Montane Gecko VP+ Vest Pack

Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications

UOG TOP PICK:The Gecko hydration vest is designed to fit comfortably on your body, minimizing bounce. Its CONTACT Air Mesh Plus harness is slightly padded, breathable, and treated with an odor control to prevent bacteria growth. The vest has a back pocket for additional gear, a bladder compartment, and side pockets for gear and hydration, a top pick!

Montane says: 

The ultimate lightweight race-day and training vest pack.

Designed for maximum efficiency and high-level performance, the Gecko VP+ maximises essential storage, has an improved anatomical, body hugging, stable fit that’s as secure as a Gecko! Includes POLYGIENE® permanent odour control. This pack helps you push your limits and keep you there.

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 honeycombed 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 that you may not need to access all the time, such as wet weather gear. 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 located on the side of the pack are vast, much bigger than I first thought when trying the vest out. They do a good job of swallowing gear and elongate right around the pack, so you can really cram them with items you need close to hand, hats gloves, windshell etc.

Hydration pockets located on the chest straps hold your water bottles, as well as 2 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 2 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
• 3 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™ and Straws
• 40:30 4 way stretch fabric pockets accommodate expansion while minimizing bounce
• Flat back stretch sleeve pocket with locking slider
• Internal card / key pocket
• Multiple pole attachment points
• Removable whistle accessory

Specifications

• Medium weighs (with bottles): 261g
• Medium weighs (without bottles): 191g
• Small chest size: 76-92cm / 30-36in
• Medium chest size: 88.5-102cm / 35-40in
• Large chest size: 99.5-114.5cm / 39-45in

Material & Construction

• RAPTOR Flex 4-way 40:30 stretch main body fabric
• 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
• About Montane