I've been looking for a light day pack in the 24 liter range. There was a post on the new version of the Mountainsmith Ghost and I saw the new Scream 25 on the Mountainsmith web page. It filled several of my wishes, with the right capacity, big side pockets and light weight.
First impressions:
I like the size and proportions. This pack is wider than I expected which keeps the center of gravity closer to my back.
The big stretch side pockets are perfect. The photos show the pack with a 20F sleeping bag stuffed inside and I was able to put 1 liter Nalgenes in the side pockets with no trouble. One liter Platypus bladders would work great.
The fabric is heavy duty stuff , which was also a surprise (see the specs below)— this is a robust pack. The seams are all finished with grosgrain tape and the shoulder straps are bar-tacked on bothe ends.
The shoulder straps seem light, but they are wide (2.5" at the top) and have taped ventilated mesh with ripstop on the last few inches on the tops. The shoulder straps each have one elastic hydration hose management loop.
There is non-weight bearing 1" web waist strap that is mounted on ladder buckles and is easily removed or replaced.
There is no sternum strap included.
There are side compression straps at the top that will stabilize items sticking out of the side pockets.
The top lid has a zippered pocket with a snap hook on ribbon tape inside. The lid is not removable and would be complicated to remove. It has elastic on the sides and a single buckle and compression strap running down the middle of the pack and terminating in a tool loop.
There are trekking pole loops on both sides with robust elastic retainers.
The main pack body is a typical top loader with a drawstring and a 4" extension collar.
There is a full length pocket on the front with a 9" vertical side zipper. This pocket is forms a self-stowing bag for the pack. It is large and rather loose compared to many self-stowing pockets– no jamming session required.
There is a large pleated hydration sleeve inside the main pack body with a central exit port for a hose.
The pack has a hang loop/grab handle at the top and is bar tacked in the same seam with the shoulder straps. I can get four fingers in the loop.
Weight is 15.7oz all up and 14.6 with the waist belt removed.
Recommended weight capacity is 20 pounds or less.
My impressions:
The pack is well made. It seems light on the shoulder strap design but I haven't given them a real trial yet. I would like a sternum strap, but I can install one easily enough. Extending the shoulder strap webbing on top of the mesh would aid in adding a sternum strap. The fabric could be lighter, but on the other hand day packs take a beating and this one should hold up well. I probably won't use the hydration sleeve for a bladder, but I may cut a piece of EVA foam for a sit pad and comfort. Other than day hikes, I would like to try this pack for hot summer overnighters with a cape tent and a light quilt. It should make an excellent travel pack. I paid $54.99 including shipping at ebags.com.
Manufacturer's feature list:
Removable 1 inch waistbelt
Air-flow shoulder straps with perforated dual density foam
Diamond airmesh with anti-sweat DWR finish on shoulder straps
Deep side panel accessory pockets fit SIGGâ„¢ and Nalgene style water bottles
Tool and trekking pole attachment webbing loops
Side compression strap with tensionlock adjustment
Internal hydration sleeve and exit port accommodates up to 3L bladders (not included)
Pivoting toplid with zippered compartment
Zippered front panel pocket sized to fit the Ten Essentials
Front panel pocket reverses to allow pack to be stuffed into its own compressed pocket
420d Duramaxâ„¢ HD Nylon
210d Duramaxâ„¢ Ripstop HD Nylon
210d Ripstop Liner
YKK® Zippers
Bartack reinforcements
Dimensions 17.5'' x 10.5'' x 7.5'' (44.5 x 26.75 x 19 cm)
Weight 15 oz (0.43 kg)
Volume 1465 cu. in. (24 L)
Fit Range 15"- 20"
(front panel pocket with vertical zipper on right side)
(pack turned inside-out to show the hydration sleeve)
