Mammut Trion 28 Backpack Review: Compact, Functional, and Trail-Ready

When it comes to hiking packs, I’m always searching for the sweet spot between size, comfort, and accessibility. Recently, I tested the Mammut Trion 28 on several hikes, and it surprised me with how much it could carry for a pack that looks fairly compact. Below is my breakdown of what worked well, where it fell short, and why I ultimately give it an 8/10 rating.

What I Liked

1. Bigger on the Inside

At 28 liters, the Trion 28 feels deceptively spacious. In fact, I was able to fit more gear inside than I typically can in my other 30L backpacks. Whether it was extra layers, food, or camera gear, this pack handled it with ease without feeling bulky.

2. Running-Vest Style Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps are one of the biggest standouts. Built more like a trail running vest than a traditional backpack, they hug your body, feel secure, and stay comfortable over long distances. I never felt the pack shifting awkwardly, even when scrambling or moving fast on the trail.

3. Roll-Top Closure

Instead of relying on a traditional zipper, the roll-top closure adds flexibility to the main compartment. It made it simple to access gear quickly, and I appreciated that I wasn’t fighting with zippers when I just wanted to grab something mid-hike.

4. Shoulder Strap Mesh Pockets

Small but mighty, the mesh pockets on the straps are perfect for snacks, sunscreen, or other items you want within arm’s reach. I found myself using them constantly.

What I Didn’t Like

1. No Hip Belt Storage

The hip belt is solid for stability, but the lack of waist belt storage pockets was a letdown. I like to keep small essentials—like lip balm, snacks, or my phone—accessible without taking off my pack.

2. No Side Pockets

Similarly, the pack doesn’t have side water bottle pockets. That means no easy grab-and-go hydration and nowhere to stash a tripod without rigging a workaround. For photographers or hikers who don’t rely solely on hydration bladders, this is a definite drawback.

My Ongoing Use

Despite those minor drawbacks, I’m looking forward to using the Mammut Trion 28 as my primary pack throughout the fall and into the winter. Its combination of comfort, secure fit, and accessible design makes it a great choice for both long day hikes and shoulder-season outings where you’re layering up and carrying a bit more gear.

Where to Buy the Mammut Trion 28

If you’re interested in trying the Mammut Trion 28 for yourself, you can find it here:

👉 Shop the Mammut Trion 28 (affiliate link)

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Final Thoughts

The Mammut Trion 28 is an excellent daypack for hikers who value comfort, stability, and clever design. Its spacious feel, roll-top access, and running-vest style straps make it a standout choice for long hikes and scrambles where you want your pack to feel like part of your body rather than an awkward burden.

Still, the lack of hip belt storage and side pockets keep it from being my perfect all-around daypack.

Overall rating: 8/10

If you’re after a comfortable, streamlined, and trail-ready pack that can carry more than you’d expect for its size, the Mammut Trion 28 is worth considering.