Millet Backpacks — Technical Packs Born in the French Alps
Millet has been building mountain gear since 1921. That's over a century of feedback from alpinists, trekkers and trail runners, which explains why a Millet backpack feels different the moment you put it on. The suspension systems are engineered for real mountain terrain, the fabrics are chosen for abrasion against rock, and the hipbelts are designed to transfer load properly on long descents. If you're serious about the vertical, you'll notice.
Their range at Eiken covers day hiking, multi-day trekking and expedition use — from the nimble Parmelan series to the volume-expandable Chamonix packs that stretch from a single night's bivouac to a full week in the mountains.
| Model | Volume | Best For | Back System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parmelan 17L | 17L | Trail running, short day hikes | Flexible contact panel |
| Parmelan 25L | 25L | Day hikes, via ferratas | AirMesh ventilated panel |
| Parmelan 35L | 35L | Long day to light overnight | AirMesh + hipbelt |
| MIXT 25+5L | 25–30L | All-mountain versatility | AirFlow back system |
| Chamonix 15+5L | 15–20L | Via ferrata, ski touring | Adaptable carry system |
| Chamonix 25+5L | 25–30L | Trek, mountain weekend | Adaptable carry system |
| Chamonix Duffle 35+10L | 35–45L | Hut-to-hut, multi-day trek | Expandable frame + hipbelt |
| Chamonix Duffle 60+15L | 60–75L | Extended expeditions, ski weeks | Full frame + load transfer |
For Day Hiking and Via Ferratas
The Parmelan series is Millet's workhorse range for single-day mountain outings. The Parmelan 25L hits the sweet spot — large enough to carry water, food, a jacket and safety gear, but compact enough that you won't feel weighed down on technical terrain. The AirMesh back panel promotes airflow on sustained ascents. For via ferratas specifically, the Chamonix 15+5L earns its keep: the expandable design means you start light for the climb and add volume on the way down.
For Multi-Day Trekking
When you're sleeping in mountain refuges or carrying a tent, load distribution over four or five consecutive days matters considerably more than raw weight. The Chamonix range uses Millet's adaptable carry system — load-transfer hipbelt, adjustable shoulder harness, and a back frame that keeps weight anchored close to your centre of gravity on rough descents. The Chamonix 25+5L is sufficient for most trekkers doing hut-to-hut routes. Move up to the Duffle 35+10L if you're camping or carrying winter layers, and the Duffle 60+15L for ski weeks or expeditions.
Understanding Millet's Volume Notation
The "+5L" or "+10L" notation means the base compartment volume plus the capacity added by an expandable collar or compression system. At minimum volume, the pack rides close to your body for technical terrain. Fully expanded, you get extra capacity for a sleeping bag, tent poles or an extra layering system. This is particularly useful when day hikes turn into overnights — which happens more often than planned in the mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Millet backpacks good for beginners? Yes — the Parmelan and MIXT lines are approachable and don't require specialist knowledge to fit correctly. More advanced models like the Chamonix Duffle have adjustable suspension systems that reward a proper fitting session, which any specialist outdoor retailer can help with.
Do Millet packs include a rain cover? Most Millet trekking packs include a built-in rain cover stowed in the base compartment. Check each individual product page for confirmation, as not all day-hiking models include one.
What is the difference between the Parmelan and Chamonix series? The Parmelan is designed for day use — lighter construction, streamlined suspension, optimised for speed. The Chamonix is built for multi-day loads, with a more robust frame, expandable volume and a proper load-transfer hipbelt. If you're doing anything overnight, the Chamonix is the right choice.