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Mountain Hardwear Direttissima Backpack - 2750-3500cu in

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Eggshell
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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.

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Rating for this product: 5

Dihedrals Big Brother

By: Backcountry.com Employee
May 17, 2012

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! :)

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Rating for this product: 4

Do-all Ski Mountaineering Pack

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
May 7, 2009

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.

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1 Comment Last Comment: March 14, 2011 by:

By:
March 14, 2011

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

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Rating for this product: 4

Great Pack

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
March 26, 2010

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

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. I’ve read all the reviews and descriptions, I know the D. isn’t a backpacking pack, although it seems some customers have used it for that. My hiking buddy uses a 60L pack. I’m 6’5” 220Lbs, I don’t 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 I’d 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 that’s a hefty TWO PART question, and I greatly appreciate any info released. I will reciprocate the assistance when applicable :)

By:
March 31, 2011

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Very helpful thanks Jon. I might be a little more that 19.5" torso so I'll let you know how it fit's once it get's here!

By:
April 5, 2011

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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!

By: Backcountry.com Vendor Rep
April 1, 2011

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Diretissama at work

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
May 18, 2010

Creek crossing in the Revelations Mountains, AK.

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Rating for this product: 4

Good fit, good price

By:
October 20, 2008

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!

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Rating for this product: 4

bomb proof pack

By:
October 25, 2008

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

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ATTN MH REP: I have been deliberating over the two Direttissima

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

By:
March 31, 2011

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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.

By:
September 8, 2011

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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.

By:
September 8, 2011

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Go Mountain Hardwear!

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
September 23, 2009

Way to show all the other packs up with MAJOR presence at this crag in Canmore, Alberta.

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Rating for this product: 5

Good size

By:
December 10, 2008

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.

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What are the ski carry options for this pack? Would an a-frame

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.

By:
January 6, 2011

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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!

By: Backcountry.com Vendor Rep
January 12, 2011

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Rating for this product: 5

M.H. Direttissima

By:
May 31, 2011

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.

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1 Comment Last Comment: September 8, 2011 by:

By:
September 8, 2011

Hi BW, I was wondering if you can recall why you prefer your older model to the newer model? I'm trying to decide between the two. Thanks.

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Rating for this product: 5

Best backpack ever

By:
September 30, 2009

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.

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I'm looking for a new pack to take on my week and half trek

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.

By:
February 23, 2009

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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.

By:
February 23, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

Perfect Pack!

By:
September 17, 2009

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!

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Rating for this product: 5

Great Backpack for Canyoneering!

By: Backcountry.com Employee
June 7, 2011

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.

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40% Off, Regularly: $199.95 | Item: MHW0861
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Eggshell, S (119.97)
Eggshell, M (139.97)

Dihedrals Big Brother

5 star rating

By: Jeff Guest May 17, 2012

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...

Do-all Ski Mountaineering Pack

4 star rating

By: Andrew McLean May 7, 2009

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...

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Material:
420D cordura 
Volume:
s 45 L, m 52 L, l 57 L 
Support/Suspension:
frame sheet, padded back-panel 
Hydration Compatible:
yes 
Access:
top 
Pockets:
2 lid 
Sleeping Bag Compartment:
no 
Weight:
s 4 lb, m 4 lb 3 oz, l 4 lb 8 oz 
Recommended Use:
alpine climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering 
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime