Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48 Pack - 2011 Closeout

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48 Pack - 2011 Closeout:

I was looking for a multi-day pack that was under 3 pounds but didn't skimp on features. The Fluid 48 was a solid choice and once it was marked for closeout, a no brainer.

Overall the pack is very light and has plenty of storage for multi-day trips. I easily fit everything for a two night trip, plus my wife's sleeping bag and still had room and it carried the weight well (32 pounds maybe). Also, the lid is removable and the pack compresses down fairly small so a quick overnight isn't overkill.

Outside the pack there's zipper access to the 3L compatable hydration sleeve. Two tiny mesh hipbelt pockets. A huge bottom sleeping bag compartment. And side stretch pockets that accomodate a 32 oz nalgene that you can actually reach and put back with the pack on.

The only complaint I can come up with is the under padded shoulder straps. With a low pack weight I didn't notice, but once you get close to 30 pounds you will notice that Mountain Hardwear cut weight here.

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48 Pack - 2011 Closeout:

Let's face it, even though I checked the box "minimalist" as my hiking style, we all love comfort. This pack is just perfect because the word that makes me most UNcomfortable when I think about hiking is "heavy". If you want comfort, take 10 pounds off your shoulders and back and you'll feel a whole lot more comfy.

I had a concern that the pack wouldn't be able to hold enough rate since it only weighs a hair over 2 lbs itself, but I looked it up and the pack is rated to hold 40 lbs. I tested it with about 30 lbs and it had absolutely no signs of struggling. Anyone who is going to carry more than 40lbs on their back probably shouldn't be getting a 48liter pack anyway.

Things I really like:
- the top lid is removable. This is only really found in ultralight packs but it is a nice feature when you don't need those extra two zip pockets on top. some ultralights come without the top and you have to buy it extra. I like that Mountain Hardwear included it, but also gave you the option to remove. Good one!
- the little "nut" shaped hook that attaches the top to the front of the pack. It's just a little different, but still perfectly functional. Makes me feel all unique out there in the desert and mountains.
- lower access zipper on front. I always end up packing something in the morning way down in the bottom of my pack and at lunch need to get to it. Usually it's a pain to dig through everything, but not with this pack. I like that they included a feature for dumb people like me who don't always think ahead when breaking camp in the morning.
- the water bottle holders on the side are deep and I've no fear of a bottle tumbling out on the trail like I did with my old pack. one less thing to distract me from looking at the nature around me!
- internal separate bag for the camelback bladder. light weight. Yet to see how it holds up long term, but so far so good.

Things I think could be better:
- the little pockets on the hip belt always baffle me. Maybe I just need to learn how to use them, but I always feel like they are unnecessary weight/bulk.
- the pack is really light, so I make the following comment with that understanding; but the straps don't offer much padding nor does the hip-belt. I tried one other ultralight pack that was more expensive and lacked some of the other features (and was just a touch heavier) that had much nicer padding. Just be aware that this Mountain Hardwear pack does skimp a little on the padding. The sacrifice saves a bit of weight, but I figure the extra 2 oz. of padding would make the rest of the weight feel nicer. I'd like 2 oz. more padding please.

Overall a great pack. I highly recommend it.

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48 Pack - 2011 Closeout:

This little pack is super sweet for the ultralight backpacker. It has just enough space for an extended ultralight trip or a comfort driven weekend. It does lack a little padding on the hip belt, however keeping the pack light prevents excessive discomfort. I have owned over 10 different packs over the last 17 years and I rarely find one that nails most of the things I like in a pack while being kept at an affordable price point. Some key features I really like about this pack: sleeping bag/lower front zip opening, internal hydration sleeve, compression strap system, stretchable side pockets, removable top lid, strong quality fabric and seams, lower straps for sleeping pad/other gear, hip belt pockets (great for a couple clif bars or digital camera), color and fabric design, and large front pocket.

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48 Pack - 2011 Closeout:

I like to have as many multiple use items as possible. This pack fits right in for me. I was able to strap a small camelbak day pack into the front of this one, which held all my main equipment, and it fit together wonderfully. This pack is really versatile and will compress to a remarkably small size.

Comments about Mountain Hardwear Fluid 48 Pack - 2011 Closeout:

I bought this one from the Outlet at a discounted price, It wouldn't work for me because I need to get things out easily and this is more like a sack style, to get one thing out you ought to empty the whole sack, it feels nice as far as the material goes, but not the right pack for me.