The recent explosion in popularity of trail running has been accompanied by the creation of a whole host of mountain-specific products and technologies. From running shoes to hiking poles, compression wear to hydration systems, the ability to keep moving at speed in the hills has driven progress and innovation that we're increasingly seeing extending beyond the trail running niche and into the mass hiking market.
The Salomon OUT PEAK 20 is the perfect example of this. Part race vest, part hiking pack, the OUT PEAK takes the very best of Salomon's trail running expertise and fires it into a larger pack ideal for day, overnight or multi-day fast and light hiking adventures.
Salomon's extremely popular trail running vests are fit for purpose so long as you're just carrying the bare essentials but if you're heading out on a real adventure and need to be prepared for all eventualities then you're going to need more space in your pack.
The 22 liter OUT PEAK has more than enough room for spare clothes, extra food, first aid and safety gear and any other kit that you might need for a day hike in challenging conditions or a longer overnight or multi-day adventure. Whilst it's clearly lightweight and built for speed, it's also a durable and waterproof pack built to withstand the elements and ever changing conditions that can occur on longer mountain forays.
Storage capacity is one thing, but it is how this is distributed and organized throughout the pack that makes the OUT PEAK 20 so impressive. The range of large, deep and accessible pockets are key to enabling you to access - and store - gear on the move while the divider in the main back compartment is great for separating wet kit or minimizing bounce when travelling with less load. Four zipped pockets on the front of the pack allow you to organize and keep dry phones, cameras, mp3 players etc and the internal zip pocket is perfectly sized for storing wallets and comes with a key holder as expected.
When you're moving at speed you need to stay hydrated and the OUT PEAK offers a range of solutions according to preference. The bladder compartment with hanging system is easily accessed without having to go into the main compartment of the pack and it also comes with two large 500ml soft flask compatible front pockets if you prefer to be able to monitor your liquid intake more readily.
In terms of fit, the OUT PEAK 20 comes in a range of sizes from Small to X-Large and is customizable according to size of load or body shape. We tested the pack in a Women's Medium and found the shoulder straps to be a little wide for our frame so bear this in mind and size down if you're narrow or slopey of shoulder!
When it comes to on-trail feel, the OUT PEAK 20 is a super comfortable pack thanks to the combination of Salomon's MotionFit and Sensifit back system technologies and padded shoulder straps. If you pack your gear logically and sensibly then the OUT PEAK 20 offers a bounce-free, comfortable ride however we would suggest wearing it with a high collar shirt if you're carrying larger loads as it may chafe a little around the neck during the breaking-in period.
