Montane Gecko VP 12+ Vest Pack

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UOG TOP PICK: Fast and light running vest designed to let you wear your kit rather than carry, it gives you multiple storage options and a tailored fit on the trail. A top pick!

Montane says: 

Built to be worn not carried, this ergonomically fitted, body hugging vest pack is as secure as a Gecko! An unrivalled large load carrying construction together with a multitude of storage options, most accessible whilst on the move, makes the Gecko VP 20+ the ultimate multi-day running vest pack.

Our Verdict

The Gecko has been designed to stretch and mould around your body to give you a tailored fit unique to your body shape; this helps minimise the bounce of your loads.

The CONTACT Air Mesh Plus on the harness is slightly padded, incredibly durable and unparalleled in terms of breathability.   The honeycomb design helps moisture evaporate quickly by minimising contact with the skin. The air mesh has been treated with a Polygene odour control, which essentially detours the growth of bacteria, and keeps the vest smelling fresh.

A zipped opening around the back of the pack is perfect for storing additional gear, such as wet weather gear, that you may not need to access all the time. The pocket is available in 5L, 12L and 20L versions. This pocket also has a key clip and an integrated bungee that can cinch the pack down.

A bladder is located next to the back, which can be held in place with a bladder clip to keep it stable and accessible.  

The pockets on the pack’s side are vast, much bigger than I first thought when trying the vest out. They do a good job of swallowing gear and elongating right around the pack, so you can cram them with items you need close to hand, such as hats, gloves, windshields etc.

Hydration pockets located on the chest straps hold your water bottles, as well as two zipped pockets, which can easily hold a mobile phone.  2 pole bungees are also included to store your trekking poles.

The pack is secured with two chest straps which I’ll admit I’m not a fan of; they are far too stretchy and don’t come with a proper buckle; you have to attach each chest strap individually to the daisy chain via a small hook, every time you take the pack on and off.  

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Montane FREELIGHT Chassis vest
• Unique lower ACTIVE Strap for secure harness closure and quick release
• 2 minimalist stretch chest straps with multiple attachment points
• Multiple easy access harness pockets for food, hydration and essential kit
• 2x 500ml Montane UltraFlasks™ included
• Compatible with Montane UltraFlasks™, SoftFlasks™, Straws and Hydration bladders
• Zipped main compartment with an accessible top stretch lid pocket
• Side wand pockets
• Top tension straps and side compression, adjustable on the move
• Spare bungee for external storage or compression
• Internal key clip and removable whistle
• Multiple pole attachment points
• Stability control construction

Specifications

• Small weighs: 334g
• Medium weighs: 345g
• Large weighs: 363g

Material & Construction

• Main: RAPTOR Cross Lite 70 Denier fabric
• Stretch Pockets: RAPTOR Flex 4-way 40:30
• CONTACT Air Mesh Plus on harness
• POLYGIENE® permanent odour control

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack