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Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack

rated 5.0 of 5 stars

The Drifter Pack has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best daypacks for 2024.

photo: Mountain Hardwear Drifter Pack daypack (under 35l)

I have had this pack for about 2 years, and have come full circle in my opinion about it.

I purchased this to replace my school backpack as well as double as a day pack for hiking, and was originally a bit turned off by the single compartment and big zippers.

However, after I got used to it, I came to love the big rugged zippers, and have never had qualms absolutely yanking on them to get the pack closed. The newer versions actual hip straps are a great improvement, and even though I still just have the nylon strips at the waist, the pack is very comfortable to wear both out and about in the wilderness, as well as lugging books to class.

The upper brain compartment works great to hold a DSLR camera but don't be fooled by its advertisements of having a "Padded Camera compartment", its about the size of a cell phone holder held shut with velcro, and you would be much better off either carrying your camera with you, or chucking it in the brain of the pack.

Size: 2200CU
Number of Pockets: 2 (Main Plus Brain)
Max. Load Carried: 45LBS
Height of Owner: 6'0"
Price Paid: $99

Awesome pack made to access with ease. Carry the the kitchen sink in this one! Carries butter cup smooth! My fave pack!

Pros

  • Roomy and tough

Cons

  • Needs compression straps at the brains

This is so well thought out it ridiculous! I've used this pack for years. Hiking and traveling. Perfect for three days or months or city travel if you're a minimalist. A tiny bit heavy for a day hike.

You don't really need that much room. Great support. Needs compression straps at the brain compartment. You can travel the world with this pack alone and it fits in the overhead. 

This is a great backpack. I bought it mostly to carry all my climbing gear around which has worked extremely well for me. It is also a great size for any day excursions and some overnight trips.

The fit is great and the straps are a nice width which makes it comfortable and carries the load for you. The padded pockets on the inside for electronic devices are very helpful as well.

The Drifter held up over a hard month of backpacking through Europe and Asia. The weight distribution was so light, and I could barely tell when I added more and more weight to the pack. The material is durable, and the compartments make getting key things convenient. The protective inner pocket along the spine gave me some security knowing some of the most important things I was carrying were safe. Excellent pack.

Design: Daypack
Size: 1900 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 30 lbs.
Height of Owner: 5'10''
Price Paid: $100

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $43.98-$109.95
Reviewers Paid: $99.00-$100.00

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