HikingSimondTrekking Backpack

Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10 review: lightweight comfort on a budget

A full-featured trekking pack that delivers premium performance without the premium price tag.

✓  Best BuySimond MT900 50+10 Weight1.3 kgVolume50+10 LPrice£134.99 The good✓  Excellent weight-to-capacity ratio
✓  Supportive internal frame
✓  Full-length side zip for easy access
✓  Durable polyester outer
✓  Great value at £134.99
✓  Hip belt pockets (dual zip)
✓  Integrated rain cover included
✓  Removable 10 L lid
The not-so-good✗  Limited back ventilation
✗  Slightly bulky lid
Check price at Decathlon →

At a glance

Overview

Simond, part of the Decathlon family, is a brand forged in the French Alps and trusted by mountaineers for over a century. Known for technical yet affordable kit — from ice axes and helmets to ropes and crampons — Simond has steadily become one of Decathlon’s most respected mountain sub-brands. In recent years, they have taken that alpine expertise and channelled it into a growing range of lightweight trekking kit built for all-weather adventure.

The Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10 sits right at the heart of that lineup. Designed for multi-day trekking, wild camping and alpine routes, it is a 1.3 kg, 60-litre workhorse that promises stability, comfort and organisation without weighing you down — or emptying your wallet. It costs £134.99, which firmly places it in budget territory when you consider what you are getting: a full frame, padded belt, rain cover, smart organisation, and genuine long-distance comfort.

When you line the MT900 50+10 up against the big hitters, its value really shines through. The Osprey Atmos AG LT 50 (£240, 1.88 kg) and Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 (£200, 1.84 kg) are both excellent premium options, but they are significantly heavier and far more expensive. Even compared to lighter fastpacking models like the Montane Trailblazer 44 (£130, 1.2 kg), the MT900 delivers greater capacity, a more supportive frame, and a noticeably sturdier build for just a few grams more. For anyone searching for a truly capable budget-friendly alternative to high-end brands, this pack strikes the perfect balance between price, performance and practicality — making it one of the most impressive lightweight backpacks we have ever tested.

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How we tested

We tested the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10 across some of Britain’s most demanding terrain. First up was a three-day wild camping trip across Dartmoor, where we carried around 13 kg of kit, food and a tent through sun, drizzle and bog. The pack handled it all — steady, balanced, and bone dry thanks to its integrated rain cover. Next, a two-day loop in the Brecon Beacons, taking in Pen y Fan and Cribyn. The steep climbs were a proper test of comfort, and the hip belt in particular impressed us with how well it transferred weight away from the shoulders.

Finally, we took it to the Lake District, hiking out of Great Langdale and camping high above Easedale Tarn. Even on rough, rocky ground, the frame kept the load stable, while the side zip made mid-hike access refreshingly simple. We have also since used it on overnight trips in Exmoor and the Thames Valley, where it has proven just as useful for lighter fastpacking setups.

Features and performance

Design and usability

Let us start at the top — quite literally — with the removable 10-litre lid. It is one of those clever features that turns one pack into two. Strip it off for lightweight overnight trips, or clip it back on when you are heading out for a week-long expedition. It is a proper modular design that adds real flexibility.

Below that, the large stretch front pocket has become indispensable. It is made from a water-resistant fabric that happily swallows soggy waterproofs, spare layers, or even shoes. After a river crossing on Dartmoor, it was the perfect place to dump drenched socks without soaking everything else.

The side pockets and compression straps work beautifully together. They are deep enough for bottles or tent poles, and the straps lock everything in place when you are scrambling or ducking through tight spaces. Combine that with the full-length side zip, and the result is a pack that is genuinely easy to live with. No more digging through the top to find your stove — just unzip, grab, and get on with it.

Down the front, neat rows of daisy chain webbing add a layer of practicality for attaching mats, poles, or ice axes. It is minimalist but functional, and makes the MT900 look and feel like a more expensive piece of kit.

Then there is the carry comfort. The padded hip belt wraps securely around your waist, taking most of the strain off your shoulders. During our Brecon Beacons test, it remained comfortable even with a full load on steep climbs. The dual zip pockets on the belt are a small but brilliant touch — perfect for a compass, snacks, or your phone.

Inside, the internal frame keeps everything stable, even when you are leaning, scrambling or twisting. It gives the pack a proper trekking feel — closer to an Osprey than its £134.99 price would suggest. The back panel is not the most ventilated we have used, but it is still comfortable over long distances, and crucially, it does not sag or collapse under pressure.

Because this is a British adventure pack, the integrated rain cover is a lifesaver. It deploys quickly, fits snugly, and genuinely keeps things dry. Add the whistle-equipped sternum strap and durable polyester shell fabric, and you have got a pack that feels thoughtfully built for UK conditions — unpredictable weather, rough paths, and all.

“It is a serious contender for Britain’s best-value trekking pack — and one of the most impressive lightweight backpacks we have ever tested.”

Performance in the UK

Across three national parks and countless miles, the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10 has proven itself time and again. It is light enough for long-distance routes yet strong enough to carry a full wild camping setup. The layout makes packing and unpacking effortless, and the durability gives you confidence no matter the terrain.

What is most impressive is how well it all comes together. The features are not there for show — every pocket, strap and zip feels useful. It is practical, comfortable and surprisingly refined, offering a trekking experience that rivals packs costing nearly twice as much.

Our verdictMakes you double-check the price tag — it is that good for £134.99.The Simond MT900 50+10 is one of those rare products that makes you double-check the price tag. It is durable, comfortable, and impressively light — and at £134.99, it is still a fraction of what you would pay for an Osprey or Deuter. For anyone planning wild camps, multi-day hikes, or even fastpacking adventures across the UK, this is a superb all-rounder that will go the distance.Buy the Simond MT900 at Decathlon →

FAQs

How comfortable is the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10?Very. The padded hip belt and internal frame distribute weight evenly, reducing shoulder fatigue even on long hikes. Not as ventilated as high-end models, but comfort is excellent for the price.

How durable is the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10?The polyester shell is tough and abrasion-resistant, easily withstanding scrapes, rain and rough ground. After weeks of use in Dartmoor, the Lakes and the Brecon Beacons, ours still looks almost new.

How easy is it to use the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10?Brilliantly designed. The full-length side zip, multiple external pockets, and removable lid make accessing your kit effortless, even mid-hike. Everything has its place and works logically.

How breathable is the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10?The back panel is not the most ventilated on the market, but airflow is decent enough for most UK conditions. Unless you are trekking in Mediterranean heat, it is perfectly fine.

Is the Simond Light Trekking Backpack MT900 50+10 worth the money?Absolutely. At £134.99, it offers unbeatable value for a framed, full-featured trekking pack. It performs like a premium model at half the cost — a genuine gem in Decathlon’s mountain lineup.