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Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack
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Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack

Item # 779895

$139.93$190.00*

REDUCED PRICEYou Save 26%

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The Mountain Hardware Koa 55 backcountry pack pares down the weight without sacrificing durability or load-carrying comfort.

  • Dual-density padded and contoured shoulder straps accommodate a wide range of body sizes; dual-density foam hipbelt helps support heavy loads
  • HDPE framesheet features a perimeter alloy shaping rod that helps transfer load to the hips
  • Fit-lock hipbelt wraps around framesheet to create a solid, secure connection for effective load transfer
  • Smooth, tensioned mesh backpanel allows free circulation of air behind back, keeping your back cool on hot summer hikes
  • Weather-tight main compartment rolls down dry-bag style to seal contents from the elements
  • Full-access side zipper under a laminated flap makes it easy to reach gear buried deep inside
  • Two stretch mesh side pockets keep water bottles and small, often-used gear within easy reach
  • Stowable stretch mesh front compression panel adds versatility and capacity for overloads
  • Externally accessed hydration sleeve for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
  • Full-length side pocket allows storage of longer items or a rain jacket, or use as an alternate location for hydration reservoir
  • Store sleeping bag in the bottom zippered compartment
  • Twin hipbelt pockets and an upper front pocket for stashing smaller essentials
  • Minimalist daisy chain on front panel for lashing on ice axe or trekking poles

    Spec chart based on size Medium. Specifications for size Large torso / waist and hips / base volume / weight are as follows:
  • Large: 19.5+ in. / 34-38 in. / 3,650 cu. in. (60 liters) / 3 lbs. 12 oz. (1.71kg)

Imported.

Item 779895

Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack Specs

Specification

Description

GenderUnisex
Frame typeInternal
Backpack styleLightweight backpack
Approximate volume3,350 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric55 liters
Average weight3 lbs. 10 oz.
Average weight - metric1.66 kilograms
Adjustable torsoNo
Fits torso17.5 - 20 inches
Fits waist/hips31 - 35 inches
MaterialHigh tenacity/ripstop nylon
Frame materialHDPE/aluminum alloy perimeter rod
Number of stays1
Number of pockets5 + main compartment
Access / LoadingTop/side
Sleeping bag compartmentYes

Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack
 
3.5

(based on 6 reviews)

80%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (6)
  • Lightweight (6)
  • Easy to load (5)
  • Good padding (3)

Cons

  • Delicate (4)
  • Weak seams (3)

Best Uses

  • Day hikes (5)
  • Light loads (5)
  • Extended hikes (4)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid adventurer (3), Casual adventurer (3)
  • What Is Your Gear Style:
  • Minimalist (5)

Reviewed by 6 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-6

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Jul

7

2009

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Great Pack!!

By imaxeman

from Royal Oak, MI

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Site Member

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Easy To Load
  • Good Padding
  • Highly Adjustable
  • Large Capacity
  • Lightweight

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Day Hikes
    • Extended Hikes
    • Light Loads
    • Wet Weather

    Comments about Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack:

    I took this pack out for the first time over the holiday weekend on a trail in northern Michigan. I was concerned that the hipbelt would not be very comfortable after a few miles and since I had overloaded it with a total of 43lbs, I was expecting some sore hips and shoulders. To my surprise, it was very comfortable for the whole 30 miles I hiked with it and I had no problems at all. I made sure to be a little careful with the side pocket zippers because of other reviews given, and had no snagging problems. I found the pack very flexible and it did not hinder my movement. I even enjoyed being able to duck and not have the tree brach catch the top of my pack for a change. the pack has plenty of space and the extra gear net on the outside came in handy for carrying my extra water bladder on the first day due to lack of water access on the trail. The first two days had light rain and drizzle, but I did not need to pull out the pack cover, it was sufficiently water resistant on its own. My only complaint is that I had trouble accessing the side pockets while hiking, but I do not think that is a big negative since they held A LOT of stuff in them. I realized that I did not need the top cover pocket because the side pockets held all the quick access stuff and has a sinch cord to hold it all in. I am very impressed with the design, and rank it up there with my Gregory pack that I swear by.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Comfort Driven

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Images shared by imaxeman

    Loading my pack up in the morning

    Image Thumbnail

    Tags: Using Product, Picture of Product

    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

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    Aug

    14

    2009

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    2.0

    Koa 55 - 6 Month Follow Up Review

    By nicknamesarestupid

    from Redmond, WA

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Large Capacity
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Delicate
    • Weak Seams

    Best Uses

    • Day Hikes
    • Extended Hikes
    • Light Loads

    Comments about Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack:

    This is a follow up review of the pack. I posted my original review Mar 2009.

    After 6 months it has held up to avid use mountaineering on rock, alpine, and glacier routes. It is comfortable and has carried up to 40 lbs. comfortably. It has great features such as an external helmet enclosure. I really enjoy the features this pack has. It also has good water resistance.

    However, the reason this is getting 2 stars now is the lack of overall durability. The materials are thin and non-durable. There are several micro-tears from rubbing against equipment, and some of the straps are showing signs of wear. the buckles aren't very beefy either. I think these were all considerations to make it as lightweight as possible.

    It's a great pack, but it should have more durable buckles and fabric to hold it together for sustained use.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Minimalist

    Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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    Aug

    3

    2009

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Decent Pack but Breaks Easily

    By Cheese

    from Boston

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Delicate
    • Weak Seams

    Best Uses

    • Light Loads

    Comments about Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack:

    Hiked for a month and 270 miles and about half-way through the trip, the stays on the back snapped, the hip belt ripped and a couple of the buckles snapped. Before that i loved the pack,

    • What Is Your Gear Style:
    • Minimalist

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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    Apr

    14

    2009

    (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Easy-loader

    By NordicBoy

    from Seattle, WA

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Easy To Load
    • Lightweight

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Day Hikes
      • Extended Hikes
      • Weekend trips

      Comments about Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack:

      I second the comment about the zipper snagging. For me, it is the zipper on the vertical side pocket. The fact is, though, that the volume of that pocket is entirely inside the pack, so if you have the pack stuffed to the gills already then that pocket isn't of much use. While I do find that a bit annoying, I am really liking the ability of this pack to open wide and swallow gear. I've been comparing with other 55 liter packs, and keep coming back to this one because it is so easy to load.

      Admittedly, I'm still trying to figure out if this pack's design is different only for the sake of being different. But I'm intrigued and so I'm looking forward to getting it out on the trail to find out.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Minimalist

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Mar

      24

      2009

      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      3.0

      Great Design, Jury Out On Execution

      By nicknamesarestupid

      from Redmond, WA

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Easy To Load
      • Good Padding
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • Delicate

      Best Uses

      • Day Hikes
      • Extended Hikes
      • Light Loads

      Comments about Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack:

      A good looking pack with great features for mountaineering and climbing. I checked out a half-dozen other packs and came back to this one.

      Too bad one of the zippers kept catching on the internal pocket fabric and ripped it BEFORE I TOOK IT OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME. What a pain in the rear.

      I'm going to take it back for another and see if my luck improves. Jury is still out on this. If the replacement works as promised I'd be willing to upgrade to 4 stars.

      Service and delivery comments:

      Everything was pretty much jinxed with this purchase. I ordered it online, received it a week later than promised due to a shipping snafu, only to find out it wasn't in the color I specified.

      REI did do a good job of offering another 20% off because the color I asked for was nowhere to be found.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Minimalist

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Sep

      4

      2009

       
      4.0

      great pack, but fragile

      By nstone12

      from falmouth, ME

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Good Padding
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • Delicate
      • Weak Seams

      Best Uses

      • Day Hikes
      • Light Loads

      Comments about Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 Pack:

      i hiked the long trail over July with this back and by the end the seams on the hip belt were completely ripped. i sent my bag in and mountain hardware sent me back a completely new pack for free. aside from that, great pack. fits a lot, has easy access and is very comfortable.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • What Is Your Gear Style:
      • Minimalist

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Displaying reviews 1-6

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