Mammut look to crack the problem of unbalanced climbing packs with their new Active Spine technology
Why We Chose The Mammut Trion Spine 35: Innovative back system, various ways to access kit, easy size adjustment.
Carrying heavy loads through complex climbing and scrambling terrain can be difficult. The pack can rock side to side leading to the feeling that it’s pulling you off the wall, or conversely it can make your movement feel completely restricted.
“A pack designed for climbing, skiing and mountaineering missions”
Mammut’s Active Spine technology looks to combat this unwanted instability and discomfort when carrying heavy loads through the use of a lightweight rod that connects two pivot points located near the shoulders and on the waist.
These linked pivot points ensure that the whole system will keep relatively central to your own centre of gravity but without hindering movement – something you’re going to find particularly useful when reaching laterally for a hold, making a big step, or just generally moving around technical terrain with skis on the pack.
The Trion Spine 35 is designed for missions in the mountains. Photo: Chris Johnson
Mammut's Active Spine technology is designed to combat instability. Photo: Chris Johnson
The Trion Spine upholds it's carrying comfort through the use of its pivot system. Photo: Chris Johnson
The pack is equipped with many of the features you’d expect to find on a technical climbing pack: reinforced side ski attachment, a single gear loop on the hip belt, two ice axe attachments and a rope strap under the lid. It’s also incredibly tough, made using a durable PU coated fabric that we suspect must be around 400D.
Whist climbing packs usually strip down many of the comfort features of a pack, this pack certainly goes the other way, but without becoming ridiculously heavy.
Packing and retrieving kit is easy thanks to the U-shaped opening. Photo: Chris Johnson
And whilst many other traditional climbing packs utilise a top loading system to access all of the gear, Mammut have designed this with top, bottom and front access, with a large U shaped opening similar to that of a duffel. This means that you’ll be able to organise and retrieve all of your kit with the pack fully opened up, rather than the classic situation of blindly diving into your pack via the top hood to reach your gear.
Mammut’s own ‘Connect’ system ties all of this together, making use of an RFID strip in the shoulder of the pack. If you scan this with on your smartphone it will add on a 5-year warranty and give you access technical information and articles on the pack. A somewhat unusual feature, but still useful nonetheless.
Tester’s Verdict
Tom Watkinson, Outdoor photographer
“My general use of backpacks falls between hikes, wild camps and photography. Where the three are combined the 35L capacity of this pack would fall short of what I require, however I think for multi-day hikes where I would likely not be carrying copious amounts of photography gear, it would be ample for my small tent, sleeping bag, roll mat and other camping essentials.
“What I can see however, is that this version of the Trion would be absolutely ideal for day-long alpine or UK winter mountain use. It’s just the right size for carrying all your technical kit and it’s made from some very durable materials. With that generous padding on the hipbelt, shoulder straps and on the back, it’s perfect for heavy loads.
“The large front access is a very useful feature. I love that you can lay it down on its back and open it right up to have all your kit right at your fingertips.
“I can see myself using this backpack frequently, even for just simple UK outings, but I can definitely see how this is geared more towards ski mountaineering and/or winter climbing.”
Easy adjustment on the sternum. Photo: Chris Johnson
Trade Secrets
Mammut Marketing Staff
“The Trion Spine 35 will take even difficult ascents in its stride. Thanks to a suspension system featuring the Active Spine Technology and integrated height adjustment, the backpack allows greater freedom of movement for the shoulders and hips, resulting in a more natural gait. It also ensures optimal load transfer during all walking movements, even when carrying a heavy weight. With a capacity of 35 litres, an additional front opening and a range of features, the Trion Spine 35 offers everything an alpinist’s heart could desire.”
Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.
