Ortovox is a company best known in the United States for their avalanche beacons. But in Europe, this German-based company is known for a whole lot more – like jackets, merino wool base and mid layers, and even a packable mountain bike. Ortovox is making a push into the U.S. and are entering the light weight trekking pack market with the Momentum 12 Light. We got to test out the pack while trail running in the Wasatch Mountains and mountain biking on Gooseberry Mesa. So does the Ortovox Momentum 12 Light stand up to the recent emergence of running and biking packs?
The Ortovox Momentum 12 Light is an impressive and quality piece of gear. The materials are top notch and all the features are well thought out and functional. I was especially surprised at how minimalist and clean the design is, with very few straps or extraneous frills. What the pack does have is mesh storage pockets on the back, two energy bar/camera/phone pockets on the hip belt, helmet net, ice axe or trekking pole attachments, reflective light mounts, and a plenty of hydration-compatible room for water and storage of outdoor essentials like an extra layer or emergency kit.
First, I took the Momentum 12 out for some trail runs in the foothills above Salt Lake City, and while mountain biking the slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa in Southwestern Utah. On my back, the pack feels flexible and conforms to the body well. It has really cool shoulder straps made from a flexible-yet-stiff mesh that’s unlike anything I’ve encountered. The mesh breathes super well, yet retains its shape without chafing my shoulders. The straps also have plastic rods where the sternum strap can be adjusted up or down for versatile comfort.
The hip belt, although a little too low profile for my taste, didn’t score any point for stabilizing the bottom of the pack when things got really rough on the bike. The strap is just too thin and felt uncomfortable. However, I did really appreciate the flexible hip pockets where I kept my energy bars and gels as they were easy to open one-handed for instant refueling. I also kept my camera in another of the hip pockets for rapid access for those photo-worthy moments.
Inside the pack, there are two main storage compartments. The first zips open from the back panel where a hydration bladder sleeve shares space with anything else you can fit inside. I carried extra layers, bike tubes and a small first aid kit. All items fit perfectly well as the pack has just enough space for single-day adventures. On the back of the pack is a diagonal zipper where small items can be kept, such as extra food or essentials. There’s also a small zippered pocket inside that’s perfect for a smart phone.
One small gripe I do have is how my hydration bladder felt bulky in the sleeve pocket. After a few hours of running and drinking, the bladder conformed better inside the pack when emptied, but I still didn’t really like the placement of the bladder as it made the pack feel rounded on my back. A more firm backing of some sort could solve this. Also, the plastic hanging loop at the top frequently bent downward and got stuck between the pack and my neck. By rolling the loop I could solve the annoyance, but it always rolled back eventually and usually at the most inopportune times (like when I’m dropping technical terrain on the bike.)
Ortovox has cleverly included other details that make me smile, like the hydration tube opening that has a sewn-in tag of a martini glass. It’s clear that the folks at Ortovox don’t take things too seriously, and understand that playing outdoors is about having a good time.
It’s time to think of Ortovox as more than just avalanche beacons. After testing thee Momentum Light 12, I’d say Ortovox has given us a worthy entry in the ever growing market of light-weight running and biking packs. Aside from a few minor issues, I’d highly recommend this gear to anyone looking for a way explore the mountains and deserts, but want to stay light and fast.
The Ortovox Momentum 12 Light won’t be available until March, 2012. In the meantime, visit them at www.ortovox.com