How to Choose a Backpack

Whether you're backcountry skiing or going for a big summit, the Mountain Hardwear Direttissima 55 L pack carries everything you need. It's a durable workhorse for adventures big or small.
Imported.
View all Mountain Hardwear Backpacking PacksBest Use | Mountaineering Climbing |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | S/M: 55 liters M/L: 56 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | S/M: 3,356 cubic inches M/L: 3,417 cubic inches |
Weight | S/M: 4 lbs. 11.3 oz. M/L: 4 lbs. 13.5 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | S/M: 15-18 inches M/L: 17-21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | S/M: 29-48 inches M/L: 31-51 inches |
Material(s) | Primary: 210-denier nylon ripstop PU/TPU; backer: 100% nylon; lining: 70-denier nylon ripstop 1,000 mm polyurethane (PU), WR C0 100% nylon; bottom: 840-denier, carbonate-coated plain weave 100% nylon |
Frame Material | 7,000-series aluminum |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Raincover Included | No |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Unisex |
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Just got finished with a climbing trip in Nepal. Happy to say the pack held up excellently througout the entire trek with about 20 kilos, and it stripped down well for summit days. The numerous attachment options came in handy. I initially wasn't too sure about the attachment straps for the brain, but they turned out to be good for keeping my ropes out of the way. We ran into heavy rain, hail, snow, and a good amount of spindrift on the trip. I never used a pack cover. The main compartment stayed completely dry. The brain pockets seemed a bit less weather resistant, but nothing ever got too wet. Ice axe attchment worked well and the large gear loop was good for storing my axe when not using it. Over about 150 miles and 2 climbs I didn't have any thing on the pack break and I am not super careful with my gear.
Been bping in Sierras 40 years and seldom have updated packs. Started with an external Wonderland and only recently switched to older Osprey 85L. I’ve always used larger packs and wanted to force myself into smaller package. Decided to downsize and update with this pack. I’m a big guy (6’8”, 260 , wide shoulders, etc.) and was skeptical. Why’d I wait? What a great choice! This pack felt like I was carrying a day pack on a 6 day trip (Bear lk basin/ lk Italy/ seven gables). Plenty of torso length, shoulder strap comfortable/adjustable, waste belt leaves a little to be desired compared to Osprey (can’t cinch down as tight) but doable/comfortable. Despite belt short coming, this pack carried weight(40#) extremely well. I didn’t get the hip fatigue I’ve experienced with other rigs. Build quality is there as stitching, zippers, straps, fabrics all held up well over multiple trips. Bear can can fits horizontally which makes packing easier. Internal hydration pockets are great compared to pre-hydration bladder packs. Trying to Jerry-rig old packs never works well. Looking at AMG 75 for longer trips (8 days). Really enjoyed this update to my gear. Toyed with H-lite s’west or this pack. Too skeptical of lack of rigidity. I’m confident in this packs ability and extremely pleased with its performance on and off trail. Will keep me wondering out there, much to the chagrin of my wife, for many years to come!!
Great systems for adjusting straps. Separate pockets for snow safety gear and crampons makes this an ideal pack for snow based adventures. Expandable to carry all the extra food and fuel you need at the beginning of a trip. Overall this pack is an improvement over the AMG 55L.