The Mammut Trion 38 is a unique backpack designed for mountaineering, climbing, and ski touring. With a running vest style straps, a roll top enclosure, a removable brain, ice axe holders, and ski straps, this pack can carry a ton gear very comfortably.
Our Testing
We put this pack to the test in all types of conditions, from heavy snow, to pouring rain, from ski touring, to hiking, and even a bit of trail running.
Where to Purchase
Mammut has created a male and female version of this pack for the best fit, and they also have a separate version for each sex called the Nordwand that has additional attachment loops on the external part of the pack.
You can purchase the Mammut Trion 38 at various retailers:
Trion 38 in pouring rain with ski gear
About Mammut
Mammut has been around since 1862 making ropes primarily for agriculture purposes before shifting gears to outdoor equipment. You can read about their long history here. Nowadays, Mammut has a stellar reputation for making high quality gear for outdoors enthusiasts.
About the Backpack
This pack is designed specifically for mountaineering, climbing, and ski touring. It is lightweight, simple, filled with the necessary features, has a great capacity, and has an incredibly comfortable strapping system for long days out.
Specifications
Here are the some specs for the Trion 38
| Capacity | 38L (2319cu in) |
| Hydration | Internal hydration sleeve accommodates a reservoir |
| Weight | 2lb 1.38oz (946 grams) |
| Ice Axe Capacity | 2 axes |
| Warranty | 2 year |
| Materials | 100% nylon |
Skis strapped on one side of the bag. A frame carry on this bag is also super easy and works great.
Shipping
Free shipping is offered by almost all retailers with this bag purchase
Returns and Warranty
Mammut offers a 2 year manufacturers warranty. You can read about their policies here.
Our Review
Comfort | 5 / 5
If you love running vests, you’ll love this bag. The running vest style straps are super comfortable, even when carrying a heavy load. We were able to strap skis, and skis and boots on our bag for some spring skiing. This bag can hold a lot of weight comfortable for a long day trip.
Storage Compartments and Overall Design | 4.5 / 5
The compartments on this pack are simple, but great:
- The hydration sleeve is easy and works perfect. There is not insulation where the the tube would extend to the outside of the pack, so for the cold winter days, a bottle is a better option.
- Their is a shovel and probe pocket for avalanche gear. This works well, but it is a zippered compartment, and therefore doesn’t have the easiest access. This may not be liked by some, and a will add 10 seconds or so to the time it takes to access your avalanche gear.
- The brain of the backpack is removable, and functions great.
- There’s a hidden pocket for keys, wallet, and other items that is a great added feature.
- The main compartment leverages a roll top, with a side zipper that makes it super easy to access
- The harness system has a compartment on each strap big enough for snacks and a phone for easy quick access.
- There is no built in helmet holder, and it is our suggestion to purchase Mammut’s helmet holder, or a third party holder to store your helmet on the outside of the bag when needed.
- The bag features additional features including but not limited to: a rope attachment, ice axe holders, reinforced ski straps, tension control straps just about everywhere, and a hidden wallet pocket.
Water hose and radio attachments
Durability | 5 / 5
We haven’t had this pack for long enough to determine long term durability, but currently there is no sign of wear and tear, and that’s with heavy use. We will update this article with further information around durability.
Price and Value | 5 / 5
This is a great priced bag, and the value is fantastic. It is difficult to find a bag with comparable features at this price point.
Favorite Features
The running vest style shoulder strap system with large mesh pockets is probably the best feature we have had on any backpack. This combined with the easy main compartment side entry makes for a simple and highly effective storage system.
Areas For Improvement
We wish this pack had a built in helmet holder. It is easy to purchase an inexpensive helmet holder that straps conveniently on to this pack, making it easy to solve this issue.
Recommendation and Overall Thoughts
If you need a versatile pack that can function as a ski touring bag, a hiking bag, and a mountaineering bag or climbing bag, this is an awesome option. Over the course of many years, we have used a lot of bags, and this is one that will be used all the time due to its versatility and comfort.
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
