Backpacking News : Millet Prolight 45 Pack Review

Millet has been making packs for climbers longer than almost any other brand. Their experience in making packs for mountaineering dates all the way back to the first ascent of an 8000 meter peak, Annapurna in June of 1950. Millet produced the packs for this French expedition.

I began testing this pack early this summer. I have been using it for cragging, climbing trips and lightweight backpacking trips. When weighed on my scale this pack comes in at 3lbs 8 oz. This is reasonably light for a pack this durable, double layer 1300 denier pack bottom, 420 denier pack body. And a well designed and rigid frame sheet. All of this at a great price (Under $150).

One of the stand out features on this pack is the free flex system. A frame sheet that stays out of the way and allows you to move without much restriction. For lighter trips or on route the frame can be removed. When the 8 oz frame is removed the pack can be lightened to 3lbs, not to bad for such a tough pack. With the frame the pack seems to carry up to 50 lbs well. Without the frame I would not recommend going over 30 lbs.

As far as features this pack is quite minimal. It consists of one main compartment, and a lid with zippered access and a zippered document pouch. Also included are very well designed ice axe/tool holders. These are lined with hypalon (a very durable rubber like material) And cannot be punctured by sharp points. Other features include side compression straps (also lined with hypalon) that can be used for ski attachment. Unfortunately fat skis will not fit as well.

I tend to favor packs that are very simple. I don't like many additional features and this pack fits the bill for me, and likely a host of other mountaineers. The pack fits close to the back and is narrow enough to stay out of the way while climbing. After years of experience fitting packs, this is probably one of the easiest to fit. I have found that will the free flex back panel will fit a broad range of body types. The shoulder straps have a nice curve that fits comfortably over my shoulders and the hipbelt is lightweight yet plush and functional.

This pack should last quite a long time due to very durable materials and a clean design with virtually nothing to break off or fall apart (unlike the current trend of over designed packs with far to many features to break). My pack still looks new after much abuse and a few haul sessions as well.

A few things I would like to see done differently on the pack, Removable lid, and a strap across the top for securing rope. These are both very minor details and could be easily modified at home. If the lid was removable you could cut at least 5 oz of the pack weight dropping it below 3 lbs fully stripped.

I highly recommend this pack to any climber or mountaineer looking for a tough, versatile, and affordable pack for a variety of climbing inspired uses.