Submitted by lebogang.selem… on
Mammut Hiking Backpack
Mammut Hiking Backpack

Mammut Hiking Backpack

23L

I picked this one up in Switzerland and it felt appropriate, buying a Swiss pack in Switzerland. The Mammut 23L does exactly what a day hiking pack should do: it holds what you need, nothing more, nothing less, and it stays out of your way.

Also female-oriented, which as established is non-negotiable for me. Nalgene-sized pockets on both sides so your water bottle is always accessible. A front zipper pocket for quick-access items. And then there is this open slot clearly designed for a phone that does not quite work for that purpose in practice, which is the one design decision I would like to have a quiet word with the Mammut engineers about.

It fits a 3L hydration bladder without complaint, the hose routes through cleanly and clips onto the shoulder strap. On a day hike this is genuinely useful because the last thing you want to do is wrestle with a Nalgene mid-climb when your hands are doing something else.

Fits your raincoat, rain pants, snacks, food, and the other day hike essentials. The discipline of a smaller pack is a feature, not a limitation. You cannot overpack what you cannot fit.

Verdict

A clean, no-nonsense day pack for when you do not need the big guns. Bought in Switzerland, solid quality, and the double Nalgene pockets alone make it worth it. Just do not try to use it as a phone holster. It is not that kind of pack.