Mammut Heron Light 65+15

This pack has been with me from a trip to the beaches of Florida, to car camping trips, backpacking, and also climbing. This pack is great if you are wanting to go out for a couple of days. With plenty of pockets and straps, if everything doesn't fit inside this pack, then you can just clip it on the outside.

I have had this pack for over 2 years now. The pack has a back plate that can be removed and re-adjusted to fit small to large people. I'm a larger person, 5'10" and 190, and this pack has fit me comfortably on every trip i take with it. The hip belt is really thick and hugs the thighs extremely well. With so much padding on the hip belt I felt no chaffing when i went on a two day hike with 50 lbs of gear on my back.

The many straps this pack has allow it to be adjusted in almost anyway imaginable. Once you find the right fit with this pack on you the comfort will set in. The hip belt on this pack has small mesh pockets that are easy to reach. These made it easy to carry small essentials that I did not want to waste time digging for. The pockets are big enough to fit a multi-tool in, along with some chap-stick and all the wrappers of granola bars I ate.

Other things this pack has that make it a worthwhile pack, it has a very useful pocket on the top of the lid, and underneath it. I used the pocket on the top to carry even more "Need to have handy" essentials such as toilet paper and my beanies. The inside pocket was more for socks and underwear, but a handy pocket nonetheless. The lid is actually removable also and can be made into a fanny pack thing.

The outside of the pack has a nice mesh pocket, great for carrying my cooking supplies and such. It also has velcro straps on the outside that can used for trekking poles or ice axes. Another set of straps near the bottom make for a great way to attack a sleeping pad onto the bottom of the pack. This actually makes the pack more stable when set on the floor and actually makes it free standing.

On the bottom of the pack there is a separate compartment for a sleeping bag, this is on its own and actually out of the way, up until you need to use it. The main compartment is nice and roomy and can expand up if needed. And inside that main compartment is an area for a 3 liter bladder that is really handy. I have carried two climbing ropes in this pack along with my whole rack, some climbing shoes, and water with no problem. 

This pack might seem like a lot to handle in the beginning but once you tinker around with it you will see the endless possibilities that can be achieved by this pack. I must say that I am a fan of Mammut, but that is because the gear they put out delivers beyond what it's supposed to.

On my backpacking trip I fit 4 jackets, 2 change of clothes (2 shirts, 2 pants, 2 shorts, 3 pairs of undies, 3 pairs of socks, 1 pair of shoes, 1 pair of sandals) along with my sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, toilet paper, my mess kit, water filter, food, 3 liters in a bladder in the extra pocket. All the while felt snug with this on. The weight distribution was very good, and with the adjustments that can be made with this pack, you can just re-adjust if need be.

This pack has been tossed, turned, beaten, and used, yet it still looks good as new. Mammut makes great products and I am sure this pack will last me up to another 15 years or hopefully even more.

I know the price is around 250 dollars and i understand that is quite steep compared to other packs, but it is honestly worth it. I was thinking about buying the 35L version of this pack just to keep it strictly for climbing.

If you ever get a chance to find it on sale, or even to test ride one of these, I say go for it. You won't lose anything in the process and gain a beautiful pack that will last the seasons alongside you as you explore the outdoors.

Not bad, but lacking ice axe loop. A sad oversight.

Lacking a few simple but essential bits, like an ice axe loop.