Mountain Hardwear Scrambler Backpack - 1600cu in

It turns out that I bring this pack everywhere. I can fly with is stuffed into my carry-on without it taking up much room or adding weight- then I have a pack to use cragging, ice climbing, mountain biking, or just using to put my wallet in on my way to yoga. I used this as a leader's pack on The Direct South Buttress of Tiedeman in the Waddington Range. It was perfectly sized to fit a jacket, water, crampons, headlamp. I find that lots of other packs of similar weight do not quite have the volume this one does. Knots do help to keep the straps from slipping. You can attach an ice ax- or quickly throw your jacket under the bungee. When really loaded down, the straps are a little thin- you just have to adjust them so they lie flush on your back. I prefer not to have a waist belt when climbing- they get in the way of my harness. So this pack works perfectly when the climbing is an adventure demanding a little extra gear.

I tried the Scrambler an a lightweight alpine summit pack. The shoulder straps are far too flimsy, acting more like cord, and lack of a waist belt (even if high) prevents any weight from being offloaded from the shoulder floss. One day was more than enough: this pack will be sold or given away.

Mountain Hardware made this one very nearly perfect. Slightly beefier shoulder straps (these seem a little frail, and dig in a bit too much) would complete the picture.

Mountain Hardwear did a great job on this summit bag. I will be packing this in my backpack for sure. The materials used are solid and light as can be. And you will be surprised by how much of a cushion they actually give you on the back. It's only a few centimeters thick but that's all you need for a pack this light. What a wonderful thing.

With out question, the lightest backpack I've ever owned. Good and useful pockets on the top and the main compartment holds plenty for a quick climb or excursion. Compression cord collapses the pack perfectly for light loads. It's even got an external clip for an ice axe or whatever... What this pack is not: substantial, heavy -duty or load-bearing for heavy loads. The straps are mesh—literally. My only real complaint is that the plastic clamps that hold the shoulder straps don't hold very well, so the pack comes un-adjusted. the straps are smooth and small like little ribbons and they slip away slowly as you hike. lame. knot the straps so it doesn't slide to far down.