Mountain Hardwear  AMG 105 Pack

This pack is perfect for long expeditions that you have to carry all your gear for a climbing. Comfortable and light strong materials makes it perfect for Aconcagua or Himalayan expedition.

This pack did have it's useful traits, but the durability means I cannot recommend this pack. I bought this pack for guiding a 26 day trip in Jasper and the Willmore Wilderness, with the pack being ~100 lbs at the beginning and after resupplying. On the third day of the trip and using the pack, I noticed the top of the frame poking through the cordura while unloading my pack at the end of the day, pictured below. The following day, the hip belt kept sliding up the pack, and upon further inspection I realized the top of the frame was the only point it was retained by. To fix this, I cut a hole in the hip belt, tied micro paracord around the frame, and looped another length of paracord through two of the rear outer loops on the pack to tension the hip belt and keep it from riding up. This did remedy the issue for the duration of trip, but after further inspection, the majority of the stitching on the hip belt slot for the frame has come undone. In addition to the issues with the frame, I was disappointed with how easily the body of the pack tore, specifically the grey extension beneath the brain tearing when I used the attached blue webbing to loosen the synch. For upsides of this pack, I did appreciate the avy pouch for it's extra durability and easy access, as well as the general waterproofness of the pack. I did not bring a rain cover for this pack, electing to use a liner for my clothes, and even though it rained 21 of 26 days in Jasper and Willmore, anything outside of my liner stayed relatively dry all trip.

I've used this bag for over a year on several trips including fly in packrafting trips and snow camping. Pros: This pack is well designed with utility in mind for adventure in the backcountry. Useful compression straps allow different configurations depending on your need. I was able to use the bottom straps to secure my packraft to this pack and attach my bow bag to the lid of this pack with using extra straps. The snow safety compartment is very useful for both it's intended purpose and for separation wet drysuit from the rest of the pack. A- frame loops are large enough to fit splitboard and plenty of buckles to keep your skis or splitboard secure during steep ascent. 105 L space is very useful for extended backcountry trips and carriers well when weight is properly distributed. Cons: Durability is an issue. The foam on the shoulder straps started separating. Albeit, I waspushing it's weight limit by carrying 76lb. on several longer trips. The material at the top opening where you pull apart to open the main compartment is very delicate. It ripped at the pull tabs and I had to reinforce it. Overall, a great bag for multi sport activities but not as durable as I hoped for.

I used this pack while putting up a new route on a remote mountain in Wyoming and can't say enough good things about it. I carried a 70+ pound pack filled with enough food for 2 weeks, enough climbing gear to tackle the uncertainties of a new alpine wall route and camping gear, 16 miles into the backcountry. The support from the frame kept the load on my back comfortable the whole time and the durability of the pack material meant it basically still looks brand new after being stuffed to the brim and dropped on sharp granite talus a long the way. The features are very well thought out on this pack too with enough straps to keep everything compressed and sitting how you see fit so the load inside the pack never shifts around. I did not use a pack cover while on this trip and did get caught in several storms and never had any issues with the contents inside getting soaking wet. I highly recommend this pack to anyone planning on carrying heavy loads long distances

I bought this bag for Denali next year but took it into Mt. Olympus, in WA State, a few weeks ago. This thing ate all the gear I could toss at it and more. The pack in was comfortable at 58lbs, the bag packed and carried very well. I have no doubt this pack will do the trick for many years to come. Only thing I didn't care for, maybe user error, is the side pockets get tight if you stuff in the bottom of the main compartment, making them harder to use.

I really appreciate storage arrangement of this light weight pack. I recently carried 45 lbs winter camping. Stopping for breaks made getting snacks and water easy. The shoulder straps are a little narrow for me however I’d rather have a lighter pack and I wouldn’t have purchased this pack if it weighed 7+ lbs. make sure your fitness ability is equal to the capabilities of this pack.

I had a Kelty 105 before and it performed very well. This backpack is leaps and bounds above it! Enjoyed my first outing with it (5 day). Much better craftsmanship. Fit is amazing and it just makes the trek easier.

I had the last version of pack, bought in 2021. I am a guide and work on Denali. I love everything about this pack except for one crucial component. The webbing on the shoulder straps is not one continuous piece. There is about a 2 inch gap where it is just the padding, right below the collar bone where the logo is. I cant imagine an actual mountaineer designed this, because it failed on me, and every single guide I know who bought this pack. Thankfully I sent it back and was refunded. When they came out with this new version I was very exited, surely they fixed this, as I imagine they got sent alot of broken packs. This must be the reason for a redesign, because everything else was perfect. After a few phone calls I was informed the shoulder strap system is the same. Very sad because it's difficult to find a good 100 plus liter pack. If you spend one week a year with it on it will probably last you years, but I would we wary if you use often, if it comes apart on a big expedition, your trip could be over. If they changed this one thing this would be the perfect expedition pack.

Used this pack on the Denali West Buttress, excellent utility, comfortable on long pushes. Held up very well over 3 weeks on the mountain. Highly recommend.