The new Outday 20+4 from Salomon is a technical lightweight pack designed for day hikers looking to move at speed out on the trail.
The first thing you notice about the Outday 20+4 is it's weight - or lack of it! At just 671g, it's clear that this pack has been designed specifically with speed in mind. The overall look is one of a streamlined and stripped back pack but closer inspection reveals a whole host of well thought-out features designed to facilitate swift and efficient progress in the mountains.
Much of the clever design and innovative features of the Out Day 20+4 draw on Salomon's mountain running heritage. Organisation and access to gear on the move is the name of the game here; both the main compartment and front stash pockets can be accessed via the side of the pack, there's zipped pockets on both sides of the hip belt for phones, cameras or snacks, and stretchy side pockets for rapid stashing too.
The front stretch flask pocket on the strap is ideal if you prefer carrying your fluids where you can see them but if you're prefer to use a hydration pack the Out Day 20+4 is also bladder-compatible. Other features of note include multiple gear attachment points for trekking poles and a small zipped internal pocket for valuables.
The trail and mountain running inspiration continues in how the pack fits. Salomon's Motion harness system means the Out Day 20+4 feels more like a running vest than a traditional backpack, it really does move with you rather than slosh around at the rear. If you're concerned about all-day comfort, don't be. Salomon know this is a hiking pack rather than an out-and-out running pack so it has been designed to deal with load; both the straps and back are thermo-molded to offer support and prevent rubbing in potentially high-abrasion areas.
£90 might seem like a lot of money to pay for such a lightweight pack but by opting for the Out Day 20+4 you're investing in a highly technical hiking pack designed by the one of the world's leading fast and light mountain adventure specialists.
