Salomon
Trailblazer 20 Backpack
The Salomon Trailblazer 20 is a 20-liter lightweight backpack designed for run commuting, day hiking, and travel, weighing under 500 g. It is made with a water- and wind-resistant ripstop polyamide shell, a polyester-lined main compartment, and features padded ergonomic back panel, adjustable chest strap, side mesh pockets, and a hip belt with a small zip pocket. Dimensions are 19 x 12 x 6.25 in (48 x 30.5 x 16 cm); reviews note it is durable and comfortable but not fully waterproof and lacks back ventilation and external water-bottle straps.
- Style
- sporty, performance
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Size
Specifications
Ultra-comfortable 20L hiking backpack with water-resistant ripstop fabric, padded back, and multiple pockets.
Ergonomic back panel, water-resistant fabric, padded straps, chest strap, zip closure main compartment, side mesh pockets, secure interior compartment.
- Material
- Shell: 100% polyamide; Lining: 100% polyester; Pockets: 88% polyamide, 12% spandex; Shell back: 100% polyester
- Style
- sporty, performance
- Occasion
- hiking, travel, weekend
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 12x6.25x19 in
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Additional Attributes
- water and wind-resistant check ripstop fabric
- padded back
- side mesh pockets
- zip pocket on top
- secure interior compartment
- adjustable padded straps
- chest strap
- ergonomic back panel
Product Insights
The Trailblazer 20 Backpack by Salomon is a lightweight 14.6 oz frameless pack designed for stability during running commutes, featuring a U-zipper clamshell access, hydration tube routing, and hip belt pockets. Its close-fit harness minimizes bounce but restricts airflow, causing heat buildup, while water resistance handles only light rain, needing a rain cover or dry bag in sustained wet conditions. The frameless design causes heavy loads to sag and underpacked loads to feel floppy, and side mesh pockets lack bottle straps, risking spills during running. Despite these tradeoffs, it offers a snag-free exterior, packs flat for travel, and withstands heavy use with its durable ripstop shell.
Verified claims
- Stability
- Stays stable during run commutes; minimal bounce even with a laptop.
- Water resistance
- Handles light rain only; not waterproof; a rain cover or waterproofing spray is needed for sustained rain.
- Ventilation
- Close-fit back restricts airflow; mesh foam still dissipates heat in desert conditions.
- Fit system
- Lightweight, pliable 3D Light shoulder straps, an elasticized sternum strap, and a padded hip belt provide a secure, customizable fit for running or hiking, keeping a laptop stable.
- Breathability
- The close-fitting harness provides cushioning but limits airflow, causing heat buildup during activity.
- Hydration tube routing
- Dedicated hydration tube sleeves on both shoulder straps anchor the tube during running.
- Load sensitivity
- The frameless pack carries full loads steadily but feels floppy when underpacked; heavy items low cause sag.
- Weight
- 14.6 oz & $75; 27% lighter than Daylite Plus, 57% less than Talon 22.
- Feature set
- U-zipper, hip belt pockets, hydration routing, frameless, stable for running.
- Packability
- Rolls or folds flat to stow inside larger bags.
- Durability
- The ripstop polyamide shell reduces tear propagation by 20–35% compared to plain weaves, and the nylon fabric provides added abrasion resistance.
- Bladder compartment
- The secure interior compartment accommodates a hydration bladder and can hold the reservoir against the spine to improve carry stability.
- Water bottle straps
- Buyers report that the side mesh pockets lack water bottle securing straps, so bottles may slip out during running.
- External pockets
- The pack has a smooth front panel instead of a bulky stuff pocket, but includes top, hip-belt, and side mesh pockets for quick access.
- Clamshell access
- U-shaped zipper offers clamshell access and quick retrieval from anywhere in the pack.
- Weather resistance
- Main compartment lacks a waterproof seal; using a rain cover is recommended in sustained rain.
- Snag-free exterior
- Smooth front panel replaces bulky stuff pocket to prevent snagging on trails.
- Waist belt pockets
- Zippered and stretchy waist belt pockets, rare in sub-1-pound daypacks.
- Laptop fit and access
- Fits a laptop, though the fit may be tight depending on size; the U-shaped zipper provides full-access packing.
- Weather protection
- Water-resistant but needs a rain cover or dry bag for sustained rain to protect a laptop.
- Travel daypack
- The pack folds flat for luggage stow, fits a laptop, offers clamshell access, and weighs 14.6 oz.
- DWR / seam sealing
- The water-resistant shell uses a basic coating rather than a durable DWR treatment that can be reapplied, and the seams are not taped, so the pack is best for light rain only.
Product record
- Title
- Trailblazer 20 Backpack
- Brand
- Salomon
- Availability
- Out of stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 15 sourcesUses
Day hikes and short trail adventures
This 20-liter pack is built for hikes and short adventures, with an ergonomic back system, breathable mesh padding, and an adjustable sternum strap and padded waist belt that reviewers found comfortable for personalizing fit on the trail. Two waist belt pockets—one zippered, one stretchy—keep snacks and small items like chapstick or a satellite device within reach, while a minimalist design with few straps helps avoid snagging. Reviewers note it carries weight well when full but can feel floppy when underpacked, and one observed it can sit a bit lower on the back with something heavy inside.[3,5,6,7,8]
Hiking with hands-free hydration
For hikers using a hydration reservoir, the Trailblazer 20 routes the drinking tube through sleeves that run far down both shoulder straps. One reviewer reported this setup kept the tube in place and his hands free on the move. Note that the 20L pack is reported to lack straps for securing a water bottle on the outside, so it's better suited to reservoir-based hydration than external bottle carry.[3,4]
Run to work with your daily gear packed in
This 20L Salomon backpack is used for run commuting, fitting work clothes, shoes, a water bottle, lunch, and sometimes a laptop — though some users find a laptop can make it a tight squeeze. One long-term reviewer reported no rubbing around the neck and little bouncing even with a laptop inside, while noting the back panel hugs closely so don't expect much airflow to keep your back cool. The bag isn't fully waterproof, but one runner found it kept contents mostly dry during a 10k in the rain.[1,2]
Tucking it into luggage for travel
Because this pack has no rigid frame, it can be rolled or folded flat, making it easy to tuck into a larger backpack or suitcase. A reviewer notes the tradeoff: without a frame, it can feel floppy when underpacked.[3]
One lightweight pack for hikes, travel, and city days
A Reddit user reports using this Salomon backpack across a mix of activities — hikes, their travels, and everyday city wear. They highlight how little the pack weighs, framing it as coming in under 500g, which they say means trade-offs. Their mixed experience is worth noting: they found the lack of back ventilation very noticeable and the shortage of external compartments annoying, feeling it needs at least one more compartment that doesn't eat into the internal space.[5]
Grabbing gear without digging from the top
A reviewer highlighted the Trailblazer 20's long, U-shaped zipper track, which runs nearly from the bottom of the bag to the top as its standout feature. Opening the pack this way gives full access to the main compartment, so you can reach your gear without digging through everything from the top.[3]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Trailblazer 20 Backpack: Choose this if you want a lightweight 20-liter daypack for hikes and short adventures: at 14.6 ounces it ranked among the lighter daypacks in one review, and its frameless build rolls or folds flat so it can be tucked into a larger backpack or suitcase. A long U-shaped zipper gives full access to the main compartment without digging from the top, hydration tube sleeves run down both shoulder straps, and the padded mesh waist belt—with one zippered and one stretchy pocket—lets you personalize the fit and stash small items on the go. Be aware it can feel floppy when underpacked, one tester found the back ventilation lacking, and it is not entirely waterproof, though one user reported contents stayed mostly dry after a 10k run in the rain.[1,2,3] | Adv Skin 5 Hydration Vest: Choose this if you want a lightweight (7 oz), fitted 5 L vest for demanding endurance runs, with long-distance comfort and easy access to hydration — it includes two 500 ml (17 oz) Hydrapak flasks and can take an additional 2 L reservoir in the back. It is unisex-sized (XS to XL per one review, though this retailer lists medium to x-large), and its body-contact mesh can feel slightly abrasive on bare skin but reviewers found it fine over a thin shirt. Note that this version has fewer pockets than the previous model — side pockets were replaced by a stretchy lumbar sleeve reviewers liked for jackets and gloves but missed for small essentials — so consider your capacity and storage needs before choosing it over a larger vest.[9,10,11,12,13] | Grvl Skin 4 Hydration Vest: Choose this if you want a purposefully minimalist 4-liter vest for efficient single-day efforts across mixed surfaces, with a front-loaded layout (two front flask pockets, a zippered chest pocket for phone or keys, and a rear zip pocket that fits a light jacket) and quick chest adjustability via the Quick Link system; it includes two 500 ml (17 oz.) Hydrapak flasks. Its open 3D mesh back keeps heat buildup low in warm, humid conditions, and one reviewer found the anti-bounce stability very good, though you need to cinch it tight, the elastic flask loops can let bottles shift during dynamic movement, and it still absorbs sweat. If you're planning longer days with variable weather or heavier self-supported efforts, you'll likely want more capacity.[14,15] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing view of a black backpack with a single large front panel, vertical white brand text, top carry loop, visible zippers and side mesh pockets.
- Overall silhouetteTall rounded-rectangle backpack seen from the front with a slightly domed top and a tapered lower panel.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.04 · w 0.76 · h 0.92 (high) - Front panel materialSmooth, slightly textured ripstop-like fabric on the large front panel with low sheen.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.76 (high) - Vertical brand text“Single vertical white wordmark reading SALOMON printed down the center front.”
1 region
x 0.43 · y 0.18 · w 0.14 · h 0.48 (high) - Model text“TRAILBLAZER 20 printed in small white uppercase letters near the lower front panel.”
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.74 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high) - Top carry loopWebbing loop handle centered at the top of the pack.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.01 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Top zipper and pullsCurved top zipper with two corded zipper pulls and cord locks visible at the crown.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.00 · w 0.34 · h 0.12 (high) - Side mesh pocketsStretch mesh pockets on both left and right sides, integrated into the side panels.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.28 · w 0.12 · h 0.50 (high); x 0.80 · y 0.28 · w 0.12 · h 0.50 (high) - Lower front reflective tabSmall vertical reflective rectangular tab centered on the lower front seam.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.86 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (high) - Lower left cinch cordShort cord with toggle emerging from the lower left edge of the bag.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.86 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (high) - Left side zipper pullCorded zipper pull with small rubberized end visible on the left upper side seam.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.16 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with even front lighting and a subtle cast shadow beneath the pack.
- Background and stagingEven light gray neutral background with no props; product centered in frame.
- Lighting and shadowDiffuse frontal lighting producing soft even illumination and a faint shadow under the pack toward the front.
- Shot compositionFront-on vertical crop showing the full height of the backpack with a small margin around edges.
Colors
black· main body#1E1E1Dwhite· vertical logo and model textdark grey· cords and zipper pulls#4C4B4Bvery dark charcoal· side mesh pockets#1D1C1B- Overall silhouetteTall rounded-rectangle backpack seen from the front with a slightly domed top and a tapered lower panel.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a black backpack showing padded ventilated backpanel, mesh-covered shoulder straps, hip belt with small zip pocket, side stretch pocket, external zipper pulls with cord loops, and load-adjustment straps.
- Backpanel paddingCentral backpanel with three vertical contoured foam pads covered in fine mesh fabric; pads have visible stitched seams forming elongated hexagonal shapes.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.12 · w 0.45 · h 0.72 (high) - Shoulder strapsTwo padded shoulder straps with open-weave mesh on the inner faces and smooth woven fabric on the outer faces; straps include sewn webbing loops and an adjustable sternum strap with a plastic buckle.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.03 · w 0.35 · h 0.60 (high); x 0.34 · y 0.02 · w 0.32 · h 0.40 (medium) - Hip/waist beltPadded hip belt visible at the lower foreground with an integrated small zippered pocket on the right side and an adjustable webbing strap with plastic buckle.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.62 · w 0.90 · h 0.31 (high) - Side stretch pocketElasticated fabric side pocket on the visible right side of the pack, formed from a softer knit or stretch fabric and set into the side panel seam.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.28 · w 0.26 · h 0.40 (high) - Zipper pulls and cordsExternal zipper pulls with short cord loops terminating in clear teardrop-shaped plastic ends; cords appear on the main compartment zipper and lower panel zipper.
2 regions
x 0.72 · y 0.05 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.78 · y 0.78 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (medium) - Top carry loopNarrow woven grab loop at the pack crown formed from the same webbing as the straps.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.00 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (medium) - External fabric and finishMain shell fabric is a smooth woven textile with a slightly ripstop-like grid visible on close inspection; some panels use a softer matte knit for the side pocket.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.08 · w 0.44 · h 0.78 (high) - Load-adjustment webbingMultiple adjustable webbing straps visible including lower load-lifter straps, sternum strap webbing, and hip-belt adjustment webbing ending in plastic hardware.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.50 · w 0.40 · h 0.40 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with soft lighting and a slight shadow under the pack; image framed to show the pack rear and right side with minor cropping of strap ends.
- Shot compositionThree-quarter rear view framing that shows the pack backpanel, right side pocket and hip belt in the foreground; strap ends extend toward the image edges and are partly cropped.
- Background and lightingEven light grey studio background with soft diffuse lighting and gentle shadow below the pack.
- Image qualitySharp, high-resolution photograph with clear texture detail and no visible compression artifacts.
Colors
black· main shell#0E0E0Ddark charcoal· mesh padding and strap inner faces#262629matte black· plastic hardware and buckles#0E0E0Ctranslucent clear· zipper cord teardrop ends#2C2C2B- Backpanel paddingCentral backpanel with three vertical contoured foam pads covered in fine mesh fabric; pads have visible stitched seams forming elongated hexagonal shapes.
- 03
Product
Close-up view of the backpack with the main front zipper opened, showing the interior lined compartment, an internal elastic-top sleeve pocket, exterior fabric, zipper hardware, and a top carry loop.
- Main compartment openingFront U-shaped zipper is opened to reveal the main compartment; zipper teeth and tape run around the opening and the zipper slider is visible at the bottom center of the opening.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.08 · w 0.76 · h 0.72 (high) - Interior liningInterior of the main compartment is lined with a smooth light gray fabric with a slightly satiny appearance and faint woven texture visible where light reflects.
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.18 · w 0.48 · h 0.44 (high) - Internal elastic sleeve pocketInner sleeve pocket runs across the rear interior wall with an elasticized top band; pocket fabric is slightly darker gray than the lining and shows gathered elastic at the top edge.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.44 · w 0.60 · h 0.32 (high) - Exterior fabric and textureExterior shell visible around the opening is black with a fine ripstop or woven texture; fabric appears matte and slightly coarse compared with the interior lining.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.00 · w 0.96 · h 0.98 (medium) - Zipper hardwareMetal zipper slider and pull are visible at the lower center of the opening; teeth are black and zipper tape has a light gray inner binding along the opening edge.
2 regions
x 0.40 · y 0.70 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.10 · w 0.64 · h 0.56 (medium) - Top carry loopA flat woven carry loop emerges from the top center of the pack; loop is black and stitched into the top seam.
1 region
x 0.41 · y 0.00 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Side cord and cordlockElastic cord with a small plastic cordlock is visible along the left side of the opening, routed through a small fabric loop.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.24 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (high) - Mesh side pocketA portion of a black mesh side pocket appears at the lower left edge of the image; pocket edge is elasticized.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.72 · w 0.24 · h 0.26 (high)
Other
Studio product shot cropped tight to the backpack detail with neutral light gray background, soft diffuse lighting, and minimal shadowing.
- Shot compositionTight detail crop focused on the opened front compartment; edges of the pack are cropped by the image frame.
- BackgroundEven light gray seamless background with no visible props or textures.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (low) - Lighting and reflectionsSoft diffuse lighting with mild highlights on the interior lining and minimal specular reflection on the zipper hardware.
Colors
black· exterior shell#0E0E0Dlight gray· interior liningmedium gray· internal pocket elastic top#8B8B8Cpale gray· zipper tape inner binding- Main compartment openingFront U-shaped zipper is opened to reveal the main compartment; zipper teeth and tape run around the opening and the zipper slider is visible at the bottom center of the opening.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Salomon
TRAILBLAZER 20 Unisex Hiking Bag | Salomon
Variants
2 SKUsDocuments & Data
Reddit Insights
4 threads · r/running, r/backpacks, r/trailrunning, r/hikinggearReddit users generally praise the Salomon Trailblazer 20 for its lightweight design and comfort for run commuting and day hikes, but criticize its lack of waterproofing, ventilation, and external storage.
Users are happy with the pack's comfort, durability, and weight, but consistently note issues with waterproofing, ventilation, and organizational features.
Themes
Use Cases
- Run commuting
- Day hiking
- Travel and city use
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Osprey Daylite Plus
The Trailblazer 20 is lighter and more durable than expected, but lacks the ventilation and external storage of the Daylite Plus.
Source Threads
Firsthand experience with Salomon Trailblazer 20 for run commuting
Have a 20l Salomon trail blazer back man that fits my work clothes/shoes water bottle, lunch and sometimes laptop. Sometimes think 30l may be less of a squeeze. Bag fits great but not entirely waterproof though it's enough to keep mostly dry even after a 10k in the rain. Suppose could experiment with water proof spray.
u/C2TH3Gr/runningView thread →
Comparison of Salomon Trailblazer 20L and 30L features
I'm very happy with my Salomon Trailblazer 30l - but they also come in 10 and 20l. I wanted one that's a bit larger, so I can fit my DSLR into it as well, but if you're only carrying a small action camera, you should be fine with the 20l. What's really great is the huge slash pocket in front, so you can fit your glasses, some snacks, mask, tissues, etc. very easily and it's super accessible. Two "drawbacks" are that it doesn't have an integrated rain cover (it manages a light drizzle though) and there isn't some kind of net in the back, but since I'm sweating heavily regardless, I wasn't to bothered about that. What might be an issue with the 20l over the 30l is that there aren't any straps to secure a water bottle on the outside - so if you want to carry a water bottle in the pockets on the outside, I would recommend the 30l over the 20l.
u/AustrianMichaelr/backpacksView thread →
Experience using Salomon Trailblazer for commuting and skiing
I have the bag shown in the picture. I got it with the specific purpose of using it a commuter bag for when I run to work. However, so far I've only used it once for XC skiing and it was absolutely fantastic, I barely noticed I had it, even after packing a bulky-ish jacket, water bottle, snacks, etc.
u/soldado-del-amorr/trailrunningView thread →
Long-term durability and comfort review of Salomon Trailblazer 20
Since the post I've used Salomon quite a while on a few hikes, took it on all of my travels and wore it in the city. Had a lot of harsh impacts with rocks, loaded it with decent weight and it still doesn't have a single mark on it, so I have to say, the durability is much better than you'd expect from these thin materials. Also it's been surprisingly comfortable for me, particularly the thin shoulder strap didn't cause any discomfort. The lack of ventilation on the back is very noticeable, but you have to make sacrifices if you want your backpack to weigh less than 500g. The lack of external compartments is still annoying though, as much as I tried to adapt, definitely needs at least one more compartment that doesn't compete with the internal space. The hip belt though is very useful, it's not often you'll see it in 20l backpacks.
u/Leosevleor/hikinggearView thread →