Overall Rating
- Breathability(5)
- Comfort(4.5)
- Features(3.5)
- Stability(4.5)
- Weight(3.5)
Summary
Compact, stable, and well-ventilated. These are the three adjectives that describe this versatile backpack, designed for hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months—and beyond. The ability to keep your back cool at all times without compromising stability makes up for a few minor organizational challenges when the backpack is fully loaded.
Pros
- Very effective ventilation
- Excellent stability
- Rain cover included
- Overall comfort
Cons
- Access to the main compartment is less convenient when fully loaded
The Ferrino Gecko 23 is a 23-liter backpack designed for day hikes, hiking, and mountain biking. Thanks to its ventilated back panel, lightweight design, and well-thought-out technical features, it’s ideal for those looking for a lightweight yet stable backpack capable of handling both hiking trails and more rugged terrain without sacrificing comfort and practicality.
Technical features of the Gecko 23
- Weight: 910 g
- Capacity: 23 L
- Dimensions: 48.5 x 31 x 27 cm
- Main fabric: 210D Hexagonal Nylon
- Compatible with the H2 Bag hydration system
- Backpack cover included
- Pole loops
- Compatible with helmet net (not included)
- Rear loop for safety light
- Chest strap with built-in whistle
- Country of manufacture: China
- List price: €124,90
The Gecko 23 features the Dry Net System, a flexible steel frame that keeps the mesh away from the back, promoting air circulation and reducing sweat buildup while hiking. The shoulder straps and hip belt also incorporate the Hollow Back System, with perforated padding and mesh fabric to enhance comfort and breathability.
Test mode
I tested the Ferrino Gecko 23 during several spring hikes in the Lagorai Mountains in Trentino, tackling hiking trails, off-trail sections, and rough terrain. The main test took place along a route of about 12 km with 700 meters of elevation gain, characterized by unusually high temperatures for the season. I also used the backpack on a few mountain bike rides, alternating between forest roads and singletrack through the woods, in order to evaluate its stability, comfort, and ventilation in different settings.
Gecko 23 on-site test
First impressions
Right from the first time you use it, the Gecko 23 conveys a sense of quality construction. The materials, stitching, and finishes are well-crafted, but it’s especially while walking that Ferrino’s design choices really stand out, particularly with regard to the back system.
Stability and ventilation
Backpacks with a spaced-out back panel generally offer excellent ventilation, but often at the expense of load stability. The Gecko 23, on the other hand, manages to strikea very convincing balance between these two aspects.
During testing, I tackled hiking trails, off-trail sections, and a long scree slope characterized by large, unstable boulders—where constant changes in footing and shifts in weight can easily throw an unstable backpack off balance. Despite its ventilated back system, the Gecko 23 remained snug against my body at all times, without any annoying swaying. The compact design helps keep the load close to the back even on the most challenging sections.
The ventilation was equally impressive. Dry Net system keeps the mesh away from the back, creating an air channel that effectively limits heat buildup. The contact surface is limited to the side areas only, leaving the center of the back exposed and further promoting air circulation.
Even after several hours of hiking in high temperatures, my back remained noticeably drier than it would have been with a traditional backpack.
This is precisely the Gecko 23’s strong point: it offers excellent ventilation without sacrificing load stability—a feature that’s far from a given in this category of backpacks.
I had the same experience during my mountain biking outings. With the hip belt and chest strap adjusted properly, the backpack remained stable even on the roughest terrain. In this context, I appreciated the minimalist hip belt, which is less bulky than more structured systems.
Comfort and load distribution
On most of my outings, I carried a camera, a change of clothes, a waterproof shell, food, and about two liters of water.
Even when fully loaded, the Gecko 23 proved to be comfortable. The lumbar belt, while rather basic,effectively helps distribute the weight and take some of the strain off the back.
Only toward the end of longer hikes did I begin to feel slight pressure on the shoulder straps, likely exacerbated by the fatigue that had built up throughout the day.
Pockets and organization
The internal organization is simple but functional. The main compartment is flanked by a front pocket with a small internal mesh pocket for valuables.
The elastic side pockets hold water bottles very securely, without ever giving the impression that they might accidentally fall out. With a little practice, you can even take them out without removing the backpack.
I also appreciated the small loops at the ends of the side pockets, which are useful both for making them easier to open and as attachment points for small accessories.
The pocket on the waist belt, on the other hand, is rather small. It can hold snacks or a smartphone, but even with a standard iPhone, the zipper is already stretched to its limit.
Overall, the 23-liter capacity proved adequate for day hikes, provided the contents are organized carefully.
Access to the main compartment
The design of the ventilated back panel involves a minor compromise. When the backpack is fully packed, the curvature of the back panel slightly restricts access to the bottom of the main compartment, making it less convenient to retrieve items stored at the bottom.
For this reason, I recommend using the side pockets for anything you’ll need most frequently during your hike.
Rain Cover and details
The rain cover is included as standard and is stored in a dedicated, easily accessible pocket. During testing, it proved easy to remove and provided adequate protection in the rain.
When not in use, the same pocket can hold small accessories, further increasing the backpack’s organizational capacity.
The pole-carrying system is simple and functional. The upper section uses two quick-release elastic straps, while the lower section relies on sturdy loops. I would have preferred a second elastic strap at the bottom as well to further limit the movement of the poles while walking, but the system is still effective and can also be used with lightweight ice axes.
There are no storage pockets on the shoulder straps, but a few loops allow you to attach small accessories. Finally, the whistle built into the chest strap is a nice touch—a simple yet always useful detail in the outdoors.
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Recommended for
The Ferrino Gecko 23 is designed for those looking for a compact, well-ventilated, and versatile backpack for day hikes and mountain bike rides. Its 23-liter capacity is sufficient to carry everything you need for a day in the mountains, even during most of the winter season if you’re traveling light.
Its main strength is its ability to combine ventilation and stability—two features that rarely coexist in such balance in backpacks with a suspended back panel.
I would recommend it to those who prioritize comfort and effective body heat management while hiking.
After several outings, the Gecko 23 proved to be one of those backpacks that you almost forget you’re carrying while hiking. Which, for a hiking backpack, is probably the best thing you can ask for.
