Mountain Hardwear Iguana Backpack - 1950cu in - 2009 BCS

I got my Iguana in 2007 and it is now 2012. There is not one fault that I can find. I have taken it all over the world with me and the zippers have never caught, the mesh has never ripped, stitching hasn't come undone. It feels brand new. This backpack is well worth the money!

This is a nice pack, one of the larger in the day pack range, which is what drew me to it. Build quality is what you would expect from mountain hardware. Plenty of pockets for small things. A couple things to keep in mind:
1. The laptop/bladder sleeve only has padding (insulation!) on the bottom, the portion facing inward is not padded like some other packs. This bag does have a bladder hose port in the back panel, which tells me the pocket is primarily intended for hydration, laptop secondary, and small chinchillas a distant third.
2. The mesh pocket on the front is stretchy, but not that stretchy. I don't know how people are fitting helmets in this pocket unless they are only skull cap types. I will upload a picture of my attempt at putting my shoes (size 10) in the pouch, which even press in on the cargo inside.
3. There is a grab handle, as hard as it seems to find a picture of, but it is mounted lower than usual.
4. The overall shape of the bag when packed is peculiar.. a bit like a lizard, though I can't quite pin down which one...It has a thinner width and taller curved profile.

Cons:
The fact the zippers for the main compartment don't go down further is a bit of an annoyance for me. I also wish the buckle on the front mesh pocket had an adjustable strap. The hydration sleeve buckle/strap system does not appear to easily accommodate a camelbak bladder. Sure you can slide the clip on the strap webbing, but in my experience the bladder can slide off. I'd love to see a camelbak style loop on this (and other) bags.

I have so many great things to say about this pack. Rather than blather on about all its awesome features that you can find out easily just by paying attention to what's said above, I'll just say that this pack is more than worth the money. You will not be disappointed!

This pack is the beez-neez! It's the perfect pack for someone who is obsessed with being ready for anything whether it be on your favorite trail or a bike commute to work or class. Lots and lots of pockets and nooks and crannies to this pack. The stretchy front mesh pocket is brilliant...I've put my helmet, light rain jacket, t-shirts, you name it in that thing making it so easy to shed layers without going out of your way to stuff them down in the pack or risk losing them through improv. storage. The sunglass pouch is smartly located on the front side of the rear main zip preventing your cargo from crunching your shades. The water bladder pouch is huge and has the potential for making this pack a comfortable one nighter in the woods if ever needed. I could tell this was a sturdy pack when either a strap or loop on my pack got hung up on my storm door handle and broke the door handle right off...more concerned about my pack than the handle I scanned my pack for a hole or damage and it didn't have a scratch or tear. ENOUGH SAID...THIS IS A GREAT PACK WORTH THE MONEY

The pack is a very spacious 2000 cu - it easily holds my light synthethic down jacket + fleece + shell and a few more goodies. Hydration pack works nicely and straps and pack are all comfortable.

The flip side is that when it comes to features that could make this a stellar overnighter bag on the trail, it just doesn't cut it. Not many places to latch things on the outside (poles?!), awkward access to water bottle holders (they're too high), and oversized main compartment with top access only means that it's hard to get at some of the goods crammed in without taking everything out.

For a sub $100 bag it's pretty good, but I'd recommend checking out some of the new Marmot, Osprey, or Gregory bags in the same price range that handle your backcountry needs a little better.

This pack is exactly what I wanted... Plenty of space, the laptop compartment is padded at the bottom, front mesh pocket is very versatile, fits superb, more than enough pockets, good construction quality, and it was relatively cheap considering I switched from the Arcteryx Blade 24 (which I don't recommend). I'm going to use this exclusively as a school pack, but since I've recieved it, I can tell it's going to get many more uses. This is only the 2nd MH product I've bought, and I must say they won me over with this one. 5 stars.

This is a really well built pack. Lots of storage space inside which is well thought out.Small detail pockets are placed in good spots. Stiching and materials are first rate. Space for computer is right on. Waist belt is basically a strap. For me, travelling and the occaisional day outing, its more than enough.