Mountainsmith Red Rock 25 Day Pack : Solid, Organized, Earth-Friendly

I've been using the same day pack for about 15 years, and I've finally replaced it with Mountainsmith's Red Rock 25 Day Pack, a durable, versatile bag that takes me from trail to tarmac with all sorts of useful features.

Comfort is key for me, and I'm really impressed with the substantial padding on the back of this pack. There are two thick mesh-encased pads on either side of the back and a lower back pad that extends across the width of the pack. Together they function to cushion my back from the weight of the pack and give me some ventilation. The wide, padded shoulder straps are contoured for a nice fit over my shoulders--then they fan out toward the sides of the pack. Nice design. Of course, the straps are adjustable, as is the sternum strap, which has a removable plastic whistle attached to it (I've really only used the whistle for fun..but that counts!).There's an 1.5 " wide hip belt, but I rarely use it.

My Mountainsmith Red Rock 25 Day Pack also shines in the organization department. I'm not very good at keeping track of my things or at packing; my style is to throw everything in one compartment and then dump out the pack when I need to find something. With the Red Rock pack, it's actually sort of fun to approach an outing with a bit of planning. All of the compartments (main, top, and zippered flat pocket on the front of the pack) are lined with a tough yellow fabric that makes it easy to find things.

The main compartment has a large pouch for a hydration bladder (there's a discreet port on top of the pack for the tube, as well as an elastic band on one of the shoulder straps to secure the tube) or laptop. There's also a bright red ribbon with a clip on the end hanging against the back of the compartment for attaching keys or a small flashlight.

The outer compartment is so handy. It has small pouches for pens, my wallet, and my cell phone, as well as a zippered mesh pocket that I like to use for lip balm and my i.d. and credit card. This compartment also has a red ribbon clip for keys. In fact, the other day I thought I'd lost my keys. After two days of using my spare set, I finally realized that I'd left my keys clipped in my pack!! I'm not used to being organized.

Finally, there's a good sized flat pocket on the outside of the pack for quick-access items such as Lara bars and other snacks. The Mountainsmith Red Rock 25 pack also has the requisite bottle pouches on each side of the bag (thoughtfully done in mesh to save on weight), two cinch straps on each side of the pack (I love having the option of wearing a flatter pack when I'm not carrying much), and ice ax loops. I like that the bottom and back of the pack are lightly padded and that the straps have elastic cuffs on them to secure the extra strap length.

This is a super solid pack made out of tough nylon. Mountainsmith uses the toughest materials on the high stress areas and a lighter material on other areas of the pack. The zippers are fairly chunky and durable, with pull strings - they're also covered under flaps of material for rain protection

I also like that this pack comes in really nice colors. I'm pretty sick of the standard royal blue. The Red Rock's colors are more refined. I tested the Lotus Blue pack and love the steely tones. The pack also comes in Pinon Green and Sangria Red. Although this pack is designed to fit a woman's shape, I found it plenty comfortable. Yes, I'm a woman, but I'm also just shy of 6' tall - so I often wear men's packs.

Eco Creds: "Made with 450d ReDura(TM), the Red Rock 25 utilizes 15 recycled 16-ounce plastic bottles."

Bottom Line: I love this pack. haven't had a chance to do much hiking it in, but I use it almost every day and for weekend trips. It's durable, attractive, totally functional, and helps me keep my stuff organized.--E.D. (May '10)

BUY ONLINE : $69 click here for shipping deals

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainsmith.com

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