Salomon Trailblazer 20 Pack Review

Bottom Line

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a sleek and comfortable daypack with a minimalist design and lightweight build. Of all the bags on our Best Daypacks For Hiking guide, this is one of Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s favorites for fast and nimble adventures. He’s climbed 30+ Colorado peaks over 13,000’ with the Trailblazer and racked up over 350 miles in the Rockies, where its stellar hydration tube routing and handy hip pockets were perfect for big days in the backcountry. With 20 liters of storage, it’s one of the smallest packs on our daypacks list, making it a bullseye for light adventures. 

But no bag is perfect. 20 liters may be on the small side for your next adventure, and if you prefer classic features like an external stuff pocket, lash points, or small zippered pockets for organization, this bag may not work. The Trailblazer also doesn’t have a frame – which is great for packing and compressibility – but it can feel floppy when underpacked.

However, we keep reaching for the Trailblazer 20 when traveling, running errands, and heading out for 20+ mile fastpacking days. If you need a streamlined daypack for just the essentials, the Trailblazer is budget-friendly and long-lasting.

Comfort

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a comfortable ultralight pack for dayhikers and minimalists. We found the curved, ergonomic mesh shoulder straps and mesh-covered foam back panel offered reliable cushioning and breathability to help dissipate sweat and heat on hot days. A flexible sternum strap and padded mesh waist belt allowed us to personalize our fit. At first glance, the tapered shape might seem limiting, but over a year of testing, we found that it distributed weight efficiently. When Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer needs a daypack for fast movement and long peak-bagging days, this is one of his first picks – along with the REI Flash 22.

Whether you’re tackling steep trails or casual day hikes, this pack’s lightweight build means a comfy carry without compromising performance.

Organization

The Trailblazer 20 is a very simple day pack, but it doesn’t sacrifice storage. Our favorite thing about this model is its two large zippered pockets on the body of the bag: one on top for small items, including a key clip, and a large vertical pocket on the front for bulkier gear like gloves or a hat. Two waist belt pockets—one zippered, one stretchy—are perfect for stashing snacks or small items like chapstick or a satellite device on the go. But the standout feature is the long, U-shaped zipper track that extends nearly from the bottom of the bag to the top. This offers full access to the main compartment without digging through your stuff from the top. As long as we packed the bag mindfully, our gear was easy to access. Ian also found that Salomon nailed the hydration setup with hydration tube sleeves running far down both shoulder straps. That kept his hands free and the tube in place.

On the downside, this pack doesn’t have a stuff pocket on the back for quick access to bulkier items like jackets. The side pockets are too shallow to securely hold wider water bottles, reducing their functionality. Despite these quirks, the Trailblazer still offers an organized experience for most adventures.

User-Friendliness

The Trailblazer 20 is an intuitive, fuss-free daypack that makes life on the trail easy. We found that the placement of the pockets and trekking pole attachments intuitive. We also loved the waist pockets – a rarity in lightweight daypacks like this – for ease of use. The streamlined aesthetic is not only sleek but very functional, whether we traversed a city or a scree field.

However, if you like a more traditional backpack design, the Trailblazer might  not work. It doesn’t have a front stuff pocket for ease of access, the side mesh pockets are a bit shallow, and the tapered bottom may take some getting used to when packing. But we like the no-frills design of the Trailblazer 20- it’s a dependable choice for folks who value simplicity.

Weight and Compressibility

If you’re looking for weight savings and compressibility, the Trailblazer is a leader. Weighing just 14.6 ounces, it ranked among the lighter daypacks we reviewed. Ian wore this pack for dozens of hikes in Utah’s San Rafael Swell and loved its barely-there feel. Its narrow and sleek design is perfect for moving through tight spaces without issue. 

Without a rigid frame, this pack also can be rolled or folded flat, making it easy to tuck into a larger backpack or suitcase. Even when fully loaded, the minimalist design prevents bulk, with very few straps or mesh pockets to catch or snag on trail. The material’s pliability allows it to expand or compress depending on what’s inside, making it versatile for various trips.

In short, the Trailblazer remains a top pick for a lightweight solution.

Durability

The Trailblazer 20 offers average durability, yet it’s proven its mettle on some tough days in the backcountry. On Colorado’s Skyline Traverse, Gear Analyst Ian Krammer dragged this bag over rough rocks, pushed through thick pine groves, and accidentally knocked it off a 30 foot cliff into a lake. The pack’s blend of nylon, polyester, and elastane fabrics have handled everything we’ve thrown at it.

However, the mesh on the shoulder and waist straps lacks the toughness of the rest of the pack. During our testing, the mesh snagged easily on branches and sharp edges, which lead to early signs of fraying. Ian also noticed soft points and slight wear and tear on the body fabric after dozens of times rolling this bag up in luggage or a backpacking backpack. There is no notable cracking or splitting yet, so we still expect to get many more adventures out of this bag before we retire it.

Should you buy the Salomon Trailblazer 20 pack?

The Trailblazer 20 is perfect for hikers and travelers who value simplicity, comfort, and a lightweight design. Its simple features and sleek aesthetic make it ideal for day hikers, trail runners, and fast packers who need to carry only the essentials. It’s also compact enough to pack away but substantial enough to serve as a primary daypack. However, not everyone needs such a streamlined pack. This bag may miss the mark if you prefer elements like a stash pocket, multiple lash points, or deep water bottle pockets. However,  this pack hits the sweet spot for folks who want a nimble, no-nonsense daypack for fast, efficient adventures.

What other day packs should you consider for hiking?

If you want something different from the Salomon Trailblazer 20, head over to our guide to the Best Daypacks for Hiking:

REI Flash 22 Review: The REI Flash 22 is another pack that’s better suited for budget-conscious hikers and those needing more storage space.

LL Bean Stowaway Review: Ideal for travelers and multi-activity adventurers, this pack is a great alternative, thanks to its versatility and low price point.

Osprey Daylite Plus Review: This one is best for trail hikers who want comfort, durability, and style in an uncomplicated design.