How to Choose a Backpack
Mountain Hardwear PCT 50 L Pack - Women's
This product is not available.
Designed for long days and heavy loads, the women's 50-liter Mountain Hardwear PCT pack provides all-day comfort with its breathable trampoline back and an ergonomically efficient 3D pivoting hipbelt.
Shop similar products- Dual-density shoulder straps are contoured for maximum comfort and include an adjustable, removable sternum strap with integrated whistle
- 3D spacer mesh trampoline-style back panel keeps the pack body away from your body, for increased cooling, breathability and comfort
- Internal steel hoop frame and fiberglass T-bar handles heavy loads with ease
- Hoverbelt hipbelt moves independently from the back panel in all 3 planes, better matching the movement of your hips while you walk, allowing for efficient, comfortable carry
- Especially over long distances, this increased efficiency translates to less fatigue and soreness at the end of the day
- Main pack body can be accessed from the top or via the large zippered front panel
- Internal hanging hydration sleeve has its own shoulder straps and can be removed to use as a stealth summit pack or daybag
- Floating top lid adjusts upward to accommodate overloads in the main compartment and can be removed completely for lightweight excursions
- The lid has 2 zippered pockets for optimal gear organization and easy access; a key clip is located inside one of the pockets
- Front shove-it pocket expands to accommodate gear like camp shoes and extra layers; also incorporates a large, secure zippered pocket for even more organization options
- Once gear is in place, a side zipper allows access to the depths of the shove-it pocket without first having to loosen the pack's compression straps
- 2 hipbelt pockets provide storage for on-the-go necessities like sunscreen and energy bars
- 2 large side-mounted water bottle pockets can each be loaded with a bottle sitting straight up, or angled forward for easier access while moving
- Ample rain skirt keeps water, snow and dust from entering the main pack body from above and allows the pack to be overfilled
- Quick-draw loops allow the skirt to go from tightly closed to fully opened in a fraction of a second
- Includes 2 attachment loops for ice axes or trekking poles; loops and keepers can be tucked into pockets when not in use, helping to avoid snags
- Internal sleeping bag divider shelf can be dropped out of the way if desired
- Main pack body and bottle pockets are made of tough 210-denier high-tenacity ripstop recycled nylon, easily fending off brush snags and rock abrasion
- Bottom of pack is made of 500-denier CORDURA® air-textured nylon yarns for maximum abrasion resitance and durability
- Hypalon patches add additional durability to high-wear areas
Imported.
View all Mountain Hardwear Backpacking Packs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 50 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,051 cubic inches |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Material(s) | Shell: 210-denier ripstop recycled nylon; base: 420-denier CORDURA nylon |
| Frame Material | Spring steel |
| Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top / Panel |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 3 + main compartment |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Removable Daypack | Yes |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
Buying Advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Customer Images
Anonymous
Portland
Comfortable AND lots of pockets? Who knew..
4 years ago
Alright, let's get down to business with this fantastic new pack from MHW. I have taken this pack on a few shorter 20-30 mile trips, but I recently took it for a true ride on a 105-mile 6-day backpacking trip to test its strengths. Here are the basic pros and cons of this bad-gal that I figure you could benefit from. For reference, I am 5'9", 165lbs with a 16.5-inch torso, and I purchased the S/M. Pros - Extremely comfortable. The new trampoline back panel is a game-changer. SO MANY COMPARTMENTS. There are technically four different compartments in the brain alone. It helps with the organization and separation of items. I typically kept my Sawyer and extra water bladders in the very front pockets for ease of access. Lots of loops to hook things to. For once, the chest strap is actually long enough to buckle across my chest without suffocating me. I am a 38D for reference, and this has been an issue in the past. That said, I still think for larger chested women, it could be more forgiving. The mini daypack inside came in handy. Things that could improve The hip belt compartments are way too small. Thank goodness I wear a fanny pack because basically all that fits in there is a chapstick. I ended up shoving wrappers in them most of the time, but that is all. The water bottle sleeves are too snug and too far behind me to reach. I could not get my water out without having assistance from a friend or taking the pack off. HOWEVER, I am using a 1.5L smart water bottle that is very tall. You will notice from the photos that the bottom of the compartment is open. You could slide a smaller water bottle in there, and it should fit. I myself put my bear spray there for quick draw access. See photo for reference. The area where you put your sleeping bag is pretty small. A sheet of fabric separates the main compartment from the bottom, but I ended up unhooking it because my bag would not fit well without significant effort. I have the Nemo Disco 15. Not the biggest deal in the world, just something to note. This pack does not come with a pack cover for rain. I would much rather have that than a smaller daypack. Overall I am SUPER happy with this pack and left the trail pain-free and ready for more.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
D2R
Exceptionally comfortable, BUT.......
1 year ago
This pack carries like a dream and has all of the compartments and feature you could want in a pack. Easy access water. Day bag. Three well equipped compartments in the hood. The fit is fantastic. It is high quality. Why only three stars? It creaks, bad. The fabric creaks with each step when it is loaded. I'm hoping that breaking it in loaded will help, because I really do love the comfort of this pack. Also, lose a star for these ridiculously small hip belt pockets. They fit my chapstick, hand sanitizer, and one snack bar. I will have to get a shoulder pocket for my phone.
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'7"
GoatLakeGab
It's GREAT but...
1 year ago
I really enjoyed this backpack for my first backpacking trip. As someone that has a bad lower back that tends to either have pain on one side or the other, the single source of padding for that area worked really well for me. (I've tried on packs that had a split left and right side of padding that only seemed to irritate my back even more.) As another reviewer mentioned, the biggest downside of this pack is how noisy it is. If you're trying to talk to your friends while on the trail, good luck, cause you just can't hear them without stopping and turning to them.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Codi
Colorado
Amazing is an understatement
3 weeks ago
Perfect size! Love that it has an inner pack to take out for day hikes. Even had to use the inner pack to carry a dog 3 miles off a mountain and the straps held up perfectly!
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
Anonymous
1 month ago
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
COHkrGrl
CO Rockies
Comfortable with Lots of Zip Pockets
1 year ago
I'm 5'11 with a 21" torso and this is the first woman specific backpack I've ever bought because they were never long enough. This MHW pack fits perfect and has multiple ways to adjust the fit to fit a wide range of torso sizes. The best feature of the pack are the multiple zip pockets - 2 on the outside of the "brain", 1 in the middle of the pack, and 1 on the inside of the "brain". The side pockets are deep, but I can still reach around for my 1L Nalgene. The hip belt pockets are smaller than other packs, but they work fine for my needs. They won't hold a phone, but a pocket knife, sun block stick, small snack, and other small items fit. One hip belt pocket is mesh, the other is standard. There are tons of loops to attach items and the straps at the bottom of the pack easily carry a couple of z-fold pads. As far as noise goes, I honestly didn't notice, but I also mainly hike solo and wasn't trying to talk with anyone. The cordura fabric is a big plus. It's tough and water resistant. This isn't a pack that will tear easily. You'll still want to get a rain cover for it or spray with water repellent, but I slipped backwards at a deep creek crossing and the items inside the pack stayed dry. I was only in the creek for maybe 10 seconds, but the pack did get nearly completely submerged. About the only drawback for me are the shoulder pads. They don't have a lot of cushion.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product