Mountainsmith Approach 3.0 Trekking Backpack - Internal Frame
$68.95
$99.00
Save 30% Item #85830
Closeouts. Head out for adventure with the Mountainsmith Approach 3.0 internal frame backpack, ideally sized for overnight or extended day trips. Breathable, molded foam back panelFully-adjustable padded shoulder strapsSternum strap with hydration valve catch Padded pivoting waist beltFour compression strapsVertical front zip pocket with elastic riggingZip side pockets with pass-through sleevesSingle ice axe loopTrekking pole attachmentsHydration pocket with portFits torsos: 18-22”Size (LxWxD): Approx. 22x18x12-½”Capacity: 2044 cu.in. Weight: 3 lb. 2 oz. Material: Nylon with bar track and Hypalon® reinforcementsCloseouts. Vietnam.
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love this pack,very versatile,well made By adamup from ventura,ca. on 09/20/2008 Pros: Durable, Easy to Pack, Strong Zippers Best Uses: Backpacking, Short Travel, Weekend Trips Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: this pack is very versatile.i have done weekend trips and also week long trips with it and had no real complaints.the size allows it to be light and comfortable on day hikes, yet i have packed it to the gills with bear canister,cold weather clothes,misc. gear and hiked cross country for a week with no problems.could have used more space but was still comfortable.also is very well constructed and tough.can't say enough i am very happy with my purchase and you will be too.
Sturdy, comfortable, usable design By Fishin' man from Monterey County, CA on 09/08/2008 Pros: Durable, Easy to Pack, Good Back Support, Good Padding, Strong Zippers Best Uses: Airline Travel, Hike-in fishing trip, Short Travel Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: I purchased this daypack due to the suspension system and the ability to carry rod tubes on the sides. Not disappointed at all. Took an 8 wgt and 5 wgt for hike-in fishing in SE Alaska recently; plenty of room for raingear, waders, lunch, tackle. While not waterproof, stowing it under a grassy overhang worked well. Easy airplane travel too, fit in overhead w/rods. Friends want to buy one now. THANKS!
By Chaz from Denver, CO on 09/02/2008 Pros: Comfortable, Easy to Pack, Lots of Pockets Cons: Bulky, Long flapping straps Best Uses: Backpacking, Short Travel Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: Have a Mountainsmith fanny pack that's lasted 15 years (and still working), so when it came time to replace my older daypacks this seemed like a PERFECT choice.
It wasn't.
While the Approach is clearly very well-made, and well-designed with tons of clever pockets and a really excellent suspension system, I found it to be just a little too wide for me to use for more technical hiking (in the Rockies). Basically, if you swing your ams backward with hiking poles or if you're scrambling, you'll occasionally be limited by the side pockets (if they're full). This was worse for my kids, who have narrower backs.
If you have a wider torso, or hike mostly on well-worn trails, this pack might work out better for you. The other option would be to use the side pockets for less bulky items, although they seem to have been perfectly sized for 1 liter nalgene bottles. There are also plenty of compression straps to compact such a load properly.
I actually returned it (and my kids') and we're getting narrower, simpler packs. This is thanks to STP's very accomodating returns policy, which essentially takes the risk out of buying online, and for which I am very, very grateful.
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