for walk/hike or I ran with camelbak in the back and was fine. Additional S/M size would be perfect from Montane.
Good to hear, I love mine still.
Solomon ADV 12and this Montane seem the best two packs. Both make great gear.
Its been a long time since I tried a Salomon pack but the Advance range from memory were my go to before Montane
Hi there, I'm looking for a larger pack for longer runs which can take my wet weather clothing. Appreciate this video is a few years old, I was wondering if this pack is still as good or if there is a better version worth considering. Thank you 😊
Darren, the anchor part of the chest straps have repeatably unhooked them selves when the hook part is unfasten a very poor engineering design. I use sewing thread wrapped around the anchor part of the strap to keep it in place... The soft flask pockets are to narrow to hold the bigger mobile phones to date like S21. I'll stay with Salomon ADV Skin 12 that has worked for 23x 100 milers . Geko VP12+ is a more durable pack, but I took my thread mod off and sent it back. Staying to what works... Thanks for the info...
I agree on the toggles, it’s something they should look to fix though I understand their approach wanting the vest as adjustable as possible. To be honest I don’t have issues with my phone it holds nicely in the side pouches without falling out as I prefer to keep other stuff in this zip pockets.
Hi Darren, great review thanks. A few other reviews complain about the chest straps repeatedly coming free. How have you found this a few months in now?
I can understand that and agree the design of the toggles isn't ideal, they do detach so you can reposition them. They're made for convenience but can come undone.
They have not come loose for me unless in the wash or because I reposition myself then fail to clip back in correctly. However, I am surprised they haven't come undone more often. Having said that it would not stop me buying another pack, the pro's outweigh the con's for sure.
Hi Darren, great review! Would you happen to know how this vest compares to Salomon Advance Skin 12? Is the velcro strap sticky enough, doesn't it come undone when running? Thanks.
Thanks. I have not used that specific Salomon pack but I have always found Montane packs much better, personally. The Velcro is plenty sticky enough I had no issues throughout a 48 mile Ultra and comfort was spot on. Never had the Velcro come undone yet
Could you suggest any lightweight vests which zips up at the center with some pockets which can be worn over a T-shirt for a little protection against rain and wind or perhaps just to provide some pockets for a large cell phone or a wallet or a small water bottles, etc.? By the way, thank you for the review of this very cool product.
Hi, the nearest I can think of is again from Montanes Gecko range but its not full length zipper (though I doubt such a design would work) it zips at the bottom only to make it easier to slip on and off. Many people I have spoken too like the design and find it comfortable heres a link montane.com/products/montane-gecko-ultra-v-black
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Thank you very much.
Just curious, why is everyone getting the blue instead of black? Did I miss anything?? Thank you for your very detailed insights!!!
For me it was personal preference there is no difference between them. However, the previous version of the Gecko range was only in black and it was no where near as good as the new version so I wonder if some people see the blue as higher end possibly because of this.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning indeed significant leap, the first gecko reminds me of the jaws series whilst the current gecko is a total redesign
A very valuable demonstration! I want to know does this pack have a place for water bladder and the system for the hose? Thanks!
I do not use it for that purpose but it is compatible with bladder systems yes.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Hi Darren, it says on the website that this is compatible with montane bladder systems, however I searched their site and it produces no results. Could you confirm which type of bladder might fit? Concerned there is no "hook' system and wary the bladder just sits at the bottom of the pack sloshing. TIA
@@davewilliams2414 Hi Dave I don’t use a bladder when running so couldn’t confirm from experience however there is a hook in the pack and they do state it is suitable to use with a bladder as all montane vest are but I don’t believe they produce their own.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning many thanks Darren. Trying to find what the hook looks like so I can source a bladder. I have a Gregory pack so will hopefully have on that works already. Have an ultra next year and not sure the 1 ltr in the bottles will be enough. Think the kit list requires more than that. Thanks again. Dave
@@davewilliams2414 to be honest no ultra race can request you carry more than 1 litre unless extreme conditions and no checkpoints they should have CP’s every 6 miles really. It’s so much better using the soft flasks personally because you know how much you are consuming but totally understand it’s personal preference
Think the only thing not covered off was bladder option and poles... Presume there's looping for bladder? And for the poles can they attach at the front or just at the back? Good review otherwise
Yes it will take a bladder and poles...personally don't use either but it has the capability and designed for it. I'm sure there are loops at the front for the poles.
Thanks Darren. I'm in the market for one at the moment. I'm wondering if this would facilitate wearing a jacket over the vest for runs in changeable conditions.
Any hydration vets will it comes more down to the jacket not been too tight fitting and how filled the pack is but I've worn mine over at the start of numerous races.
Hi Darren. Thanks for the video. I like Montane kit, but am wondering how that Velcro is with expensive running shirts. Do you notice any damage (like if you ever get unfastened Velcro in the washer and it damages the surface of material)? Thanks and regards
Hey Neil. The bottom ‘belt’ is made that the Velcro side will never touch your shirt as it’s facing outwards, the side facing down is soft…having said this, I have noticed a little rubbing on some of my tees but this is due to how tight I like to fasten mine and would be the case with any thicker belt.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning thanks Darren. Much appreciated. I'll wait for a deal and grab one of these I think 👍
Excuse me, how do you measure Montane Gecko VP 12+ for a proper fit? Is it on the chest or below it?
Thank u so much
Hi, its usually chest measurement from under the armpit.
Hi darren what size did you get and what is your chest size do they come up large/small im a 42"chest.
Thanks
Hi, not sure what chest size I am but remember measuring and just selecting from their size guide. I would recommend doing the same. Its just right for me, think I'm small.
Please can I ask, I’ve bought it already, but where is the detachable whistle meant to be kept! I can’t find it… but don’t think it’s missing, think I’m missing it!
@@susiebone79 The whistle is inside one of the zipped chest pockets.
oh, i went for VP5 size M and running with one soft flask, it was bouncy on the chest / shoulders.. but when I ran with camelbak, it was fine, should I switch to S? 38 inches chect, so i fit to their M size initially
The sizing's are quite broad and generic so you may lie on the border of two, maybe go a size down. Assume you have tightened up all the adjustments available.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning right, fits fine around lower chest, but shoulders are not so tight as i would want, thanks for reply