Mountain Hardwear  AMG 75 Pack

Bought this pack for winter backpacking and overnight ski mountaineering trips. It's an almost perfect pack IF it can fit your frame. I am 6ft, 170lbs, ~19" torso. Torso on the M/L was too long and was unable to properly engage the load lifters. Torso on the S/M fits much better, but still, I am almost at the shortest torso setting to get the pack to fit my torso length properly. So, size down if you're in between torso sizes. Shoulder straps fit surprisingly wide (on the very outside of my shoulders) and trying to narrow them with the sternum strap seems to add overall tightness/pressure on my shoulders and chest that can feel a bit uncomfortable at times. Yes, a 40-50lbs load will never feel entirely 'comfortable', but there seems to be less natural load distribution to my hips compared to some of my summer packs. Also, there is a generous amount of padding on the hip belt, which at first glance seems nice, but I notice that I really have to crank on the waist belt to get it to wrap around my hip bones, maybe (hopefully) this will break in over time, but I really notice just how tight I have to strap this thing down on my skeleton, almost uncomfortably so, compared to some other packs I've owned. Crampon pouch and dedicated space for shovel and probe are fantastic, and the primary feature for purchasing this pack over others. Just wish the fit and carry worked better for my body. Pack in every way feels burly and I haven't noticed any wear and tear from normal use. One moderate complaint is the size/design of the ice axe attachment loops. They are BARELY large enough for me to fit my Petzl trig-rest handles through and I feel like I really have to wrestle it in. This pack is clearly well thought out in every other way, and with so many other quick attachment options out there (or adding literally a few extra millimeters of webbing on the loops), I feel like this is a major (yet mini) design oversight. All straight/non-technical axes will fit in the loops no problem. Very mild complaint is the size of the flap covering the cinch top when carrying the pack without the lid. I think it could benefit from being just a touch larger to make sure the opening of the bag is fully covered. I've experienced a bit of snow build up inside the cinch folds while out on a storm day without the brain on, which ultimately led to extra moisture inside the pack. Just enough moisture that I always keep the brain attached to keep the extra weather protection. Not a huge deal, but an ever so slightly larger internal flap would prevent this issue.

Bought this pack for winter backpacking and overnight ski mountaineering trips. It's an almost perfect pack IF it can fit your frame. I am 6ft, 170lbs, ~19" torso. Torso on the M/L was too long and was unable to properly engage the load lifters. Torso on the S/M fits much better, but still, I am almost at the shortest torso setting to get the pack to fit my torso length properly. So, size down if you're in between torso sizes. Shoulder straps fit surprisingly wide (on the very outside of my shoulders) and trying to narrow them with the sternum strap seems to add overall tightness/pressure on my shoulders and chest that can feel a bit uncomfortable at times. Yes, a 40-50lbs load will never feel entirely 'comfortable', but there seems to be less natural load distribution to my hips compared to some of my summer packs. Also, there is a generous amount of padding on the hip belt, which at first glance seems nice, but I notice that I really have to crank on the waist belt to get it to wrap around my hip bones, maybe (hopefully) this will break in over time, but I really notice just how tight I have to strap this thing down on my skeleton, almost uncomfortably so, compared to some other packs I've owned. Crampon pouch and dedicated space for shovel and probe are fantastic, and the primary feature for purchasing this pack over others. Just wish the fit and carry worked better for my body. Pack in every way feels burly and I haven't noticed any wear and tear from normal use. One moderate complaint is the size/design of the ice axe attachment loops. They are BARELY large enough for me to fit my Petzl trig-rest handles through and I feel like I really have to wrestle it in. This pack is clearly well thought out in every other way, and with so many other quick attachment options out there (or adding literally a few extra millimeters of webbing on the loops), I feel like this is a major (yet mini) design oversight. All straight/non-technical axes will fit in the loops no problem. Very mild complaint is the size of the flap covering the cinch top when carrying the pack without the lid. I think it could benefit from being just a touch larger to make sure the opening of the bag is fully covered. I've experienced a bit of snow build up inside the cinch folds while out on a storm day without the brain on, which ultimately led to extra moisture inside the pack. Just enough moisture that I always keep the brain attached to keep the extra weather protection. Not a huge deal, but an ever so slightly larger internal flap would prevent this issue.

Great winter pack, thoughtfully designed with easy space for snow shoes, axe & crampons. Like all new packs I need to spend more time in it adjusting my needs for easy access snack and water carrying but feel confident it will come together quickly. Initially wondered whether all the straps and adjustments were necessary but once in use I realized every feature was thoughtfully designed and had a purpose. Waterproof base was excellent in two night of just above freezing temps camping on snow & after a few micro adjustments pack was very comfortable with more than 50lb load. All together I’m very pleased with my purchase!

not the lightest mountaineering pack, but lots of features, the external pocket is very handy, the pack compresses down nicely with lighter summit days loads, but also able to carry the heavy loads for shuttling loads to establish camps, etc have not used the pack to carry skis, the tool loops are a little small for technical tools and don't fit that well and had to place the tools with the pick down and adze and hammer near the top

I’ve used this pack for multi day winter trips in the Colorado Rockies and also as a Porter for a 5 day trip to Gannet Peak in the Wind River Range. As a Porter I had to carry my own gear (which is very UL example: tarp, foam sleeping bad cut down to smaller size and Western Mountaineering 20oz sleeping bag) but also mountaineering gear for the guests (harnesses, ice axes, boots size 11 and 12, locking carabiners, 40 meter rope, their food and 2 helmets. I had to get creative with carrying bulky gear but it all worked out. 2 of the 5 days it rained all day, although I was able to rig up a rain cover out of heavy duty trash bag it didn’t completely cover the entire pack. But, my gear stayed dry. The pack weighed 80 pounds and carried well on my back once I was able to lift it off the ground. Also the dedicated pocket for avy shovel and probe is very nice. Yes, I recommend this pack! Just buy it. :)

This heavy duty pack is comfortable no matter how much gear I put in it! I love that I can load my 0 degree bag and EVERYTHING to stay warm and never max out! Even when I carry all my climbing gear deep in the back country THIS is a VERY COMFORTABLE PACK! I just wise I could reach the water bottle pockets with the pack on.That’s the only down side-Not a big deal!

Very well thought out bag. Just completed an ascent of Mt Rainier with it, and couldn’t praise it enough. The multiple cinches, the easily detachable brain, the reinforced crampon pouch, and quick adjustable frame all had their moments to shine.

I searched hard for the perfect backpack for longer ski missions and ultimately decided this was it! Although it’s not the lightest bag, it is very well thought out. Every time I grab this bag with gloves on I’m glad the handles are sized large enough and things are so easy to zip. Love the amount of straps to attach things externally. Plus this is the only bag of its size I could find that is ski-friendly with the a-frame carry option a dedicated avy pocket. Also love the crampon pocket that’s durable and accessible, and the removable brain. Took it out for an overnight ski trip and it held up after getting snowed on all day. Seems pretty waterproof but I already have a small hole developing so might not stay that way which is disappointing for the price. The hip thing takes some getting used to, fell over at least once because I’m not used to the weight shifting, but seems like it will be useful if I were to scramble with it on. I am a 5’10 female at 165 lbs and the s/m works for me. Overall love this bag and can’t wait to use it for volcano season this spring!!

This pack has some great features and some bad features. The main concern for me is it even in the smallest size is somehow to big for me as a 5’8” 155 lbs guy. The waist belt can’t be tightened any more and is still too loose for me and I usually wear 29”-30” waist in pants. When loaded up this was sliding down my hips and resting too much on my shoulders. Other than that it’s a solid pack with some quirks but I will need to shorten the nylon loops holding the buckle to the hip strap so that it can carry a heavy load.

I own a lot of packs. I backpack every week all year around and I live in Alaska. Winter in Alaska requires heavier gear. A -20 to -40 F bag weighs around 6 pounds. An R value 6 pad is 2-2.5 lbs. The tent is around ten pounds,and food and water are heavy, so are extra clothing. I can stuff it all in this pack and a shovel and ice axe and I am just under 5 foot five, 140 lbs, a 60 yr old man. Its a comfortable pack for hauling the heavies. It resists abraisionsl I have the 105 liter bag for real Winter. Perfect/