Millet Ubic 35 Review

The Millet Ubic 35 is designed for those who go on day trips with medium-heavy loads, but it is also well suited to 2-3 day treks in autonomy. The functional layout of the pockets and the possibility of carrying equipment such as a sleeping mat, tent or snowshoes make it a reliable companion for mountain adventures – and more. The company also recommends it for winter activities such as ski touring and mountaineering.

There is also a more compact 25-litre version, the Ubic 25, which I had the opportunity to try out alongside its bigger brother. I’ll tell you more about it later..

Technical features of Millet Ubic 35

• Main fabric: Nylon Solution DYE 210D with PFC-free DWR (water-repellent) treatment
• Other fabrics: 100% recycled P600D polyester with PFC-free DWR (water-repellent) treatment
• Lining: 100% recycled P250D Oxford polyester with PFC-free DWR (water-repellent) treatment
• Colours dyed with Eco Dyeing treatment
• Prepared for hydration system
• Rain cover
• Weight 1.17 kg
• Capacity 35 litres
• Backrest height: 46 cm
• Height 58 cm x Width 28 cm x Depth 26 cm
• Made in Vietnam
• Link to the manufacturer

Test mode

I tested the backpack on day trips up to 2,700 metres and on foothill trails between April and May, in variable weather conditions that were generally cool, except for one hike with temperatures reaching 25°C.

The medium and long hikes took place on varied routes: from classic trails to technical and steep sections, with scree, scree slopes and short passages on rocky terrain, bordering on mountaineering.

The test was carried out with medium (7 kg) and heavy (up to 15 kg) loads to assess the behaviour of the backpack in different conditions.

Millet Ubic 35 on site-test

Overall impressions

The Millet Ubic 35 immediately offers a feeling of stability and comfort. Rigid, padded shoulder straps and waist belt, combined with an ergonomic back panel, ensure excellent fit and control even with heavy loads.

Its remarkable load capacity is also impressive: the ‘widened’ shape of the upper part allows you to easily add extra gear.

With a wealth of adjustments, pockets and accessories, and built from robust materials, it is an ideal backpack for demanding treks and designed to last.

Fabrics

The main material of the backpack is high-tenacity 210D nylon, which guarantees excellent resistance to stress and abrasion, contributing to the overall durability of the product.

The back panel consists of a steel cross-shaped structure (removable) combined with a shaped foam panel covered with mesh to offer comfort and minimal breathability.

The shoulder straps and waist belt, also padded and covered in perforated polyester, guarantee support and ventilation. The side and front pockets are made of stretch mesh, which adapts well to the contents and increases capacity.

In line with its environmental commitment, Millet uses materials that are partly recycled and sourced from supply chains that are mindful of the use of renewable resources.

The structure: backrest, shoulder straps and lumbar belt

The main structure of the Millet Ubic 35 stands out for its sturdiness and comfort. The shoulder straps and waist belt are structured, well padded and offer excellent support even with heavy loads, without causing discomfort on the shoulders or hips.

The ergonomic backrest adapts well to the back, maintaining its shape even under load, and together with the numerous adjustments, guarantees great stability. From the very first use, you can feel the quality designed for experienced hikers.

On the other hand, breathability is limited: in medium-high temperatures, I found that I sweated a lot on my back. This is a subjective aspect, but it performs less well than other more recent models.

The shoulder straps are equipped with hand straps, which are convenient when trekking poles are not in use or when the backpack needs to be adjusted on the back.

Organisation of the Millet Ubic 35 backpack

The backpack has a large main compartment, which is more spacious at the top thanks to its mushroom shape and V-shaped structure, making it easy to organise bulky items such as jackets or fleeces.

Inside, there is a pocket along the back panel designed for a hydration system, with a central hole for the tube and Velcro straps to secure the bag at the top.

The roll-top closure with side clips and long vertical zip allow quick and complete access to the contents, even at the bottom.

At the front, there is a zip for opening the main compartment like a suitcase, which is also very convenient for quickly accessing items at the bottom of the backpack.

On the sides of the backpack, there are two large elastic mesh pockets, ideal for storing a water bottle or trekking poles.

At the front there is a semi-open compartment with hook closure, convenient for small items of clothing or items that need to be kept close at hand. This compartment also features an additional pocket with a side zip for storing small items or maps. This is also very convenient and quick to access.

The upper part of the backpack includes an additional pocket with zip closure, ideal for storing personal items, as it also has a key ring.

Finally, the lumbar belt features an adjustable elastic fabric pocket with a Velcro fastening system, which can double its capacity as required. Very convenient for bulky mobile phones or for storing multiple items.

Extra accessories of Millet Ubic 35

The Millet Ubic 35 offers a truly comprehensive range of features, making it a very well-equipped backpack.

There are two load straps at the bottom, ideal for securing bulky equipment such as a tent, a sleeping mat or other large items. This detail reinforces its suitability for multi-day treks in complete autonomy.

The chest strap is adjustable both in compression and height, as it can be easily removed and repositioned higher or lower using additional loops.

A well thought-out detail is the possibility of moving the upper side compression straps to the lower front loops, transforming them into a practical tool holder. A versatile solution, ideal for carrying snowshoes or even a snowboard, which increases the functionality and technical profile of the backpack.

A rain cover is included with the backpack. Once compressed, it can be stored in any compartment.

Use in other activities

The company also recommends using the backpack for mountaineering and ski touring. The Ubic is indeed a very versatile product that could be considered an ‘all-rounder’ backpack, but there are some limitations to bear in mind.

For example, for mountaineering, the waist belt is uncomfortable to use with a harness and there is no system designed specifically for attaching ice axes.

For ski touring, the compression straps can hold skis or, when repositioned, secure snowboards or snowshoes. The back panel also offers good stability during descent. However, overall, it is not a backpack designed specifically for this activity, as it lacks a pocket for a shovel and probe, for example.

Comparison with Ubic 25

The Millet Ubic 35 is also available in a smaller version, the Ubic 25, a lighter and more compact trekking backpack. Compared to the larger model, it has an unpadded waist belt, non-adjustable shoulder straps, fixed compression straps and a hooded bag opening. However, it retains the same materials and accessories.

The Millet Ubic 25 is therefore ideal for day trips with light to medium loads and offers good comfort even on short two-day summer treks with overnight stays in mountain huts. Its slim design and ergonomic shape also make it suitable for more technical activities such as climbing long routes or via ferrata.

Compared to its larger counterpart, it is therefore the most suitable choice for quick, same-day use, saving weight: 860 g for the 25 compared to 1,170 g for the 35).

Recommended for

The Millet Ubic 35 is a technical backpack with all the extras, made from sturdy materials and designed to accompany you on long hikes and demanding treks.

The support and stability offered by the back panel are a strong point of this backpack, but they do come at the expense of breathability, which is somewhat limited.

The truly comprehensive range of accessories and versatility make it the right companion for those who are not satisfied with simple walks, but tackle complex itineraries that require careful organisation of equipment, both in summer and winter.