Article by Markus Zinkl
Pa'lante Packs mini joey ($180.00)
Introduction & First Impressions
Having had the chance to test its bigger brother last year, I was genuinely excited to get my hands on the mini joey. You can find my initial joey review here. My goal was to see how this more compact version would perform out on the trails. Right out of the box, two things struck me: it's incredibly light weight and its elegantly simple design. There are no unnecessary frills here, just a focus on core functionality. For my 38-inch chest, the one-size (15") felt surprisingly dialed in and comfortable from the get-go.
Technical Specifications
Before diving into my experiences, let's quickly cover the technical details of the mini joey I tested:
Fabrics: A blend of 100d Robic nylon, 70d nylon ripstop, and UHMWPE grid mesh.
Weight: A mere 12.0 oz for the Robic nylon version.
Volume: 12L of internal capacity.
Size: One size, listed at 15".
Key Features at a Glance: Bottom pocket, cinch cord/G-hook top closure, specialized shoulder strap pockets, dual-layer 3D mesh shoulder straps, adjustable sternum straps, hidden front mesh pocket, removable foam back panel, aluminum ladder lock side buckles, hydration bladder compatibility (toggle and port), and an ice axe loop.
Pocket Design
For me, the pocket design on the mini joey is where it truly shines.
The Bottom Pocket:
This is, without a doubt, a standout feature. It's easy accessibility while wearing the pack is brilliant. I found myself stashing everything from extra snacks and my headlamp to a wind jacket in there. No more stopping to swing my pack around for these essentials!Shoulder Strap Pockets:
These are a significant upgrade from the previous Joey I reviewed. Designed to securely hold 500ml soft flasks (which they do perfectly), they also offer ample space for a good amount of food. The best part for me? My phone now fits completely and securely within these pockets – a huge plus.
Hidden Front Mesh Pocket:
Tucked away in the front mesh is a handy little hidden pocket. It's ideal for smaller items you want to keep separate. I particularly appreciated the small internal loop; I clipped my keys there with a mini carabiner, ensuring they weren’t going anywhere.
Straps, Closure, and Fit
Beyond the pockets, the way the mini joey carries is crucial.
Shoulder Straps:
These are impressively comfortable, constructed from two layers of 3D mesh. I noticed that the inner layer has a softer texture, which feels great against the body, even on longer days.Sternum Straps:
The adjustable daisy chain system with shock cord sternum straps is excellent. They allow for a precise fit and have enough stretch to move with me, meaning I never felt restricted, especially when my breathing rate picked up on ascents.Top Closure:
The cinch cord and G-hook top closure system is fast, efficient, and secure. It's very similar in feel and function to the systems found on Black Diamond Distance packs, which I’ve always liked. Cinch, hook, and you're set. The G-hook also cleverly integrates with a haul loop.
Versatility and Thoughtful Details
Pa'alante has packed a lot of subtle but useful features into this small pack.
Removable Back Panel: The inclusion of a removable 2mm foam back panel offers a bit of structure and padding. For the ultralight purists, it can be easily taken out to save a few more grams.
Side Strap Adjustment:
The 25mm aluminum ladder lock buckles for the side straps are robust and make cinching down the load or adjusting the fit straightforward.Hydration Compatibility: If you prefer using a hydration bladder, the mini joey is ready. It features an internal toggle to hang your bladder and a dedicated port for the hose.
Ice Axe Loop:
A simple but effective ice axe loop adds a surprising degree of versatility for such a minimalist pack, potentially opening it up for light alpine excursions or shoulder-season adventures.
A Minor Point for consideration – Back Panel Breathability
If I were to identify one area with slight room for improvement, it would be the breathability of the nylon back panel. During more intense activity or on warmer days, I did notice it could get a bit warm against my back compared to packs with more ventilated designs. This is a relatively minor point, especially given the pack's focus on minimalism and light weight, but it's worth noting.
Final Verdict – Who Is the Mini Joey for?
After thoroughly testing it, I can confidently say the Pa'alante Packs mini joey is a fantastic piece of kit. Its incredibly low weight, combined with its smart, user-centric design, makes it a joy to use. Features like the ingenious bottom pocket and the much-improved shoulder strap pockets truly elevate its practicality on the move.
This pack is ideal for:
Fastpackers: Who need just enough volume without any excess weight.
Long Trail Runners: When you need to carry more than a vest but still want to move quickly.
Minimalist Day Hikers: Who appreciate efficiency and easy access to their gear.
If you're someone who values a streamlined design, prioritizes quick access to essentials, and wants a pack that feels almost like an extension of your body, the mini joey is an outstanding choice. It has certainly earned a spot in my gear rotation.
mini joey is available at
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Pa’lante. The opinions presented are our own.
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 35 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
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