New Packs form Mountain Hardwear

Bill, thanks for the info.

Did you check out the “Exodus pack manual” link off of the one you provided? It’s a 64pg manual (the first 20pp in english)!!! Looks like it might be a step in the right direction – very customizable. In a “watered down” sense, it’s somewhat like having Dan McHale in your own home customizing the pack’s fit for a person particular body shape. Too bad they can’t make a 3000 in^3 pack weighing in at 32oz, or less, with this suspension. As is, as nice as the suspension and its adjustability is, it won’t be competition for ULA, SMD, or even the VaporTrail. Adjustability will always add weight to the pack.

Can’t wait to see what you can do with it.

Hi Paul, Yes, I downloaded the manual. I have talked to Mountain Hardwear on the phone several times trying to find out how much the frame weighs and asking lots of other questions. One was if I could buy just the frame part, No. I didn’t expect them to say yes.

There “seems to be” a lot to like about the frame system. I have had it on without the pack bag attached but could not really get a good idea of its weight. I should know the weight of the frame sometime later today. My local outfitter will change the shoulder straps and hip belt for me if I buy the pack. They don’t have the Kite model in stock yet.

Using Cuben material a really light complete pack/frame might be possible. I would guess the frame part will weigh close to 2 pounds but I hope that turns out way high.

If I don’t buy one I expect to use some of frame/strap systems design features on a new pack.

Time will tell.

I agree that those packs won’t be any competition with ULA, SMD, or even Granite Gear. Though those frames look interesting. As for the 11 oz. pack? Looks real nice for an overnighter. Especially the price!!! It is amazing that major pack manufacturers are dwindling down on the pack weight (as well as tents). Just think 5 years ago, who would’ve thought of a 4000 ci pack weighing in at 2-2 1/2 pounds? Or a tent like Big Anges SL2 weighing in at a little over 3lbs?

After looking at the pack again the Scrambler pack. If they would’ve added large mesh pockets,added a mesh front pocket (ala ULA), and done away with the lid, probably the weight would have stayed the same or a tad less and there would have been more storing options to make this a better overnighter. Still looks like nice little pack, and the price……….

Does the Scrambler pack have an internal hydration sleeve?

The catalog doesn’t say anything about a Hydration sleeve and they do mention Hydration sleeves for other packs. So, I would say no.

The Drifter, at 1900 cu inches and 2pounds 7oz, does. It also has mesh side pockets. It would seem a little heavy to me.

Thanks Bill. I think that if I buy this pack, because it is cheap & I cant resist, I will take off the lid (I hate lids) & prob add a hydration sleeve.

Jordan:

REI will start getting their Mountain Hardwear packs on 8 Mar 2006. The current 20% coupon is good till 2 April 2006. I know 20% of $49 isn’t as much as 20% of $329 (cost of the Exodus pack I might get) but a dollar ($9.80) is a dollar.

If you can wait that long you can call them to make sure the Scrambler pack is on their list.

Tonight I bought one of these from the shop where I work. I wore it for several hours with a 12 pound wight bag. I was impressed with its comfort, but it was heavier then listed. It weighted 15oz on the shop scale; the eva pad weighted 4oz alone. There are several things that could be replaced or trimmed to cut a few oz. I think Im going to replace the eva pad with closed cell foam and also use a lighter cord in place of the elastic on the outside. The velcro part of the ice tool holder is designed to come off without having to be cut, but the draw cord used to close the main compartment is sewn in.
Overall I think I will be very happy with the purchase and I am excited to see such a nice UL product from such a mainstream company.
Also. There is no hydration sleeve but a 2 liter platypus seems to fit into the pocket for the eva pad pretty well.

David, I spent about 2 hours at my local outfitter tonight playing with one of the new Exodus the Maestro. We took the pack off the frame and with a “fish” scale the frame weighed 3pounds – 10 oz. if I remember right. That seemed like a lot. I had to shudder at the thought of that much weight. The pack bag weighed 2pounds 2oz I think. My brain could not accept that weight. It is a very interesting design. The Harrier model (not in yet) is the one I would get if any. I am working on plans to see if I can make a lighter version and keep the basic design. I would like to buy one of the frames without the pack bag.

I also tried on the Scrambler. When they get a Black one in I might buy one. Next time I go back I will take a closer look at it and see what it might take to reduce the weight a little and or do a few other things. I hope they sell a lot of them and maybe they will get the hint and make a few more really light packs.