Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack - 33 Liters - '09 Closeout

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack - 33 Liters - '09 Closeout:

I purchased this pack specifically for the access the long zipper offers. I'm a professional photographer and all the photo specific packs really stink. I needed a comfortable pack that would hold a camera system, hydration bladder and a little bit of extra food and clothing. Most packs do not allow access to the bottom of the pack without taking everything out. The drifter lets me stuff a padded Crumpler camera bag into the bottom which is very accessible once I get to were I'm supposed to be.

These zippers are very strong and they need to be because it basically holds the pack together, they are not the puny ones you see on pockets or Camel Bak products. The top pocket on the pack is very useful unlike most packs, the pocket has plenty of room when the pack is packed tight, the top pockets on my Osprey and Gregory bags become flat and useless once the bottom of the bag is full.

Speaking of Osprey and Gregory this bag is nowhere near as big, bulky and feature packed as the 35L Osprey and Gregory packs even though it's called a 33L. I can go on multi day backpacking trips with my Gregory Z35 but the drifter would only be useful for a long day. However that being said this bag is designed as a day pack not a multi day pack. This is good because you can under pack it for short trips and wear it like a Camel Bak but not have a giant goofy looking backpack on.

At first I thought the handle on the bag was a bit hooky but now I wish every bag I have had one, it certainly comes in handy when you want to grab it fast and scoot off a plane and not fiddle around getting it on your back.

I recommend you pick up this pack while it's on sale

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack - 33 Liters - '09 Closeout:

This is my first Mountain Hardwear bag. I have been using very durable yet uncomfortable Chrome bags for a few years now so I figued I could use a change. For small trips I can fit a travel sleeping bag, a change of clothes, pjs, a bicycle pump / tire repair kit, u-lock / water bottle ... etc. The big main pocket zipper provides easy access to everything in it, not unlike most messenger bags / packs. This bag was surprisingly made in the Philippines and not in China, where (also surprisingly, questionably, and unfortunately) most other M.H. gear is made. A good bag for a good price. Vegan Straight Edge.

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack - 33 Liters - '09 Closeout:

I was debating between this pack and the Mammut fight when I was looking for a new day pack. The Drifter was on sale (and green is my favorite color) so I got it. I was excited when I pulled it out of the box, but when I took it on a few hiking trips I found a few small problems with it. It needs another small pouch maybe on the back for those extra little things, balance straps at the top of the shoulder straps to bring the top of the pack closer to the body, and better places to strap the trecking poles/ice axe to. The belt pouch is pretty small but but I found that my small head lamp fits just fine in it. It's great for a summer day pack but over night and winter gear probably won't work well. I decided to use it more as a day technical pack untill I can find a better one, It fits my climbing gear, camera, tripod, and food just fine for a day at the crag. The handle on the back id a great idea and I end up using it more than I thought, but I think a daisy chain or pouch would have been just a little more practical. Bottom line I use this pack a lot, other than the few small gripes I have it has held up great for all of my hiking and climbing needs.

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack - 33 Liters - '09 Closeout:

This is a very versatile pack. If packed correctly you can go on a multiday day hike without a problem. I did a 3 day, cold weather hike with it over rough terrain and the Drifter did a great job. In warmer conditions you could definitely go for longer with this pack. It is also a great travel pack and the handle on the front makes it easy to carry when you aren't wearing it. It fits under the seats on airplanes which is another major reason why I take this pack with me all over the world.