User Review: Mountain Hardwear Solitude

Mountain Hardwear Solitude
Above: The current Solitude, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed November 14, 2006 by Mike Tufaro

Rating:
Price Paid: $400

I bought this pack online at Moosejaw after testing in a local outfitter, which isn't really much of a test. I took it on a short weekend hike, and it performed well, but was unnecessary due to the amount of gear I needed.

Then I took it on a 9-day extreme backcountry trip in Jasper National Park and Mt. Robson Provincial Park. I needed to carry plenty of gear, and this pack provided pleanty of room. It was extremely comfortable compared to packs I have used in the past, and it sat almost perfectly on my hips (I say almost because it did cut off circulation a bit when I had 50 lbs in it). The pack remained comfortable on the route I took (which was no trail, and very rough hiking). The kangaroo pouch was perfect for storing quick access gear. The velcro seems to hold very well, and I really can't see it wearing for a long time. The load adjuster is so easy to deal with. Much easier than dealing with standard strap type load adjusters.

The design is completely different than anything I have seen before, and it seems as though a lot of though went into it because it work. I am extremely happy with the purchase. I also took the pack on the Wonderland Trail in Mt. Rainier NP, and it was perfect for that trail as well. I would not recommend any other pack for multi-day backcountry treks. I wish I could use it for backcountry skiing as well, but it would be ridiculous as it is far too big for that unless I am on a multi day snowshoe/ski trip. Kudos to Mountain Hardwear. I thought they would go downhill when they merged with Columbia, but their gear still seems to be very well made.

Mike Tufaro