Mountainsmith Backpacks

CCMI · Sep 4, 2011

I've been looking at packs for a while and have somewhat narrowed it down to either a Kelty Redwing 50 or two Mountainsmith packs. I'd like this to be mostly for weekend trips, but something large enough to use for a week to ten days. Does anyone have experience with either of these packs or with Mountainsmith packs in general? I know people speak highly of the lumbar packs, but I found it difficult to find many reviews on their larger backpacks. How does their quality/ durability stack up against other makers?

Mountainsmith Falcon 55
http://www.mountainsmith.com/produc...tegoryId=40&subCategoryId=35&subCategory2Id=0
More pictures here: http://www.buy.com/prod/mountainsmi...nal-frame-backpack/q/loc/16234/214337091.html

Mountainsmith Lariat 65
http://www.mountainsmith.com/produc...tegoryId=40&subCategoryId=35&subCategory2Id=0
More pictures here: http://www.buy.com/prod/mountainsmi...nal-frame-backpack/q/loc/16234/214337090.html

Both have a small detachable daypack. I like the Lariats design better with the U-Zip access panel and the exterior pocket on the back. I think the Lariat would have enough space for a longer trip, but I wonder if it's not overkill for a weekend even when cinched down. Mountainsmith lists the 'extended volume' of the Falcon at 60L which is a pretty decent size. Does anyone think I'd regret getting a 65L pack for weekend use? Maybe I'm just over thinking the difference in size (which isn't that much if you exclude the Lariats daypack) and should just go with the larger pack.

My gear tends to be compact, but never the latest and greatest or UL. For example: Kely Cosmic 35 Bag (8"x14" packed), Therm-a-rest Trail Scout (6"x11" packed).

Thanks for your input.

darthstrevel · Sep 4, 2011

Don't have one of the backpacks but I do have one of the lumbar packs ... It is well built (probably over-built). I'm sure you can't go wrong as long as it fits comfortably. Mountainsmith makes rugged gear, just not the latest & greatest "high-speed" UL or tacti-cool gear ... The design of the lariat looks good to me.

CCMI · Sep 4, 2011

Thanks darth, glad to hear more positive comments about Mountainsmith's quality.

I checked out the Redwing and some other packs at REI today. I really like the design and materials of that pack, but I just can't help thinking it'd be a stretch if I ever (hopefully) get a chance to use it for a longer trip. I bought a Mountainsmith camera case there too (no idea where the old on went) and I'm diggin that Redura fabric.

Does anyone know how the suspension of these packs compares to say Osprey or Gregory or other big name?

adam0321 · Sep 4, 2011

I have a kelty eagle that I was issued and used in Afghanistan. Its far to big. I Also have a mountain smith persuit. I prefer my mountain smith. I bought it for climbing trips. It works great. I think the mountain smith is a superior bag.

Ebbtide · Sep 4, 2011

No experience with the packs in question, but I am very satisfied with my Mountainsmith camera backpack.
Very solidly built.

OwenM · Sep 5, 2011

I have a couple of their lumbar packs, and the Lookout 45(same as Falcon except the capacity).
Quality is good, and lots of practical features. My sole complaint for the Lookout is the lack of ventilation for your back. The suspension is fine, but the adjustment straps can slip if you don't tie them off with an overhand knot at the buckle-that's under the padding where you can't see it.

CCMI · Sep 5, 2011

Thanks Owen. Yours was one of the few reviews I could find of the full size Mountainsmith packs. Do you have any experience with the Redwing 50 (3100) to compare it with the Lookout?

With the Lookout and Lariat having a very similar construction, how do you think it would handle cinched down with a smaller load? I don't know if I NEED a pack as large as the Lariat, but I like the design better with the outside pocket (which you wand on the Lookout) on the back and the zippered panel access (in place of the sleeping bag zipper).

Sorry if that seems like an obvious question, I don't have much experience with packs at all (and I hate learning the hard way).

OwenM · Sep 6, 2011

No experience with the Kelty.
I've actually come to love the stretch pocket on the rear. Very handy.
As far as the compression straps go, the Lariat shares the same basic design as the other packs in the series, and will compress down to practically nothing-limited by the width of the fastex buckles.
Here is the Lookout at maybe half capacity, with my overnight gear:

It will cinch down smaller than the Nalgene bottle is across.