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Mountain Hardwear South Col Backpack - 4200-5000cu in - 2008 BCS
Available Colors / Styles
Ed Viestrus designed the Mountain Hardwear South Col Backpack for guiding on Everest. He wanted one pack to go from base camp to the summit, and this is it. Ultralight 100D Cordura construction and a super-clean design helps this large 4600cu inch pack keep its weight under four pounds. Need to go lighter? Just take off the lid, remove the hip-belt, and strip the frame sheet to shave 1 ˝ pounds for that summit push. If Ed declares the Mountain Hardwear South Col Backpack good enough for the big E, chances are it'll get the job done on your next Mt Rainier trip.
Bottom Line: Take advantage of Ed's experience and head to the mountains with the Mountain Hardwear South Col Backpack.
Talk shop with all the gear freaks out there: ask 'em questions, upload/browse photos, and give your 2¢.
This is a top loader.
By: Phil Maher
June 6, 2011
Great ultralight climbing pack!
By:
Pat Goodman
October 20, 2008
This pack is wayy lighter than any other pack in its class and cheaper. Although, it is a tad bit less comfy due to the ultralight constuction. You can cram so much stuff in this pack, it's almost too big; almost. I'm 5.9, 160 - these packs might feel a bit large if your not wearing many layers. I have drug this thing through chimneys, up ice, down snow slopes and still no holes - don't be fooled by the lightweight fabric, it's super tough!!
yes, how do you use those fancy clips on the back. the bungee
yes, how do you use those fancy clips on the back. the bungee is not long enough for mysleeping pad, having a hard time figuring the best way to pack this with tent, pad , bag etc. any suggestions
By: Judith Rigney
June 9, 2010
What about using the long, yellow daisy chain? You'll most likey need an extra gear strap(s) to fasten that to the outside but it would work, with the use of a biner, you could prevent any sway which may occur. Looks like the grey compression on the side could hold a tent and I'd put the sleeping bag inside. Pretty much the bungess are for ice tools though.Good luck though, very nice pack and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
By: Dakka
June 10, 2010
Great design poor build
By:
guy3178511
July 22, 2010
I really like the design of this pack, its comfortable and light. But the stitching is pretty poor quality, ive used mine only about 10 days in the mountains, it still looks like new but the stitching is coming apart in about 3 different places.
By: Jon Webb
July 26, 2010
guy3178511. Thanks for review. Sorry that you feel the pack is coming apart. We have not heard of issues with this. Have you contacted the warranty department at Mountain Hardwear? If not, please do. Here is the contact info:
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/WarrantyInfo.aspx
I hope this info helps!
Do you have any idea how spacious South Col really is? 82 liters
Do you have any idea how spacious South Col really is? 82 liters (size L) is mentioned but I also know that many manufacturers overstate volume.
By: Pekka Lylykorpi
April 15, 2010
Review Title
By:
19Lives
December 17, 2009
Not sure why the stats on this page say Ski Carry: No... this pack has an excellent A-frame carry ability and with the full wrap compression system, you could probably rig all kinds of vertical and diagonal situations as well. The pictures shows one of the straps on the back of the pack (above the ice axe attachments gizmos), but there are two and they are huge. You could strap a keg of beer to the back of this pack.
Perhaps the Tech Specs need updating? e.g. "Ice axe loops:
Perhaps the Tech Specs need updating? e.g. "Ice axe loops: 1, Gear loops: none, Ski Carry: No" I have one of these packs and there are 2 ice axe loops (as seen in the Backcountry.com photo). Also, I asked two experienced mountaineers what the two shallow pockets and bands were for (white and gray in the photo), one on either side of the back of the pack. The answer: Carrying skis, A frame style, or pickets, or tent poles or wands or crevasse probe poles. Besides the gear loops for the two ice axes there is a loop at the end of the yellow orange stout webbing going down the back. What is that for? One guess is that it is a gear loop for an additional tool, such as a shovel that could be attached as one would an ice axe. I wish that Mountain Hardwear provided the answers on its web site. There is a link to a manual, but this pack is not mentioned in the manual. I am planning on several climbs with this pack and will rate it later. It looks good so far.
By: Hayes
February 17, 2010
Hayes. The traditional ice axe loop at the bottom of the daisy chain (stout yellow webbing) is for carrying perhaps a single ice axe when mountaineering or more precisely when approaching a climb. Your friends are absolutely correct regarding the shallow pockets on either side of the pack. We try to provide many options on our packs for carrying stuff into the hills - wand pockets, A-Frame ski carry capacity, two ice axe carrying loops in the form of bottle openers, full wrap compression straps, webbing belt for climbing, top compression strap, and last but not least the traditional ice axe loop. As for providing the answers as to how to use each feature? We would rather leave it up to the individual user to decide the best way to utilize the pack for their particular use or trip. Thanks for checking it out and I hope it works well for you on your climbs!
By: Jon Webb
February 18, 2010
GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!!!!
By:
jgregori2157565
May 7, 2008
THIS PACK IS AWSOME! Ultra thin, ultra light and ultra tough! The review above states that it "seems" like a brush with an ice axe and all your contents are spilling out..well i put crampons inside, snow shoes outside stuffed it to max capacity, brushed with trees, fell and had to self arrest, and pretty much beat the hell out of this pack for 3 days in the cascades and it is like new!!!! no problems no complaints (accept i wish there was a water holder on the outside, i just clipped my water container to the shoulder strap) and i am completly satisfied with this pack!!!! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into alpine climbing. p.s. i cant spell for s@#t so my appoligies:)
Has anyone bushwhacked with this pack yet? I'm curious how
Has anyone bushwhacked with this pack yet? I'm curious how the lightweight fabric holds up to this kind of puncture/abrasion (on long gnarly approaches).
Also, what are peoples' opinions of the fancy ice-tool/bottle-opener gizmos, having used them in the field? Were your tools held down tight, or did they flop around? Did the adze of your axe protrude beyond the side of your pack and get caught on things? Would the little attachment-thing get ripped out easily if the axe gets stuck on a branch or rock?
Lastly, has anyone actually packed this thing to capacity - like expedition-stuffed full? It looks from the photo that this pack has that "hourglass" shape that is increasingly popular (you know, skinny waist and lumpy hips) -- my experience is that hourglass-shaped packs are challenging to fill efficiently. While packing, did the lightweight fabric lead to more lumps and bulges on the surface (because the fabric is stretchier)?
So far, I'm considering this and the Arc'teryx Khamsin 70 - anyone else have 60-80L recommendations (of packs withOUT a separate sleeping-bag compartment)?
By: NSu2705450
July 23, 2009
The fabric is not the most water resistent or durable, I packed through multiple days of straight washington rain then snow and the inside was moist. Plus I have some small punctures from either pulling a picket out over my shoulder where the mangled beaten down edge either caught or just forced against it hard when cinching it down. But I grab this pack every time before grabbing my Bora because it's half the weight and I found it to be extremely comfortable when loaded up for something so light. The other things can be dealt with and are worth the weight savings.
By: james.b.st1516457
October 13, 2009
I have not bushwhacked with this pack... but, it is safe to say if you want a lightweight pack you will have to give a little on the durability side. This would be the case with ANY lightweight material. With that said, many a climber have taken this pack climbing up high were crampons and tools have been needed without complaints of puncture or durability issues. I mean if you are bushwhacking through Devils Club in Alaska... the durability of your pack will be the least of your worries. As for packing for capacity, I just took a Mountain Hardwear Directissima to Peru and had it packed to capacity multiple times. Packing your stuff into the shape of the pack is easy to do. It is not a bucket or haul bag... but, it sure carries a hell of a lot better too. Hope this info helps!
By: Jon Webb
August 12, 2009
Ultralight, not too comfy
By:
fancypants
March 11, 2009
Nice and big--fit all of my equipment perfectly and at ~4lb it's hard to go wrong. Be wary of the comfort though--I took around 45 pounds ascending around 5000ft and had some unpleasant bruises on my hips afterwards. Nothing horrible, but some tenderness for several days.
I have an 18-19 inch torso lenghth regarding the suspension system,
I have an 18-19 inch torso lenghth regarding the suspension system, which size pack (S; M; L) is aproipriate for me in this pack? I would rather have one that is a slight bit too short than one that is a slight bit too long. I am guessing either the S or the M.
By: Mike LaBrecque
April 10, 2009
A medium pack ranges from a 18.5" - 21.5" torso length (depending on the manufacturer). If you are a solid 19", then a medium would be your fit -- across the board of manufacturers.
Also, for others, if you find yourself a solid 21" torso, then going with a large could be the best way to go. Most packs have a cutoff of 21" - 21.5" (again, depending on manufacturer). You should get fitted by a professional, if you are at an "in between size".
I am a 21" torso, and am using a large pack. Don't use my example as gospel though, you really should be fitted before buying any pack online.
By: Mike
October 15, 2009
Mike. I would go with a medium and I think it will fit your parameters perfectly. Hope this helps!
By: Jon Webb
April 10, 2009
Recommend
By:
realdeal572088826
May 28, 2008
Great pack! Light and durable. I used it on an alpine seminar on Mt. Hood. I stuffed it for the approach hike to camp(including crampon inside) and used it with just neccesaties for the summit climb. The only issue is you have to cinch the top compression straps tight or the frame will "ride" too high inhibiting cervical/head extension IE looking up. The ice axe loops work well also.
Is there an explanation somewhere on how to use the "dual
Is there an explanation somewhere on how to use the "dual Axe-S quick release ice axe toggles"
By: fancypants
March 3, 2009
Don't think there is an explanation anywhere... but, the "dual Axe-S quick release ice axe toggles" refers to the two bottle opener looking things attached to the back of the pack. Basically, most mountaineering axes are produced with a hole of some sort in the head of the tool. When you want to attach an axe to the back of our packs you thread the bottle opener, aka dual Axe-S quick release ice axe toggle, through the head of the ice axe and pull the bottom cord to tighten. It is extremely simple, lightweight, and if you are looking for a bottle opener after you get back to your car to crack that beer... you can either use a carabiner or that sweet bottle opener on the back of your pack! Hope this helps.
By: Jon Webb
March 3, 2009
Great Pack!!
By:
realdeal572088826
May 28, 2008
This pack performed excellent! Its light and durable with a lot of different compartments. I used it for an Alpine seminar on Mt. Hood..stuffed it full(with crampons inside) for the approach to camp at twin rocks and then used it on summit day with just neccesities. It was great! The only thing is you have to cinch the top compression straps tight or the frame will "ride" too high inhibiting cervical/head extension i.e. looking up.
does it have ski holders on the side - kinda looks like it does
does it have ski holders on the side - kinda looks like it does (?).
By: james
March 1, 2009
Yes, there are gray webbing loops on the side of that pack that you can slide the tails of skis into when carrying them in an 'A' frame fashion.
By: Jon Webb
March 2, 2009
MH South Col pack
By:
DeanDay
July 9, 2008
I'm 6'1" 195 and got the large. Fit good, comfortable for 3 day hike ascending from 5,800 feet elevation to 12,000 feet and back. Needed to carry volume but wanted to go as light as possible for 15 mile long trail ascent. Large is 5,000 cu.in. and only 4 pounds. I had no problems, but I only had 20 pounds in it. It's a bare bones pack. Not as comfortable or sturdy as my Arc'Teryx Bora 80, but 3 pounds lighter. It was perfect for my situation.
What is volume (cubic inches) for each size?
What is volume (cubic inches) for each size?
By: kevingkbcc1680702
April 18, 2008
4200 small, 4600 medium, and 5000 large
By: 2187572
April 24, 2008
good overshadowed by bad
By:
axelcantor2145822
April 1, 2008
An incredibly light pack indeed, but the material is so thin that it seems as if the slightest brush with an ice axe and all your contents are spilling out. It does has some great features, but I had to return it as the waist did not fit. I am a size 32 and it was too big, (I couldn't tighten it enough).
Do you have any info on the sizing of this pack?
Do you have any info on the sizing of this pack?
By: chunky no-funky
April 1, 2008
The sizing chart for MHW packs is as follows.Torso Lengthsmall - less than 17inmed - 17-19.5inlarge is over 19.5inTo find the right size pack, use the torso length measurement system. To find your torso length, measure your back along the spine from the the top point of your hipbones to the knobby bone at the base of your neck. This will give you a measurement in inches that will determine the correct pack size. I would use the aforementioned procedure & find your correct size.
By: moroni
November 20, 2008
Change me.
Out of Stock
2008 Model No Longer Available
We have a lot more Weeklong Packs (Over 4500 cu in) than that
Weeklong Packs (Over 4500 cu in)Great ultralight climbing pack!
This pack is wayy lighter than any other pack in its class and cheaper. Although, it is a tad bit less comfy due to the ultralight constuction. You can more...
Great design poor build
I really like the design of this pack, its comfortable and light. But the stitching is pretty poor quality, ive used mine only about 10 days in the mountains, more...
- Material:
- 100D cordura, 210D spectra
- Volume:
- s 69 L, m 75 L, l 85 L
- Support/Suspension:
- frame sheet, back-panel
- Hydration Compatible:
- yes
- Detachable Daypack:
- no
- Access:
- top
- Pockets:
- 1 lid
- Sleeping Bag Compartment:
- no
- Weight:
- s 3 lb 8 oz, m 3 lb 13 oz, l 4 lb 1 oz
- Recommended Use:
- alpine climbing, mountaineering
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime