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From the harsh Aussie bush to the city work scene, the Aarn Little Llama 20L has covered a lot of ground. We asked Jack to see just how many roles this quirky New Zealand hiking pack can play and if it’s strong enough for the adventures of daily life.
My hope for the Aarn Little Llama was for it to serve a broad range of tasks with an emphasis on comfort, build quality, and versatility. A pack is a tool – it should enable you to get out and move without worry or afterthought. After almost a year putting this tough piece of kit through its paces, it’s definitely solidified a place in my gear room, but is it the perfect all-rounder?
Guess I’ll stuff it full, cart it around for a year, and find out! | Shot by Jack Maher
Why am I the right person to do this review?
As an avid hiker, runner, get-to-work cyclist, and all round water baby, I found myself with a pressing need for a pack I could grab for whatever adventure the day threw at me. I’m always in the market for gear that allows me to get out and tackle a range of activities, while comfortably handling spiky bush and inner city living.
The Little Llama and I hiking in Italy | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
Quick Specifications
Weight: 680g
Max Load: 10kg
Dimensions: 48H x 25W x 15D
Fabric: 210D Dynatec and Ripstop Nylon
Colourway: Gold
RRP: $224.95
The grey down the bottom doesn’t show stains and marks, clever choice by Aarn there | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
Performance
I needed a pack to grab for anything: cycling to work, day hiking, weekends away, sneaking gluten-free snacks into the footy. A huge ask for any piece of gear, and to be honest, almost impossible for a mid-sized pack.
The rigid X frame helps you maintain better posture and stops the bag from collapsing on itself | Shot by Jack Maher
From the minute I pulled it on, the air mesh back panel sat comfortably on my body and, once I fine-tuned the tension straps, I was stoked with how well the pack formed to my shape.
I can honestly say I’ve never worn anything like it. It feels snug, holding form regardless of how much or little is in it (thanks X frame). With every movement, it feels like it’s being cinched inwards to work with your core, not fighting against it like most bulky bags.
The pockets on the front are ridiculously handy with surprisingly big storage capacity | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
It shines with side-to-side movement. Rock scrambling, boulder hopping, rising up off the bike seat to survive a leg-burning hill – these are times I feel genuinely connected to the pack.
Water Resistance
The 210D Dynatec skin is incredibly effective at shedding light rain and spray, as well as keeping out harsh levels of dust and windblown sand. This means I’ve never thought about pairing it with a pack cover for single day activities. However, it’s not a waterproof pack.
With enough saturation, water seeps through the zippers and finds its way through the small hydration tubing holes. This isn’t uncommon for a pack of this style, but means if the weather is looking particularly dicey, the Little Llama tends to be left in the stable.
Read more: How To Choose A Hiking Pack
Make it waterproof with a pack cover, and you could easily use is this bag every single day | Shot by Jack Maher
Durability
The Aarn Little Llama Pack is surprisingly tough. Despite plenty of rough treatment, there are no signs of wear in the stretchy mesh and no holes in the skin. I’m not proud to admit how many times I’ve thrown loose cutlery in the front zippered section, each time expecting to see a fork prong poking out when we get to a picnic spot.
Yet somehow it’s survived.
Even the breathable mesh back panel is going strong, despite being laid on countless rocks and fire trails every time I do a full search of its contents.
Read more: 10 Essentials Every Day Hiker Needs
It still looks new! | Shot by Jack Maher
Comfort
Overall, this is a very comfortable pack. Aarn has made sure that anything that comes in contact with your body (besides straps) is soft, malleable, and padded. This pays off massively during days involving lots of upper body movement.
The thick lower back pad is well worth the compromise in weight, and the wide waist strap sits comfortably for long periods without cutting or rubbing.
Aarn even offer additional pockets you can affix to the hip belt | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
I’ve found that for me (male, average height, with wide shoulders), I tend to need a bit more length on the shoulder straps. On intense days or when pushing maximum weight capacity, I’m often looking to adjust the top of the pack.
This can sometimes lead to the shoulder straps digging in, an ache we’re all keen to avoid.
Of course, this can always be lessened by reducing the total weight you’re carrying | Shot by Jack Maher
Design
Aarn has built its brand on innovative, ergonomic designs, and the Little Llama could be considered a gateway pack to its more unconventional hiking systems. The bra-like front is like nothing I’ve ever worn, and it takes a bit of getting used to.
Are the pockets and weight distribution benefits worth the fashion crime? That’s a resounding yes | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
Designed to balance weight distribution, it takes some backwards lean out of pack loading and keeps your centre of gravity more upright and straight.
The potential awkwardness of using a system like this is something to be aware of, and for those with a tendency to be a bit self-conscious, it’s something to consider. It’s definitely not made with high fashion in mind, and with some very cool-looking competition available, it can be hard not to feel a bit dorky with the front clipped up.
Pockets
However, the stretchy front pockets (pictured above) offer great storage and borrow the quick access mentality of a running vest. Both easily hold a 500ml soft flask, gels, snacks, and even act as a handy pocket for an iPhone 14 or SPOT Gen4.
No matter how ridiculous the volume of your gear is, this bag seems to have a place for it | Shot by Jack Maher
The main body features a deep zippered outer pocket that’s easy to access and well protected from dust and moisture. The Aarn Little Llama also has an internal bladder pocket with a Velcro holding strap, offering versatility by breaking up the main internal space for organisation.
The storage options are practical and function well | Shot by Jack Maher
Everything can be easily accessed thanks to a huge zipper that comfortably opens the main compartment.
The Aarn Little Llama sports two huge stretchy mesh side pockets, both easily fitting 1L Nalgene bottles. The ability to carry a 2.5L (internal bladder), 2x 500ml soft flasks, and 2x 1L side bottles elevates this small pack into a hydration powerhouse, although the side pockets can be awkward to access while moving.
It’s surprisingly rare to get a daypack with decent drink bottle holders, so this is a big plus | Shot by Jack Maher
Pole Attachments
The hiking pole attachments are awesome. They’re simple, easy to use, and lock the poles out of the way when they’re not needed. The elasticated bungees are handy when you don’t have poles and sit conveniently near the main outer mesh compartment to stop gear from knocking around.
Read more: An Ode to My Walking Stick
Nothing groundbreaking here, but the quality is good | Shot by Jack Maher
Sustainability
Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand and constructed in Vietnam, Aarn is open about its supply chain, promising good working conditions and regular factory checks. It’s a member of 1% for the Planet and offers carbonclick at checkout.
The Aarn team has clear plans for their products’ end-of-life, asking that products be returned to them instead of thrown away, allowing for potential reuse of materials. They also offer repair services and spare parts to keep your gear in action for longer.
However, Aarn doesn’t appear to manufacture their products using recycled and/or biodegradable materials, and it’s unclear what is reused from returned products. This initially sounds concerning, but for a small company like Aarn, a circular economy (or cradle to cradle) is potentially more effective in combating the onslaught of waste heading to our tips than simply using recycled materials to begin with.
Read more: Navigating the Greenwashing Wilderness – Sustainable Gear Certifications
Reflective detailing is a nice touch | Shot by Jack Maher
Price
At $224.95 AUD, the Aarn Little Llama sits in a very competitive price range for day and hiking packs. For the comfort and durability it brings, I’d happily pay this again.
I think it’s a fair price for a bag of this quality, made by a small Kiwi company (and not a large multi-national corporation).
Read more: Packing List For Day Hikes
If you think about the price based on cost per use, the value is undeniable | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
Final Thoughts
I might be asking too much of the Aarn Little LLama. I’m still not convinced it fills the huge task I’ve demanded of it, and at times it feels a little out of place. In situations it has been designed for, it sings beautifully, working hard and feeling great, but if pulled out of the world of adventures, it can sometimes feel a bit lost.
That is a fault of mine, though, it was never intended to do half of the things I ask of it; however, it still gets the job done. I’ve pushed it in countless ways, and this weird Kiwi contraption has performed again and again.
It has earned its place with my other much-loved gear for its uniqueness, quality, and style. I recommend the Aarn Little Llama 20L Pack to anyone who dabbles in a range of activities, wanting to move freely but not needing to look posh or protect too many fancy gadgets.
Into the sunset we go | Shot by Caroline Kingsford
FAQs Aarn Little Llama 20L Day Pack
What is the Aarn Little Llama 20L ideal for?
The Aarn Little Llama 20L is perfect for day hikes, cycling commutes, and outdoor adventures that require a comfortable, versatile pack.
Is the Aarn Little Llama 20L waterproof?
No, the Little Llama 20L isn’t waterproof, but its 210D Dynatec fabric sheds light rain and dust. You can always pop a pack cover over the top to protect both it and your gear.
How does the Aarn Little Llama 20L compare to other hiking packs?
The Aarn Little Llama stands out with its ergonomic design and hydration capacity. It’s in a similar price bracket to most 20L daypacks like the Black Diamond Distance 22L, the Osprey Mutant 22L, and the Cotopaxi Batac 24L.
Can the Aarn Little Llama 20L carry a hydration bladder?
Yes, the Little Llama features an internal bladder pocket for hydration, with additional hydration options.
Is the Aarn Little Llama 20L comfortable for long hikes?
Yes, the Little Llama’s ergonomic design and adjustable straps provide great comfort for longer hikes.
How much is the Aarn Little Llama 20L?
At $224.95 AUD, the Aarn Little Llama offers great value for a high-quality, multi-functional pack.
Does Aarn have any bigger packs for hiking available?
Yep! Aarn has a full range of hiking packs, including the Aarn Pace Magic 30, the Aarn Peak Aspiration, the Aarn Featherlite Freedom Pro, and the Aaarn Natural Exhilaration – to name just a few!
Does Aarn make accessories for its packs?
Yep! You can get extra pockets to affix to straps, water bottle holders, front balance pockets, and even hip belts. The brand is all about customisation and places great value on ergonomics and comfort while moving.
