Mountain Hardwear  Scrambler 25 Pack

This pack is workhorse! While it may not be the most advanced or lightweight alpine pack on the market, it has the best quality to price ratio. It is clear that true climbers and alpinists had a heavy role in the pack's design as every feature is effectively incorporated.

For day hikes this pack is a perfect size, it holds enough for long days or bridge season hikes where you need extra gear for varied weather conditions. It has some structure and does not disfigure if lightly loaded for short hikes. The brain is removable which is rare for a pack this size. I added some paracord and a cinch lock to hold the brain closed because as others have mentioned the clip that comes with it sometimes slips out if you bend over. Only other issue I have is the shoulder straps which are very comfortable do not breathe well, I like comfort with a load over breathability but others may have a different preference. After a few hikes this became my go to daypack.

Fit all the gear I needed to take with me. Fit my 70m rope (and rope bag/tarp) harness, and chalk bag inside. I attached quick draws and shoes to outside. Used a pocket inside for gloves and another pocket for snacks. 2 exterior pockets for water bottles. There is some space in the helmet pocket to add extra snacks if necessary. I just wish there was an exterior zip pocket for a little bit more storage. Everything else is perfect

I purchased this to upgrade my Scrambler 30 Outdry. It was a tall order as I loved the original but MH has done it! This pack has tons of features that are as nice and many that are better than the OG. The size is perfect and the removable top pouch is perfection in design. This will be my go to for cascade volcano summits, extended day hikes and weekend travel. It is a piece you won’t regret adding to your kit!

This pack is just the right size and shape for the scrambling I do. It’s narrow and sits within my width. It not too high or low so doesn’t hinder forward down climbing. It has plenty of room for my gear and food and the side pockets work gear to stow my z-poles and foam seat. It being water proof is a bonus. The daisy chain is great to carry my approach shoes or runners depending on what phase of the scramble I’m in. It appears quite durable. It could be improved with snack pockets on the shoulder straps and pockets on the waist belt, like the Montane packs. Somfar, I really like the pack.

Perfect for day hikes - or carrying daytime needs and water on multi-day climbs. I used it, for the first time, as my daypack during an 8-day climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I was able to carry 4-5 liters of water, backup clothing layers, snacks - and still had space. It was comfortable and easily adjustable. It cleans quick and easy and repels water nicely.

Great, purpose built pack that’s light, durable, and super functional. Many reviews have commented and down graded due to the s-hook lid closure which, I agree, was a miss. It sucks and causes some issues with the lid flopping around. However, it’s a super easy fix - just swap for a Sea to Summit replacement clasp buckle. Done! And, pack returned to awesomeness!

I’m giving 4 stars for build quality. I’ve only taken this pack in one multipitch climb and spent a little time scrubbing some new routes with it. I was most interest in this pack for ice climbing though so we will see how well it does it that arena.

Overall this is a great bag. The adjustable straps make for easy quick changes. The bottle holders on the outside are tall enough to be more secure than most, but I am concerned about the elastic over time. The brain is fully detachable and the main body has a very intuitive closure, allowing for quick pull open and pull closed. The top closure strap allows for easy rope carry or over pack on top of the main compartment. I would like to see one or 2 internal pockets past the bladder compartment to allow for smaller items to be sequestered and accessable. The top zipper of the brain consistently gets stuck on the fabric so needs to be carefully opened.

Overall I am disappointed with this item. I purchased this for my rock climbing, hiking, and mix climbing. This pack holds stuff well, but I was so annoyed that every single time the front hook came off as soon as you don't fill up this backpack even I tighten up the front hook strap. Also the top compartment always tilt on one side no matter how I tightened front and 2 back straps that holds the top compartment. That was especially annoying when I was climbing with some stuff in the top compartment. Considering how expensive it is, I definitely think this is not worth the price and the item should have a lot of improvements.