Mountainsmith Circuit 3.0

Summary

Great pack, great value. It's got a Savages approval.

I got this pack when I was young and just getting into the outdoors. And I can't think of a better way of doing it than getting a great pack. This pack was an upgrade from a small frame pack that I had out grown, the fit is excellent considering that I have really broad shoulders. This pack can carry really heavy loads but I don’t advise it the pack is comfortable up to around 56 lbs after that it is constantly adjusting the straps. though I have been up to around 70 lbs somewhat comfortable.

This pack has a huge amount of space in it most of the time i hit around 45 Ibs and the pack is still not even over the overflow compartment. plus there are so many pockets that organization is just that easy. one day for scouts this pack had a coat and two extra Jackets as well as two sleeping bags and the rest of my cold weather setup. just grabbed a snack bag and was off to the cold.

There is one thing that I just love on this pack, I am not worried about them breaking in the future either and those are the zippers they are made of super strong material and don’t snag.

This pack has been to a couple of lakes in the east Idaho area as well as Philmont has been rained on, snowed on, been through thick brush, and is still looking sharp.

It’s a bummer they are not selling this item anymore. It is a real nice pack and I think that I am going to continue to use it in the wilderness for as long as it will stand.

Summary

It's a well made piece of gear. Greatly reinforced above and beyond in some areas.

I'm just now trying to get into backpacking and haven't had a chance to try this pack out. I'm very pleased with the craftsmanship and customer service. I just opened it up 20 minutes ago and couldn't find the straps to use the lumbar pack. They are in the process of getting back to me now and I hope to take it on a trip next week. I'd recommend this one to anyone (as long as they're not ultalighters).

Great pack at a great price. I was needing to upgrade from a military CFP 90 pack that I had used for the last 15 years. The things I liked most about the CFP 90 was the size, external pockets and sleeping bag separation. The Circuit 3.0 matched these requirements and exceeded my expectations.

I did an early spring backpacking trip with my 12-year-old in the Red River Gorge of Kentucky and figured I'd load this baby down with more than enough snivel gear and comfort items to make sure his first foray into cold weather camping was an enjoyable experience.

Pack weight was between 60 and 70 pounds and it felt like I was carrying only half that much weight. The waist belt and shoulder straps were well padded and provided a plethora of adjustments to get that "just right" fit and allow you to fine tune the fit based on terrain.

The only downside to this is the detachable lumbar pack. A nice "extra", but a little too awkward for carrying essentials on a day hike.

I'm looking forward to several more trips with this pack and I will follow up with other reviews as I get more "strap time".

I've owned this pack for a few months now, and have taken it out on four treks -- three weekenders, and a five night trek in the Colorado Rockies. A drawstring can be pulled tight to create two compartments, or loosened for one large compartment (I prefer two compartments).

Fully loaded the pack rides comfortably on the hips, and does not pull on the shoulders. The pass-through sleeves, which are behind the side pockets, allow you easily carry tent poles or similar close to the pack. Outfitted with several compression straps, your gear will remain in place throughout your trek.

I did not expect to ever use the detachable lid, but we dropped our backpacks at the treeline, and the lumbar-pack/lid came in handy on a summit assault. I have the Mountainsmith rain cover which was used for one day. As expected, all of my gear remained dry. Folks that tried to use trash bags did not fair so well.

This is a very economical and versatile pack. I have no regrets purchasing this pack.

This is a great pack, not too big but good enough. Lots of pockets including two that are waterproof. I have used this for day hikes and for ten days at a time and after a year and a half it still looks great.

I have had problems with other packs hurting my shoulders and back but this one has never hurt at all. If you're looking for a strong pack with good comfort this is the one for you.

You get a lot of pack for the money, and this thing is bullet proof. It's a little heavy, but it's huge. I was looking at packs for twice the money, but for as little as I get out for an actual overnighter it's well worth the compromise compared to a three hundred dollar pack I use twice a year.