Post Your
Own Review
|
|
The Product...
Mountainsmith Wraith Backpack
Volume: 1650 ci 27 L
Weight: 2 lbs, 2oz 1.0 kg
Torso: 15-20
Dimensions: 20x11.5x6
Additional: lightweight suspension, comfortable fit, hydration reservoir pocket. This pack is ideal for active day adventures.
Customer Service: 800-426-4075
MSRP: $129
|
|
 |
|
|
The Product Tester...
David Nash
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 165
Build: Tall and Skinny
Style: Love to be in the front of the pack, faster faster!
Background: Senior guide for The World Outside, and Dirt Camp instructor. Guiding for over 6 years. Gear and travel junkie that doesn't stay put long.
|
|
 |
The Completely Biased Review...
Category: Accessories
Photos: David Nash
The Wraith and I got to know each other extremely well over the last two months. I drug it to the top of Angel's Landing in Zion, to the beach in San Francisco, and on a weeklong biking trip in the Canadian Rockies. I used it as a pillow; I used its straps to lower friends; and occasionally, I used it as a crash pad when my bike and I lost contact on some technical trails. It held up in typical Mountainsmith fashion and I expect to go on using it for years.
Throughout my different excursions I was impressed with the Wraith's versatility thanks to all the bells and whistles it includes. One of the most innovative features on the pack are the padded mesh tubes that run the length of it. These tubes are placed where your back hits the pack and work amazingly well at transferring your sweat from your back to the edges of the pack. Even in 100+ degree weather I never felt slippery or slimy from sweat buildup on my back. One of the other perks is the padded pocket for eyewear at the top of the pack. I cannot tell you how many scratches I have put in $100 sunglasses and goggles because I had no good place to put them when I was done using them. Excellent idea!!!
Did I mention that this thing has more pouches than a herd of kangaroos? I had no problem separating my load into the pockets based on anticipated need of access. There are key pockets for the things you won't need until you return to civilization, and there is a long outer pocket for those quick access things like cameras or snacks. The interior has plenty of space for lunch, a med kit, and a couple of jackets. There is transparent fabric on the sides of the main compartment that allows you to see inside the pack, instead of getting the black hole effect trying to locate items in the bottom. And for all the things that you can't fit inside there is a bungee-type strap to cinch down the excess with one little pull of the cord.
The Wraith also provides the option of carrying water externally, in its well-placed water bottle holders, or internally, in a water hydration pack that will fit nicely into the built-in bladder holder (for those of you who like to drink through a tube).
The pack was a little small for me but it hauled the loads I put in it comfortably all day, despite my long torso. I often loaded up forty pounds of gear to meet my guiding duties of carrying extra water, med kits, lunches, and the occasional extra layers in case of threatening weather. Its compression straps around the exterior kept the load in control very well.
This pack is so well rounded that it has actually replaced two of my old packs. And considering its rugged construction, it should last me as long as my other Mountainsmith products have, some of which I have been using for over eleven years. And I can't wait for snow season to come so I can throw it on my back for a day of snowboarding, especially with the goggle pouch to protect my other investments. After a couple months of abuse I am confident to carry this pack on my next international adventure because it will not leave me wailing at my aching back after a few days of adventure in a foreign land. If you are looking for a great daypack with a sense of adventure, check this one out. Now go play!!
- Mountainsmith products are available online from REI
- Do you own a Mountainsmith Wraith Backpack? Post your own review
More Biased Reviews Of This Product...
|
|
