Getting older and starting to have some neck / shoulder / spine issues so I'm wanting to transfer as much pack weight as possible to the hips, but most daypacks don't have hip belts and they put all the weight on the shoulders. The Mountainsmith Day hip pack with the Strapette system (sold separately) offers a very good solution and has become my preferred day hiking pack.
The pack has a super-padded waist belt, easily carries all my food and gear (13 liter total volume) plus two 1-liter Nalgenes, with multiple external gear attachment points and overall high quality construction. The Strapette can be a little clunky but its comfortable and does an excellent job at keeping the pack from flopping around while transferring surprisingly little load to the shoulders. I would say the Strapette is not optional, its definitely needed to keep the pack solid and secure.
Around $100 for the pack + strap system. Recommended.
@toddak
I bought Rowdy a Mountainsmith pack and I really like it. With that being said I also switched to a Mountainsmith pack and love it. I already ordered Rowdy a new Mountainsmith pack as his last one only lasted about 6000 miles.
Looks like it may be a great option for some folks.
For my use I go with either:
1. CamelBak Repack LR 4 50 oz Hydration Pack (a fanny pack without over-the-shoulder straps)
2. Gregory Zulu 30 full-size day-pack, which has enough cushioning around the waist so it can easily be adjusted to vary the amount of weight on my shoulders, down to none at all if I want.
I need one, but without the shoulder straps (or I would just stick with my Camelbak) ... I have found that carrying binoculars on a chest harness and my good camera over one shoulder doesn't work too well with a daypack. Then there's the issue of where to carry the gun ...
Daypacks with beefy hip belts---
Platypus Duthie-- also has a really nice air suspension but the overall pack is small
Mystery Ranch Ridge Ruck
Mystery Ranch Hardscrabble
Most people know Mystery Ranch as the old Dana Design folks
Patagonia makes a small pack with a good waist belt.
Camelback Fourteener series
I am sure there are others but those are the ones I've seen in the flesh so to speak
I use lumbar or waist pack for my cameras, worn obviously in the front; I have mountainsmith, osprey and a few no name brands that work as well as the expensive ones.
Last edited by RedRoxx44 on Aug 18 2018 11:02 am, edited 2 times in total.
I'm partial to the Osprey Kestrel, which I have in the 28L and 38L sizes. They're heavy for the volume, but they carry heavy loads well (such as water).
Looks like a great option, with fantastic upper back ventilation. Looks like maybe the hand straps could get snagged but could be cut or somehow strapped to prevent that. Thanks for sharing.
@hikerdw
I love my Mountainsmith pack. It came with one worthless strap. I ended up buy the optional strapettes and work great for me. I clip my spot on the front and I keep my gloves in the side compartment. Right in the very top there is another pocket that I use for maps.
@cactuscat
The first Mountainsmith I bought for Rowdy and I really like it. Since then I bought a Mountainsmith Pack for myself and I love it. I just bought Rowdy his second Mountainsmith pack and I think I am getting close for my second one. And the strapettes are interchangeable.
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