Mountain Hardwear  Scrambler 25 Pack

I work in outdoor education and regularly teach in a variety of weather conditions, often near or in water. This bag is perfect for keeping my supplies dry while still being compact and easy to carry. I especially appreciate that it doesn’t have a lot of zippers to deal with—making it convenient to access materials quickly while teaching on the go.

I first saw an older version of this scrambler pack a few years ago when my sister had used it during a family trip. I then purchased this one earlier this spring and finally was able to use it last month first as a carryon and then for a three-day hiking trip to Sequoia National Park. The pack itself weighs close to nothing and can fit a surprisingly amount of stuff. I thought the lack of organizational compartments would bother me, but I keep most of my things organized in packs and pouches so it wasn't too terribly difficult to find things in the end. I also like that the brain compartment is detachable so the backpack itself can be used for shorter day trips, even though I did keep a lot of my essentials (chargers, lotion, etc.) in the brain when I used it as a carryon for easy access. I loved all the loops that I was able to clip carabiners to. The shoulder straps were also surprisingly comfortable during a long hiking day. All the dirt and smudges were also easily cleaned off with a wet cloth. I didn't get to try out the waterproof capabilities but overall I am impressed with the overall quality of the pack after this trip and am very happy with my purchase!

I am disappointed in the pack. It is just too flexible and tends to fold or crunch upon itself. The belt a narrow band and no pouches. The pack rest flat against your back. No system to allow air flow. Also, there is only one opening. The only thing I really dig is the bright red color. It is not inexpensive.

I've owned 3 scrambler packs over the years and they just keep improving. It's my go to bag for everyday use going to the gym and work, but also a fantastic bag for hiking and climbing endeavors. The carabiner loops are super handy and I've ended up using them far more than I initially thought I would. The material takes a beating, and it's surprisingly waterproof. Other than continuous hours in heavy rain it leaks a bit, but other than that everything stays super dry despite not claiming to be a waterproof bag. All in all this is the perfect do it all bag, zero complaints.

Got this for my bday, used it climbing. 10/10. The pack was kind of uncomfortable and scratchy at my neck when it was fully empty but once there was weight in it it was so great!

This pack is not waterproof. The material might be waterproof but the stitching through said material leaves many small holes in the pack.

I put this backpack to the ultimate test during a hike in the New Mexico high desert mountains when I got caught in a heavy monsoon. Even though I was soaked within minutes, my expensive camera and other gear stayed perfectly dry inside the bag. One tip: Like all waterproof bags, don't pack items that are already damp, as they won't be able to air out. But for pure waterproofing consider this tried, tested, and highly reliable in heavy rain.

I wanted to use this pack for a trip to Patagonia and was excited about the waterproof material. Unfortunately the pack di not fit my torso length very well. The pack seemed to be made really well and after careful review was really well made. Other features that did not work for me was the lack of load lifter straps and the waist belt without any pockets. I did like that the back has a "Brain" which I like for storing often used items.

Really nice mid size backpack. It's got tons of features and loads of ways to clip things wherever your heart desires. Definitely love using it for light cragging days or longer approaches where I'm stashing a bag. Probably wouldn't climb anything harder than 5.7 with it on, but if you needed to in a pinch it would definitely work. I really appreciate all the design features, it feels much bigger than 25L.

Great pack for summit runs or short hikes. Only 25L but can fit a lot in the pack. Side pockets just big enough for a Nalgene and top has two great, easy access zip compartments to keep gear at hand. Other reviews about front clip being of poor design are true. Without tension being on hook, it easily comes open. I replaced it with a small carabiner and works just fine.