How to Choose a Backpack
Mountain Hardwear South Col 70 OutDry Pack
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Sporting a removable suspension and a waterproof membrane, this versatile pack helps keep your shoulders comfortable on gear-heavy climbs and extended backcountry escapes, and your contents dry.
Shop similar products- Main compartment features OutDry membrane construction to help keep your gear dry
- Unlike other fabrics that let water pool between the membrane and the shell, OutDry bonds a durable waterproof membrane directly to the shell for a completely sealed interface
- HardWave suspension conforms comfortably to the curve of your back and distributes weight evenly but can be removed from pack for carrying light loads
- Large zippered front pocket allows storage of frequently needed items or tools and maintains volume even when main compartment is full
- Multiple lash points and long compression webbing allow for overloading while effectively reducing volume as needed to keep any size load stable
- The Mountain Hardwear South Col 70 OutDry Pack features an easy-access crampon stash pocket
| Best Use | Climbing Mountaineering |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Material(s) | Nylon |
| Frame Material | Polypropylene/aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 1 |
| Reservoir Compatible | No |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Simple and effective
NW Yeti10 years ago
I have used this pack now for several mountaineering trips in the Northwest. It has served me well thus far. Shedding snow and rain with no problems. I was excited to find a pack that was waterproof, as conditions change rapidly in the mountains and especially in OR/WA cascades. Just a couple notes... The pack lid is not waterproof, but I just kept anything I didn't want to get wet up there in a ziplock. Also make sure that the metal wire in the back stay is facing the right direction. Mine was in backwards from the store, it made a dramatic difference in the comfort and load bearing of the pack by flipping it to the correct orientation.
NW Yeti
Salem, OR, United States
18 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Not a comfortable pack with heavier loads
shopkins40211 years ago
I was very excited about this pack when I first got it. It seemed to fit well when I tested it out in the store. Sadly though, everything changed once the weight got over 40lbs. The hip belt seems poorly designed and allowed the pack sag under weight. No amount of tightening could help since it was sagging between the pack and belt.
I also had issues with the ice axe holding system. It is overly complicated and not as good as a simple loop. I also do not think it's 70L worth of storage. It did not fit nearly as much equipment as I was expecting from the size rating.
shopkins402
Portland, OR
15 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
NW Yeti
Salem, OR, United States
Simple and effective
10 years ago
I have used this pack now for several mountaineering trips in the Northwest. It has served me well thus far. Shedding snow and rain with no problems. I was excited to find a pack that was waterproof, as conditions change rapidly in the mountains and especially in OR/WA cascades. Just a couple notes... The pack lid is not waterproof, but I just kept anything I didn't want to get wet up there in a ziplock. Also make sure that the metal wire in the back stay is facing the right direction. Mine was in backwards from the store, it made a dramatic difference in the comfort and load bearing of the pack by flipping it to the correct orientation.
Yes , I recommend this product
JJMack
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bomber Pack
10 years ago
Took this into the Pemberton icefield for a 4 night test. Through snow, and driving sleet inside everything stayed dry as when packed. I had well over 60lbs in the pack and it felt great on my hips and shoulders. The outer shell is simply outstanding and the pack is only a shade over 3lbs! After setting up base camp I removed the lid and brought it with me as my touring / climbing pack. Pretty much a quiver killer. A minor gripe: I'd really like to see a second waterproof access to the main compartment. I don't particularly care for a hydration bladder or port but I know that might bug some people. The flat back takes some getting used to and I imagine in the summer this will be a bit of a problem with back sweat. Overall if you're an Alpinist this is your go-to pack. If you're more of a backpacker then there are likely better options.
Yes , I recommend this product
iPilotSOC
North Carolina
A Monster Pack
10 years ago
I have the previous version of this pack and I am writing after what I consider ample time to put this gear to the test. I am an avid back-packer and outdoorsman and have strained every fiber of this bag only to have it Overcome my abuse and wait patiently for the next trip. Unlike the other reviews I have read, I really load this pack down. I have three kids (who all backpack with me) but I tend to carry more of the weight! Normally my SouthCol weighs in at 65 pounds and I have put literally hundreds of miles and weeks on this pack in the outdoors... from Yosemite, CA to Mount Rogers, Virginia. I have attached several external pouches to the pack for medical(Tourniquet to band-aids), Signal(pen flares/mirror/fire), Navigation(GPS/Maps/Compass) and protection(Glock19 & Benchmade). This pack handles it all, trust me. I have snowshoed for two weeks and had dry gear in Nevada, walked thru the thunderstorms in North Carolina, and trekked thru Yemen... tested and proved. Enjoy this pack people....for a decade or two...it's that tough. Caveat, I take extremely good care of my gear pre-trip, during the trip, and post-trip which makes it last.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
scuba
OR
Great winter pack
10 years ago
Ive used this pack a couple of times. Overall very happy with it. This is definitely a bag for lighter loads as the suspension system, especially the belt seems to be build more for securing the pack to the wearer's body vice a primary load-bearing function. My opinion is that the bag is a good winter bag where you need volume but won't be carrying a great deal of weight. I am 5'10, 190# with an athletic build and ordered a M/L size. Unless there is something Im missing, the pack is not adjustable size-wise and I find that it rides a little low on my backside (not in the small of my back/upper buttox as I prefer). In other words it feels a bit big for my size.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
shopkins402
Portland, OR
Not a comfortable pack with heavier loads
11 years ago
I was very excited about this pack when I first got it. It seemed to fit well when I tested it out in the store. Sadly though, everything changed once the weight got over 40lbs. The hip belt seems poorly designed and allowed the pack sag under weight. No amount of tightening could help since it was sagging between the pack and belt. I also had issues with the ice axe holding system. It is overly complicated and not as good as a simple loop. I also do not think it's 70L worth of storage. It did not fit nearly as much equipment as I was expecting from the size rating.
No, I do not recommend this product
Ferdaboyz
Washington State
Perfect Multi-day Mountaineering Pack
6 years ago
I don't ever bother writing reviews but felt like this one deserved it. I work as a mountain guide in the PNW and this backpack is used 6 days a week during the summer here. It is perfect for the 6 day mountaineering courses I work, perfect for standard routes up the volcanoes and would be perfect for backpacking. I carry 70lbs with this pack fully loaded and no other pack has carried more comfortably. The waterproof membrane works great so far and has been a great feature. Can't comment on how well the pack carries during hard climbing but I suspect it would do as well as any other 70l pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
CissaC
Versatile and lightweight, 2 packs in 1
10 years ago
This is by far the best backpack I ever owned. Works both for heavy loads - although not too comfortable when I had a 26 kg, but manageable - as well as a summit day pack, since it can be reduced to a pretty small size. Material is super durable and truly water proof. Overall, a super versatile backpack, that can be used in many different occasions, but to an alpine climber in the big mountains, it serves a double purpose (carrying loads + summit push) with the benefit of being super lightweight, thanks to no unnecessary thrills, and just the right amount of pockets and straps.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
Leleche
Hillsboro, OR
Just right
11 years ago
Just arrived home after a weekend backpacking trip, 30 miles or so, with this pack. It is the first I have purchased of its kind, and I can say that it was great. At first I was a bit confused as to how to pack and cinch it down properly, but I soon found every chord, pull, buckle and fastener in natural positions that my hands easily found. The weight distribution was great and honestly felt "light" on my back and hips. You can really cinch the pack tight against your body so you don't get that swaying pack motion on the trail. The 70 seemed like it was going to be gigantic at first (and it is!), but it is collapsable enough that you feel like you are wearing something much smaller. Thank you designers!
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
Hominina
USA
Good backpack, buy it
7 years ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] No problems with it, performs as expected, have used on several trips.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on mountainhardwear.com
Matt
Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Solid performance but missing the "cream"
7 years ago
This is an amazing pack. Those of us that are "old school" will really appreciate the light weight, sturdy harness, rugged construction and the "single compartment" design with minimal use of zips. Even the extra front section is top zipped so you will retain your precious gear even if the zip fails BUT there are two important things missing... The lack of a bright colour option is a little disappointing to those who regard safety above all else. The lack of a waist strap for the removable lid is almost unforgivable! This one feature would make this pack perfect for multi-day hikes with the option of taking the essentials on a side trip. Despite these two flaws this pack is above average and a valuable addition to my kit.
Yes , I recommend this product
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