PCT 70L Backpack
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Quantity
Why We Like The PCT 70L Backpack
We load up our essentials into the PCT 70L Backpack for a summer on the trail. The lightweight frame transfers our heavy load to our hips where the pivoting hip belt keeps it centered as we trek over rolling, technical terrain. We feel cool mountain breezes flow through the body-hugging back panel, making our sweltering afternoon miles more bearable. When we happen upon a side trail, we dump the weight and take the detachable daypack out for a little road-less-traveled exploration.
Details
- Rugged backpack for thru-hikes and backcountry adventures
- Large capacity for long multi-day treks
- Sturdy perimeter frame manages heavy loads
- Trampoline back panel provides full support
- Padded shoulder straps and hip belt for comfortable carry
- Bottom zippered pocket gives access to main compartment
- Trekking pole / ice axe carry loops and daisy chain for organization
- Item #MHWZ9I6
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed
- Material
- [face fabric] 210D recycled ripstop nylon, [bottom] 500D Cordura nylon plain weave, [lining] 70D ripstop nylon polyurethane
- Volume
- [small/medium] 70L (4272cu in), [medium/large] 72L (4394cu in)
- Support/Suspension
- full trampoline back panel, 7000-series aluminum perimeter frame, adjustable torso length
- Shoulder Straps
- padded
- Waist Belt
- padded, 3D pivot
- Hydration Compatible
- removable hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)
- Access
- top cinch collar, lower zippered U-pocket access to main
- Pockets
- expandable front shove-it with zippered interior pocket, 1 zippered front, 2 zippered hipbelt, 2 dual-access side stretch water bottle, removable top lid with 2 zippered compartments
- Gear Loops
- front daisy chain
- Ice Axe Carry
- attachment loop
- Trekking Pole Carry
- attachment loop
- Detachable Daypack
- removable hydration sleeve doubles as daypack
- Compression
- dual side compression straps
- Dimensions
- [small/medium] 32.1 x 15.7 x 16.1in, [medium/large] 32.9 x 15.7 x 15in
- Claimed Weight
- [small/medium] 4lb 1oz [medium/large] 4lb 2.6oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 22 ratings
Review Summary
Fits Slightly Small
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageSeptember 5, 2024
PCT 70L backpack
Took this pack into the bush, absolutely loved it. Really a quality product at a fair price. Despite the 70L size, I found it comfortable to wear and not too cumbersome. I would highly recommend it for hiking / portaging.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.ca
August 21, 2024
Sierras
Just finished a three day trip in the Sierras and packed this full with tent, bear canister/food, clothes, fishing gear, sleeping mat, etc. Couldn't believe how much gear this held. Outside of being really heavy, it was comfortable.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
July 8, 2024
Thoughtful design and very comfortable.
Very impressed with this pack. I needed something a little larger than my lightweight 58L back for an upcoming trip. I was a little hesitant due to the base weight difference, but absolutely satisfied with this pack. It carries weight extremely well. I've had up to 45 lbs in it without discomfort. The organization is fantastic. 3 compartments on the brain. Main section with bottomed access for sleep system. Outer pouch holds a lot of gear-perfect for rain gear and camp shoes, plus there's a zippered compartment. Side pockets swallow 2x 1L smart water bottles, and my camp chair fits in the other. Easy access to the side pockets with the pack on, with a slit for reinserting the water bottles. The only thing I'd wish for are pouches on the shoulder straps for bear spray or a phone. All in all, to many great features to list. My new go-to pack for longer trips.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.ca
May 10, 2024
Great pack so far
Bought this bag to get me through the west coast trail, haven't gone yet but in my preparation I have carried some heavy loads (3 climbing ropes, climbing hardware and some camera gear) no problem. Genuinely surprised at the comfort of the pack while hauling that much. Large pockets and openings make it easy to load the pack to capacity and the front flap is great to be able to access specific items without having to take stuff off the top. Only thing holding me from a perfect review is that I haven't gone on my trip yet and have only used it to haul gear to the crag :)
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.ca
April 20, 2024
Surprise extra treat
I have taken this on 2 trips so far and love it. I am a female but I bought this for the color and its been fine. There is a surprise hydration bag inside that is removable and turns into a daypack! it was such a delight to discover this. My water leaked but the bag kept my clothes totally dry.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
September 27, 2023
Big load hauler
The layout and org on this pack are amazing! Love having access from the top as well as big panel zipper on the front of the pack. Pockets in the lid and in the overflow are perfect for keeping everything you need for a week plus on the trail organized. The load carry on this pack is great too. Had it loaded up with over 50 pounds on the hike in to the base camp before climbing the Grand Teton and it carried comfortably with no hot spots or tension. Stoked to have a new backpacking pack!
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
July 14, 2023
Tested in the Grand Tetons
After a few test runs with gear and a few adjustments, I got this bag to fit perfect. There's a perfect amount of pockets and space to store all your gear in. The inside removable day bag came in pretty handy one night when we set up our base camp then hiked to a swimming spot. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the trekking pole holders, I tried watching the video on how to get them to work, and I think I kept doing it wrong. Also once you get everything packed in and pulled tight, it was kinda difficult to get my water bottles out of the sides and pretty much impossible to put them back in alone. I either had to have someone help or take my pack off. Still, for the price, size, and features, I'd give it a solid 8.5/10
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
July 10, 2023
Not for me
About me: 5'4 with long torso, 125 pounds, purchased M/L. AVID outdoor enthusiast and outdoor professional--meaning I use my pack for work all the time. I have thousands of miles under my belt (most being from weekend to extended 10 day trips). I expect my gear to be streamlined, durable, functional. I have high standards, as I love the Earth and want my investments to last (and not pile up in a landfill). I bought this with excitement, as my 15 year old pack needs retirement. Having great success with the Mountain Hardwear BMG 105 (winter) pack, I thought this would be perfect for smaller loads in summer. Upon receiving it, I was extremely disappointed. Here's why: Pros: *It fits like a glove. (See sizing above) Comfortable. I can tell it wouldn't need a break in period,, and makes the deal-breaking cons that much more of a bummer! Cons: *Sleeping bag compartment? Last I checked, my sleeping bag is far bulkier than my 4 year old's blankie. It is abysmally small and compact. I can't imagine what I'd put in there. What a waste of space. The inability to fully open it to match the main compartments size is frustrating to say the least. It gives me the same feeling of when the car seat belt locks on me inappropriately. "This. Isn't. Supposed. To. Be. So. Tight!!!" Argh! To be clear, it's stitched in a way that the frame of the pack bulges into what should be the compartment, and is super tight on the frontside as well, as it seems they took space out of the bottom compartment to compensate for huge side pockets.... this creates a tight bottleneck to squeeze stuff though into the compartment only slightly larger than the bottleneck. You can see this in the photos. Why, MH? Why?? *Straps under sleeping bag compartment are too short to carry much of anything on bottom-outside when pack is loaded. Where will I put my tent? I like it bottom center for balance and lower weight load. *Speaking of weight load...the stuff it pocket in front might be a quarter to a third of the bag's capacity. It sticks so far off the pack that it feels unbalanced. Not for me. *Water bottle pockets: not super easy to use or convenient to retrieve/return when loaded. I gave it an "okay" on quality, since MH gear is usually tough and lasts, but quality of design on this bag (IMO) sucks. I don't usually leave reviews, but this is an honest one....those are becoming harder to suss out with all the 'bot reviews. This pack might be great for you, but it's not for me. Disappointed. (Also, tried to add photos but it isn't working. With my sleeping bag (up and down, because I sure can't squeeze it in that tiny bottle-necked compartment ) and bear canister in the main compartment, I have about 6" of space left.)
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
April 14, 2023
Best pack all around
Perfect size perfect weight. Love these packs. They are tough as nails!
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
February 18, 2023
Awesome pack
Very light and durable. Holds everything I need and distributes the weight well. The mesh trampoline back panel provides exhalent ventilation.
Originally reviewed on mountainhardwear.com
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