Review of the Scrambler 30 Backpack: A Worthy Addition
Walk into my garage and do you know what you are met with? A barrage of towering boxes waiting to be unpacked. However, if you side step twice, do a half spin, duck down, then pivot to the right, you will be standing in the ideal place to view my 'wall-o-packs.' So even though my wife's outrageously large coffee mug collection and my favorite morning breakfast toast plate are still boxed up, we did manage to organize the packs that propel our weekend adventures. What can I say? Priorities.
Want to check out our selection and colors on the Scrambler 30 by Mountain Hardwear?
The latest addition to the 'wall-o-packs' is the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 Outdry Backpack. Now although the name may seem too long and lack what marketers call "spice", it does virtually tell you everything you need to know about this backpack.
How's the Size on the 30L Backpack from Mountain Hardwear?
One: The size. This is a 30 L pack. That is a technical term for "if you are going to go do something for a day then this is the size you should probably use." My wife and I recently went climbing at Memorial Falls, MT and I fit our 50m rope, two harnesses, both our climbing shoes, and our chalk bags into the single top loading compartment. Even with this full load the pack felt great on my back and shoulders and made hiking to our climbing spot comfortable.
Let's talk about the Material in the Scrambler 30
'Outdry' is Mountain Hardwear's guaranteed material to keep your stuff dry. Most materials in today's packs will keep stuff dry, at least for a while. This pack however, due to the pocket design, material, and seam taped pockets, guarantees dryness. Anyone who has ever looked forward to a dry layer only to be let down by a soaked sleeve when they pull it from their pack will appreciate such a feature.
Comfort of the Scrambler 30 Backpack
It is a backpack. Excellent. Unless you are looking for a fanny pack, then you may be disappointed. This backpack has shoulder straps that are comfortable, easy to adjust sternum and hip belts, and feels snug to my body when hiking around. This pack is light and flexible, which makes for an enjoyable experience when venturing out for the day.
I suppose we could talk about some type of space age foam, fancy metal alloy or crazy ventilation system that is somehow supposed to keep your back dry when hiking all day, but so often such features and claims either under deliver or empty my already thin wallet. The fact is, I like this pack because everything about it is simple, and I like simple. Simple is less likely to fail. Simple is practical.
Simple does a couple of things great, not a bunch of things well. From the single compartment design, easily adjustable straps, smart load security, and well placed gear loops, this pack, in all its simplicity actually lends itself to a diverse set of activities. Whether its trekking poles or ice axes, technical climbing gear or your dad's completely nontechnical, too big, hard to pack but still greatest layer you own flannel fleece, this pack will carry it. And when your wife accidentally sends it rolling down the scree mountainside, and then blames it on the dog, you can look forward to years of such stories because this pack is well built and can withstand the abuse. Our dog's spirit is another question.
Order your Scrambler 30 today and get free shipping!
Now if only I could quit finding so many excuses and reasons to not unpack the boxes in my garage. Oh well. I will take hand washing a coffee mug, eating toast off the counter and family mountain adventures over an uncluttered garage any day of the week.