Great reviews on this series of packs. I have been looking for a pack that will hold all my tackle for steelhead fishing, plus a jacket and water bottle. Many of the fishing packs on the market aren’t exactly what I was looking for. I like my Simms sling pack, but can become heavy on one shoulder all day. A hip pack with a shoulder sling helps distribute the weight, and is much more comfortable to fish all day. As they say, there is no perfect pack. I currently fish with a modified Ozark Trail hip pack with shoulder sling that is probably 4 or 5 liter pack. I like my Ozark Trail hip pack but just needed more space. I like the no frills of the Mountain Smith Day model, and think it’ll fit my needs. You probably don’t have many fisherman looking at these packs, but maybe they should. Mountain Smith has some bomb proof gear. Thanks for your review.
You could put trekking poles there but they'd be horizontal which would make it difficult to walk between things. They really seem to be meant for rolling up a light windbreaker or rain pants or a small foam pad for sitting on. If you're going to put something there you'd probably want to use the shoulder straps which they sell separately to help take some of the load off the hip belt otherwise it'll feel like it's going to fall off.
A couple months back I bought last year's version from their website for $44.00. It's the nicest piece of kit I have bought in a long time. I also prefer the flap over the newer pouch. I've heard some complaints of losing gear due to lack of a snug fit w/ the flap, but that hasn't been my experience. A rain jacket or lightweight fleece stores very securely. Doesn't look like the new pouch offers that flexibility. My only complaint about this pack is with the padded divider in the main compartment. Not everyone is carrying a tablet around when they're out in the woods on a day hike. I wish the divider was removable. A couple of velcro attachment points would be an easy remedy, and add more flexibility for packing the main compartment. It's not a huge deal, but I will probably cut the divider out at some point and keep it for whenever I do need it. The shoulder strap is nice to help keep the pack from riding down on your hips when using the waist belt. Probably fine if you're walking around town, etc. But the Strapettes take this pack to a whole new level if you're out in the bush. They are simply fantastic for balancing weight distribution. With the Strapettes, this bag stays so snug against my lower back...it doesn't budge, no matter the terrain. It also allows for carrying a heavier load. Very comfortable, and in hot weather, you appreciate the increased airflow on your back. Mountainsmith has always made quality gear. I still have the 80's version of this pack. Nothing wrong with it at all, but improvements over the years have added to what was already a solid piece of kit.
I agree about the padded section. Most of the time i just drop my keys or wallet in there instead of the zippered pocket. If it was removable it would be awesome. I notice the flap on mine comes unhooked sometimes if I don't have anything behind it.
whats the dimension of the interior pocket/main compartment? is it big enought for 13x9 laptop? The dimensions online say 13” x 12” x 6” (L x H x D), but i'm not sure if that includes the waterbottle compartments. Thank you!
I don’t know the exact dimensions but I have a 14” MacBook Pro and it fits fine. The padded compartment only really holds a 10” tablet or smaller because of the stitching.
i still have the second day pack from the late 90's and looking at this is definitely a step backwards! maybe I will replace my wornout day with the last model but I was hoping for some real improvements!.......mountainsmith come on design a better pack and id buy it even if its more expensive!!
Nice review. I’m just curious how you feel after the purchase of the new one, which is the better option? Thank you. I am unsure 🫤 as to what’s the best way to go. The price is very low for the older productsl
If you don't already have a Mountainsmith lumbar pack the less expensive, older model may be right for you but really it should come down to how you want to use it. I like the new pocket with a bungie cord at the top but I don't feel like it meets my needs or has the same capability as the bungie flap to hold larger items like a rolled up rain coat or a wet pack fly. If you're looking for something to use on a bike or take into the office the new one with the pocket seems a little more like an edc bag and not so outdoorsy. It also has the loop for the bike lite. As a fishing bag the new one with the pocket does allow you to stuff fly boxes in the pocket and keep them within easy reach. I still use an old school fly vest for carrying my tackle though so it doesn't matter to me.
@@forgetyourlife So; I will try to make a long story shorter. After careful analysis of cost vs benefits, I chose the less expensive option. But before I was ready to go ahead and purchase it, I had a flare up of my MS, multiple sclerosis, and I have been home since then. So I have not had a chance to see it in person. What are your thoughts 💭?
@@BingWatcher not sure, was hoping you could tell me, lol. Probably better to get the older since it can be found so cheap compared to 89.99 for new. The flap switch to pocket ain’t worth 30-40 bucks I think. I’m also wonder which I should model get Day or Tour.
How does this pack feel when swapped around front and used as fanny pack?
helpful review video cheers.
Great reviews on this series of packs. I have been looking for a pack that will hold all my tackle for steelhead fishing, plus a jacket and water bottle. Many of the fishing packs on the market aren’t exactly what I was looking for. I like my Simms sling pack, but can become heavy on one shoulder all day. A hip pack with a shoulder sling helps distribute the weight, and is much more comfortable to fish all day. As they say, there is no perfect pack. I currently fish with a modified Ozark Trail hip pack with shoulder sling that is probably 4 or 5 liter pack. I like my Ozark Trail hip pack but just needed more space. I like the no frills of the Mountain Smith Day model, and think it’ll fit my needs. You probably don’t have many fisherman looking at these packs, but maybe they should. Mountain Smith has some bomb proof gear. Thanks for your review.
Do the straps underneath handle hiking poles well? Thanks.
You could put trekking poles there but they'd be horizontal which would make it difficult to walk between things. They really seem to be meant for rolling up a light windbreaker or rain pants or a small foam pad for sitting on. If you're going to put something there you'd probably want to use the shoulder straps which they sell separately to help take some of the load off the hip belt otherwise it'll feel like it's going to fall off.
@@cmpnguy Thanks
A couple months back I bought last year's version from their website for $44.00. It's the nicest piece of kit I have bought in a long time. I also prefer the flap over the newer pouch. I've heard some complaints of losing gear due to lack of a snug fit w/ the flap, but that hasn't been my experience. A rain jacket or lightweight fleece stores very securely. Doesn't look like the new pouch offers that flexibility.
My only complaint about this pack is with the padded divider in the main compartment. Not everyone is carrying a tablet around when they're out in the woods on a day hike. I wish the divider was removable. A couple of velcro attachment points would be an easy remedy, and add more flexibility for packing the main compartment. It's not a huge deal, but I will probably cut the divider out at some point and keep it for whenever I do need it.
The shoulder strap is nice to help keep the pack from riding down on your hips when using the waist belt. Probably fine if you're walking around town, etc. But the Strapettes take this pack to a whole new level if you're out in the bush. They are simply fantastic for balancing weight distribution. With the Strapettes, this bag stays so snug against my lower back...it doesn't budge, no matter the terrain. It also allows for carrying a heavier load. Very comfortable, and in hot weather, you appreciate the increased airflow on your back.
Mountainsmith has always made quality gear. I still have the 80's version of this pack. Nothing wrong with it at all, but improvements over the years have added to what was already a solid piece of kit.
I agree about the padded section. Most of the time i just drop my keys or wallet in there instead of the zippered pocket. If it was removable it would be awesome. I notice the flap on mine comes unhooked sometimes if I don't have anything behind it.
I just bought this I thought it was new? ❤
The. Straps are longer than my 2017 tour.
whats the dimension of the interior pocket/main compartment? is it big enought for 13x9 laptop? The dimensions online say 13” x 12” x 6” (L x H x D), but i'm not sure if that includes the waterbottle compartments. Thank you!
I don’t know the exact dimensions but I have a 14” MacBook Pro and it fits fine. The padded compartment only really holds a 10” tablet or smaller because of the stitching.
i still have the second day pack from the late 90's and looking at this is definitely a step backwards! maybe I will replace my wornout day with the last model but I was hoping for some real improvements!.......mountainsmith come on design a better pack and id buy it even if its more expensive!!
The Buckle is different.
Nice review. I’m just curious how you feel after the purchase of the new one, which is the better option? Thank you. I am unsure 🫤 as to what’s the best way to go. The price is very low for the older productsl
If you don't already have a Mountainsmith lumbar pack the less expensive, older model may be right for you but really it should come down to how you want to use it.
I like the new pocket with a bungie cord at the top but I don't feel like it meets my needs or has the same capability as the bungie flap to hold larger items like a rolled up rain coat or a wet pack fly.
If you're looking for something to use on a bike or take into the office the new one with the pocket seems a little more like an edc bag and not so outdoorsy. It also has the loop for the bike lite.
As a fishing bag the new one with the pocket does allow you to stuff fly boxes in the pocket and keep them within easy reach. I still use an old school fly vest for carrying my tackle though so it doesn't matter to me.
Thank you for the detailed response. It’s very helpful
@@BingWatcherso which did you go with and why?
@@forgetyourlife So; I will try to make a long story shorter. After careful analysis of cost vs benefits, I chose the less expensive option. But before I was ready to go ahead and purchase it, I had a flare up of my MS, multiple sclerosis, and I have been home since then. So I have not had a chance to see it in person. What are your thoughts 💭?
@@BingWatcher not sure, was hoping you could tell me, lol. Probably better to get the older since it can be found so cheap compared to 89.99 for new. The flap switch to pocket ain’t worth 30-40 bucks I think. I’m also wonder which I should model get Day or Tour.