Mountainsmith Tour 2020 Review

[@markschneider3915]

I use mine for a large camera, specifically a Panasonic G9 with a 100-400 lens, with a padded case . I use the Strapettes because the camera is heavy and I can just hang the pack from the shoulder straps when I'm shooting. When I worked in outdoor recreation as a Ranger we used True North lumber packs. When cutting trail or fire lines the keeping the upper body free, and the center of gravity low is much more stable on steep terrain. The True North packs are much heavier, but are built for harsher conditions. The mountain smith is perfect for hiking, and made very well, a friend has one of their full sized packs he's had since the 1980s, they're stuff holds up, glad they're still in business.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! It is nice keeping your hands and shoulders free!

[@aaronfuentes5919]

Looking for a gear review & this channel pops up, it's the first one getting watched. Extensive, practical insights.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!

[@onionhead5780]

Why i would consider using shoulder straps with the lumbar pack in lieu of a backpack. Shoulder straps help with load bearing with the advantage of no sweaty back or wet t shirt.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good point! No sweaty upper back at least. Might help with the bouncing too. Cheers! :)

[@chtomlin]

yes, So funny that both reviewers discount this valuable option. If I rarely need to carry the full 12 lbs for long distance, this is great for the rest of the time, but handy for those rare times without having to go to a different bag/backpack.

[@chtomlin]

@@BackcountryPilgrim and the outer pocket is for a bicycle helmet.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Bike helmet? Can you explain?

[@chtomlin]

@@BackcountryPilgrim just slide your bicycle hemet in there, simple.

[@StormRidersFishing]

Perfect review. I was an active hiker and backpacking guide at one point in my life and as they say there isn’t a perfect pack. I just bought the newer version of the MountainSmith Day model and plan to use it for steelhead fishing. I wanted a pack that could carry a water bottle and a jacket, plus have enough space for my tackle. Many of the fishing bags on the market are slightly smaller than I was looking for. I fish with a modified hip pack with a shoulder strap, and it is easy to spin around and get to tackle as needed. I just needed more space for my steelhead trips. I believe the Mountainsmith Day lumbar pack will fit my needs. Thanks for a great review.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very good! Glad it helped. :)

[@SmithFarmTilton]

Excellent review. I've decided to buy this pack for short day hikes, snowshoeing near home, etc ..... where my day back would be a little too much. Glad to hear every review on this say quality is top notch.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's held up pretty well. One of the drink holder shock cords popped loose, and I would have to mail it in for them to fix it so I'm just going to see if I can sew it up. I'm still a fan though. :-)

[@billb5732]

Based on this review, I got the Day 14L big brother of this bag. It is a versatile bag: Messenger, lumbar, day pack, or carry-on. With strapettes, it is a day pack that *fits my long torso.* Carries 10-15 pounds comfortably. With the shoulder strap and the belt, it makes a more-comfortable lumbar pack. Plus the convenience of being able to swing the bag to the front of my body (after unclipping the hip belt). With the shoulder strap, and the belt tucked away, it is a rugged messenger bag. Makes a nice carry-on bag that converts to a day pack when you arrive. Get a framed pack if you need more, but this is a nice option for a soft day pack. Bottom Line: If you don't want to choose between messenger bag, day pack, or carry-on, this one bag does all three.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! Yeah it's cool as a hybrid bag - makes sense!

[@billb5732]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Update: Still using the Day as my day pack (with shoulder straps). It looks like a soft rucksack, but carries like a real framed pack (mostly on my hips).

[@calihiker7980]

Mountain smith has finally listened to its customers and added a storage compartment to the left hip belt. I have the last generation and that was one of the complaints. I’ve had mine for about 3 years now and love it. The quality is top notch, and it’s keeps my arms from falling asleep. I use it for day hikes, and for city travel it also works great.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's great! I probably would have gone with matching hip belt pockets but having a variety is kind of nice.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's great! I probably would have gone with matching hip belt pockets but having a variety is kind of nice.

[@amonster8mymother]

I like to have the molle I can put shock cord over the top and stack something on too. Like flipflops or a jacket.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Webbing rules!

[@ryanmoore2796]

I bought the straps for the tour... when I go hike, I sweat a lot. and a lot from the top center of my back. Not having a full back, backpack on my back cools me down a lot... :-D

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah it doesn't get much more ventilated than nothing on your back! :)

[@AAA-tc1uh]

Great review, you touch on and demonstrate a few points I haven't seen other reviewers address.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christimmins1233]

Thanks for this review! I actually bought this bag and am returning it specifically because of the front storage panel. I went on 2 hikes, and the failed on me in 2 different ways: not enough retention to hold my light outer layer (it fell out after 5 minutes), and the hooks at the top actually slipped off the top point connection. Ultimately those were deal breakers for me. I'm looking to pick up the previous model with the daisy chain solution. There are a few sites offering deep discounts on those older packs via close out sales. Wishing you luck with this 2020 model!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I haven't really figured out the thinking on that front panel. I like the rest a lot though. I am thinking about maybe adding one more cordage attachment to the bottom middle to overcome that problem. but your solution is a good one too!

[@billb5732]

That's a seriously jumbo fanny pack. I have a North Face fanny pack that is similar in design, although only half the height. It's my favorite very-light pack, like when I only need water and maybe a jacket or poncho. I do use it with a (single) shoulder strap sometimes. More often I loop the hip belt around my neck and one shoulder. The advantage over a backpack is supreme ventilation and easy access while walking. It's a nice setup. I have sometimes wished it to be twice the size and still able to use it across one shoulder. Maybe for 5-ish pounds. Bingo: I think you found the solution!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's a fun pack for sure!

[@billb5732]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Another thing in favor of hip-belt-plus-shoulder-strap is that soft knapsacks never, ever, fit my long torso. A hip/lumbar pack automatically does.

[@hmq2007]

Thanks for the thorough review!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You bet!

[@amyclark959]

Could you wear this in the front? Thinking to use as a pack when carrying toddler on back for day hikes.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Its awkward because there's a lot of pack. When I tried it my legs hit it and pushed it into my stomach.

[@michaelpack1198]

I got my Tour (in asphalt) this past week. Then ordered a cover and the strapettes once I was sure I would keep it. The front flap issue, if someone regards it as an issue, is an easy fix with a $3 clip strap from the Walmart camping department or better yet a couple paracord survival bracelets. There’s that much gear not taking up real estate inside your bag not that it’s an issue with this bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you liked it, had mine out two hikes ago. Super handy!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Nice review on the pack. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen that. 👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I saw it on Gideon's channel and became obsessed hahaha. Glad you liked it!

[@albertlee9238]

Hi, is the day lumbar bigger or smaller than the tour ?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The Day is 13 liters 13"x12"x6", the Tour is 9L, 11.5"x10"x5".

[@usrep]

Thanks for review. What are the dimensions of the main compartment please?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You're welcome! Its about 9x11 inches. The 11 is going to change a bit depending on how much is put in though. :)

[@usrep]

@@BackcountryPilgrim THANK YOU. I have an old lumbar that measures 16 x 7. Trying to find something new that size.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You bet! Check the MS website, they have a larger version of this pack called the Day I think.

[@bradstevens2581]

Thank you very much for the detailed review, it really helped my decision to purchase one at a local retailer 👍🏻

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great! I like this pack a lot - sold my other one in fact!

[@bethanymorris8791]

Is this the 9L,I am thinking about buy mine for work

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yes - 9L.

[@chicoflash6377]

Hey, Doug. With these hot days I would appreciate getting my pack off my back! After using the Mountainsmith how do you think it would handle 4 liters of water, a med kit and phone and light jacket (approx. 10 and a half pounds) for 7 hours? Intriguing review!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That would be pushing it IMO. If you put a 2L hydration bladder in the pack plus two 1L bottles that would fit, but leave little room for the rest. If you trusted your jacket to the front panel it might all fit, but it'd be pretty heavy and the bounce might be annoying. :)

[@calihiker7980]

You might consider the Mountainsmith Day

[@ourmandrew4359]

Great video. Really useful.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks!

[@amonster8mymother]

👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

👍 :)

[@angelawhitcomb4183]

Hi Doug, I’m sorry that you don’t mention the Camino in your introduction now. I hope you haven’t given up on it completely! Great review by the way.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! As to the Camino - it's not really a channel focus at this time so I am just trying to be accurate. :) as far as my Camino, I have given up on this year. I know there are a lot of reopenings (not for the USA yet!), but I missed my window for 2020 so i finally had to admit that to myself. Moreover, it isn't the same with the covid restrictions in place, and until/unless it gets back to being what it was, I'm just not that interested. So for now it's sidelined. :-) But I have plenty of cool adventures planned so stay tuned!

[@jonathanengleka7621]

Dude , very nice review, but maybe you should consider gear from the USMC? I mean that MOLLE gear is made for foot travel I watched your video 2x’s so I made sure I seen everything I had actually messed around with this type of gear for “Carry-on” air for Wade Fishin “ and so forth, I , like yourself looking to always constantly improve and evolve Dude stay great ! appreciated your video

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I didn't think they'd allow Marines to carry fanny packs lol! Thats a good call though, it would be an interesting investigation. Where would I start looking?

[@jonathanengleka7621]

@@BackcountryPilgrim hahaha!! oh you can make that thing any way you want it!! And put some serious miles on it to!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've got some 5.11 stuff but no fanny....I mean lumbar....packs. What's a good source?

[@snowyowlz5992]

@@BackcountryPilgrim It’s called Butt Packs that attach to your LBE (load bearing equipment).

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Much better!

[@georgeseriani2482]

One digress used to make one way better than this one at half the price

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well let me know if they do again. :)