Mountain Hardwear Trance Backpack - 3350cu in - 2007 BCS

I think this pack has been discontinued and I got a great deal on it. I love it. When I look at the latest and greatest from Mountain Hardwear they look very similiar to this pack. It has alot of the same features and it looks alot like a Black Diamond pack. It could use a little more room in the lid. I really like the fact that it has a pocket on the underside of the lid that is perfect for an acender a little extra rope (no digging around the bottom of the pack if you need to get at it quickly). I would definatley recomend this pack while it is still available, especially for the price. You can't beat it.

First things first, this is a pack designed for light and fast travel. If you are looking for something to use for winter travel, this certainly isn't it - it simply doesn't have the capacity, something I learned the hard way. It will easily fit a sleeping bag, half tent or bivy, inflatable pad, foam pad, extra underwear and food for several days. Once you try to expand that to include crampons, shells, etc you quickly get to the point of explosion and lose the ability to close the top properly which in turn takes away resistance to moisture.

There are very few opportunities for gear placement on the exterior of the bag. The ice axe holders work very well for both axes and trekking poles. There are a couple of gear loops placed very low on the bag ( I would have preferred them higher so that climbing gear wouldn't swing down below my waist), and they so far have been bombproof holding quite a bit of weight. Other than that you have to make the tension straps do all of the work, which is ok for some things and not others. I've gotten them to hold onto snowshoes, but I'm always concerned that I am going to rip them doing that.

The pack is remarkably water resistant when not overfilled, which I was extremely thankful for when I got stuck in some rain - with a trash bag as an additional vapor barrier, none of my gear got wet. Excellent.

Overall I am pleased with the pack, and would recommend it to anyone as long as they recognize the limitations it has.

I don't have much to compare this pack to as it's my first real weekend pack, however it feels a bit heavy and awkward at times. I cannot quite get it situated fully comfortably on my back. On the other hand, it's a reasonable price, along with lots of features that make the pack very versatile. I'd still recommend it.

First of all I think the Trance backpack is a great pack even if you aren't climbing. It is designed so the sleeping bag fits in the bottom, so don't be discouraged about buying since it doesn't have a sleeping bag compartment. The pack also has many pockets which is useful. I like the fact that is hydration compatible.