Mountain Equipment’s new range of Goblin packs are great all round use day packs with some climbing specific features, as you would expect from Mountain Equipment. I’ve been testing a Goblin 24 which is the smaller of the two that we stock. The Goblin 24 is designed with summit pushes and multi pitch rock climbing in mind. At 24L it is on the larger size for this kind of pack. However the design does mean that the larger size gives you more options (more about this later) without being a hindrance.
First off the shape of the pack is relatively narrow, tapering down slightly. This allows total freedom of movement for your arms when climbing, even on weird 3D routes where you are pushing down off a hold behind you. There are no side compression straps but even when half empty there is not really any excess material flapping around on the pack as it is so streamlined. The main zippered top opening opens from the ‘front’, this does seem a little odd initially, once you clip the pack to an anchor using the grab handle you understand why. The top lid will fold down so the contents can be quickly accessed with out having to hold the top open with one hand. A great feature if you need to grab some Haribo quickly while you’re belaying.
The 24L capacity is quite generous for a multi pitch pack but this does give you plenty of options and means the pack is not consigned to the gear shed as too specific in nature. It actually makes a great general use day pack and cragging pack. The padded shoulder straps are comfortable all day long, even when fully loaded and the pack features a removable padded foam insert which provides support. The Ice tool attachments double as walking pole attachments for summer use, or you can remove them if you are worried about them catching on more ‘traditional’ routes.
One of my favorite features of the Goblin 24 is the top zippered pocket on the lid. It’s the perfect size for the Yorkshire Grit Bibles, vol 1 & 2. As its the perfect guide book pocket the Goblin 24 has become my go to pack for cragging. I’ve managed to fit a rack, helmet, shoes, spare layer, food and 1L water bottle in the Goblin 24 without any problems.
If you are looking for a do it all summer day pack and like to travel light then I would recommend the Goblin 24 over smaller more specific multi pitch packs. There are plenty of features (removable if you prefer no frills) and the shoulder straps are much more comfortable than more minimalist offerings from other brands.
The Goblin is also available as the larger Goblin Plus 33 which is designed with larger routes and even minimalist multi day adventures in mind. The features are all stripable and the larger size comes with a padded hip belt for fully loaded walk ins.
Mountain Equipment Goblin 24
- Durable M840 and M210 water resistant construction.
- Zippered lid open/closure
- Stripable design
- 2 ice tool/trekking pole attachment
- Hydration compatible
- Removable EVA composite back pad
Mountain Equipment Goblin Plus 33
- Durable M840 and M210 water resistant construction.
- Zippered lid open/closure
- Stripable design
- 2 ice tool/trekking pole attachment
- Hydration compatible
- Internal security zipped pocket
- Removable EVA composite back pad