Mammut - MTR 201 Backpack

Then next best trail running pack with this many features is almost $100 more (Salomon S-Lab) and the MTR has more volume! Fully loaded there was definitely some noticeable bounce but I had my overnight kit stuffed in there. A full GoLite Shangri-la 3 tent, sleeping pad, a bit of food, water filter (sawyer squeeze) etc. trekking poles lashed to the side right and a 20 oz water bottle in the side left side pocket. So, yeah I expected some bounce. The pack itself is feather weight. The material is translucent and probably not very durable. Having it filled to capacity I could the seams being stressed. Overall very high quality craftsmanship though.

Fit was acceptable but could be dialed in better with sizing variation (s,m,l),this probably keeps the cost down. Right now it is a one size fits all pack. I'm on the smaller side (64in/135lbs) and I tightened the shoulder tension completely. The chest strap provided good tension but the design would benefit from the second sternum strap that comes equipped on the 7 liter smaller version. The hip belt actually sits above the navel and is not padded. It did help stabilize the load but I think the 2nd sternum strap would have improved the pack fit and bounce more.

The shoulder straps have multiple pockets. There is a bottle holder on the right, though what size bottle it was made for I have no idea. It cannot fit the typical 20 oz bottles without serious effort. I would be afraid of ripping the material. The left side has a built in whistle and a mesh pocket that is perfect for a cell phone. There is a volume expansion zipper on the main body of the pack, a feature that you see on many suitcases, that allows you to cram those high volume items in (rain fly/tarp)without stressing the light weight material too much. Also on the back side of the pack behind the super plush padded mesh back panel (best back panel ever!)is where the hydration sleeve is. The sleeve will easily fit a 3 liter hydration bladder and there is a clever way to route the tube under the shoulder fabric and a nice Velcro piece on the shoulder to keep the tube in place. FYI this is obviously a frameless pack.

The MTR 201 is definitely a niche product. Great for UL backpackers out for only a single night or trail runners out all day or overnight unsupported. I can see myself using this as a day pack when out with my 3 year old on a picnic/day hike but mostly for one night of fastpacking, or a stage race.

Loses a star for fit/bounce, hipbelt, and no 2nd sternum strap. The option to remove the hipbelt when not in use would be nice.