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Mountain Hardwear South Col Backpack - 4200-5000cu in
Has anyone bushwhacked with this pack yet? I'm curious how...
By NSu2705450
Ranked #652 - Weeklong Packs (Over 4500 cu in)
July 23, 2009
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)?
View Details: Mountain Hardwear South Col Backpack - 4200-5000cu in
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By james.b.st1516457
Ranked #308 - Weeklong Packs (Over 4500 cu in)
October 13, 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.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By Jon Webb
Ranked #150 - Weeklong Packs (Over 4500 cu in)
August 12, 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!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- 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
Change me.