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Mountain Hardwear built the Direttissima Backpack to give ice and alpine climbers the special features they need for a successful day in the frozen world. Since more and more climbers are swinging leashless tools, Mountain Hardwear developed a unique tool-carry system for your winter weapons. Plus, this pack includes one traditional loop for mountaineers who prefer more-traditional systems. With 3200cu inches of space, the Direttissima Backpack holds plenty of gear for a day of ice climbing, and you can squeeze in a two-day alpine trip if you pack right.
Bottom Line: Get ready for the mountains with the Mountain Hardwear Direttissima Backpack.
I have used the Dihedral Backpack for a few years now while canyoneering. It is a great pack and the tough cordura helps the pack slide over rocks and on the walls in tight slot canyons and helps protect the backpack. My dihedral is getting worn out and I had always wished I could have a little more room. The Direttissima is the same pack but a little bigger! I'm sad they updated the newer model of the Direttissima because it doesn't look like it has the same durable cordura on the back. I hope this one lasts me a long time because it is a great pack! :)
I like the versatility of this pack for ski mountaineering. I can load it up with enough stuff for a 4-5 day winter outing, yet still use it for day skiing once we get into our location. It has plenty of options (straps, axe holders, etc.) yet they are discreet so you aren't constantly fighting them when/if they aren't in use. The construction is a durability and weight - it is not the lightest pack out there, but it will take a beating.
I really like the back strap system as it allows a ton of adjustment for holding things on the side of the pack (like foam pads), yet you can also strap bigger items on the back as well. I'll often clip a sled to this pack (it has nice beefy side loops), then when I'm ready to ski down, I can strap the plastic sled to the back of the pack and enjoy the run.
This would be a good pack for hut trips, skiing in a range like the Tetons or for the occassional rock climbing outing.
I'm 100% a men's medium (5 10" - 143 pounds) and this pack seems to fit me well, although I'm not that fussy about pack fits. If it is a crushing load, any pack is going to hurt.
Negatives? Probably a bit heavier than similar size packs and I've never really liked the sliding sterum clip design, but almost all packs use this nowadays, so what can you do.
Im assuming since you strapped a sled to the back that it would hold a snowboard well?? Ive been looking for a reasonably priced pack that I can do some multiday backcountry trips with
The Direttissima is very comfortable and well built. It will expand to easily carry enough gear for multi-day overnight trips, but also cinches down for summit day. The overall design isn't revolutionary, jut a simple pack with a lid, but the details are very well thought out and come in useful. Plenty of little pockets in the lid for the small stuff.
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Most immediately I would like a spring weight backcountry pack I can take to The Smoky Mountains in order to make some serious miles around the AT. Ive read all the reviews and descriptions, I know the D. isnt a backpacking pack, although it seems some customers have used it for that. My hiking buddy uses a 60L pack. Im 65 220Lbs, I dont know even if the large is big enough, if it will fit my tent and long sleeping bag. In addition to the backpacking, I would like it to double as my crag pack, for which I think it would be ideal. Then come wintertime, I know Id love having it as for alpine travel. So I reckon my question is a) is the previous model D. indeed larger while still durable, and b) is it sufficient for my expectations? I know thats a hefty TWO PART question, and I greatly appreciate any info released. I will reciprocate the assistance when applicable :)
Isaac. So, a) yes. the previous model is slightly larger than the new model but the new model is made with updated materials. I have a medium in last years version (this one) and it is extremely durable as I have put it to the test from Indian Creek to the Bugaboos. I have used it mainly as a climbing/alpine pack with a little hut skiing thrown in. Obviously, you could use it for backpacking as well. The main difference in my mind between an alpine pack and a backpacking pack is simply bells and whistles. Typically alpine packs are much more simple in design which is why I prefer them. So, b) yes, I think if you are looking for a smaller backpacking pack that could couple as your crag pack/alpine winter pack... look no further. 6'5" and 220Ibs.? Do you know your torso length (C7 to the top of your Illiac Crest?) The large fits up to 19.5"+ torso. I hope this info helps!
I have shleped 80+ pounds in this rig several times now and it always feals well balanced! It's not gonna be the best backpacking pack - but that's not what it is for. Super light, holds way more stuff than your gonna want to carry up a route and is hardly noticable when you're climbing with it. All the little gadgets ( aluminium front buckle, quick tool carrier loops, fast strap stash pocket) seem to be work well - overall this pack is great tool for success in the mountains, at a great price!
this has to be the baddest pack around for the price, i recently purchased it and have used it several times and i am pleased to have this in my arsenal of equipment, the pack is light and holds plenty of gear enough for a multy day trip if need be, plus plenty of gear attachments for ice axes, crampons etc. also this pack breaks down and compresses very small for a summit push or short climb, bottom line this pak is the sh!$ for the money
ATTN MH REP: I have been deliberating over the two Direttissima models and the South Col pack for hours now! (Perhaps I should step away to look at it with fresh eyes later!) Nonetheless, I am still very on the fence when it comes to decision making time. Firstly, between the the last Direttissima and the new spring model, it seems that the older version is slightly larger, albeit heavier. I'll sacrifice a pound for extra space to fit the vino. Apparently the newer model is also made of a newer and more durable fabric. Does this outweigh the 7L space difference? idk. Neither model offer external water bottle pouch, but that seems to be a reoccurring factor with all MH packs >5Lbs. However, there's an internal hydration reservoir, so that's cool. I have owned a Tatonka 85L pack for 11 years which is bombproof. As tempting as it is to go with the South Col, I am hoping to find a happy medium between my 80L mammoth and my nice 35L daypack. Here's what I want
hi Isaac, did you end up getting the Direttissima? I am also considering this pack now, but cannot decide between the older and newer model. I've read one review that said the new buckles were harder to open, but that's about it.
hi Isaac, did you end up getting the Direttissima? I am also considering this pack now, but cannot decide between the older and newer model. I've read one review that said the new buckles were harder to open, but that's about it.
I originally had the dihedral but found it to be a tad bit small. This one is able to carry all your trad gear including rope and helmet plus extra clothing and food. The back is nice and rigid to keep your posture while hiking and the shoulder straps seem to fit well. The material seems like its made to withstand the elements for quite a while. There is also a camelbak pocket inside and two pockets in the top lid compartment.
What are the ski carry options for this pack? Would an a-frame work? The specs say no ski carry... Any tips from those using this with skis would be awesome.
Joshua. I have carried skis "A-Frame" with this pack multiple times. The specs are wrong in this case. We also make a smaller version of this pack called the Dihedral. I hope this info helps!
The best long haul climbing pack on the market, period. Stuff in a couple days worth of gear, and hit the 'tains. This pack has every feature you need in a mountaineering pack; super durable, a million ways to attatch tools, ample space, comfortable stable carry, removeable components (frame, waistbelt, lid), compressible to summit pack size, simple design. Its a little heavy, but whatever man.. it will probably last like 150 years. Load it up and put it on.. it gives you a confidence in your gear that other packs lack. Absolute jackhammer construction. If your trip is gonna be a brut, load the big D. By the way, i got a chance to check out the new version.. still a great pack, but i like my old one better.
We used it only for a camping trip. This pack is very sturdy, has perfect adjustment straps. It sits well on the back - even for my husband, who has back problems. We are very satisfied. That's why I bought me one too.
I'm looking for a new pack to take on my week and half trek through the badlands and tetons, but also looking for something to be comfortable in the mountains as well. Could this do well for both applications? I currently own a pack that is way to large for the kinds of trips I've recently been on.
How light to you like to go and which size were you thinking of getting? If you go no tent and make an effort to eliminate all unnecessary stuff, you should be able to do it. Personally, I'd go for something a bit bigger.
I bought my Diretissima about 3 weeks ago, and this pack seems to be indestructible. I've done a lot of climbing with it, and it holds all my gear including a 70m rope, so it has plenty of space with just a couple of useful, zippered pockets. Also has a compartment for a large hydration bladder, perfect adjustment straps, and sits well on the back for long approaches. I've been caught in a little rain and it seems to hold up well to water. Very happy and confident with this pack. Great buy!
I've been using this backpack for Canyoneering for about 3 years and It is sill going strong! It has lots of room for your rope and pull cord and it's super durable Cordura backing slides across rocks with ease. The very bottom of the pack started to wear out really quickly but I grommeted the bottom like I do with all my canyon packs and that took care of the bottom wearing out! it also has additional hidden straps behind the Cordura! I've used those hidden straps to carry a second rope.
I have used the Dihedral Backpack for a few years now while canyoneering. It is a great pack and the tough cordura helps the pack slide over rocks and more...
I like the versatility of this pack for ski mountaineering. I can load it up with enough stuff for a 4-5 day winter outing, yet still use it for day skiing more...