Best Mountainsmith Backpacks Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 Rain Cover
Test Winner: Rain Cover
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A quality backpack is a vital requirement for activities that involve traveling from one point to another. No matter what the destination or what route you're talking to get there, there is always something that you need to bring. The journey need not be long and strenuous for a backpack to come in handy. 

A backpack can be used to take items to the gym, to class, or to work. But whatever you're hauling a backpack can be necessary for survival, it's in the concrete jungle or the jungle. For your consideration, we now offer you 10 of the best from one of the best companies: Mountainsmith.

Standout Picks

 Rain Cover
The rain cover is of the highest quality one could ever wish for in life. In line with this, the moment you purchase the product the delivery is done fast and efficiently thus making the product acquisition highly convenient more so to people who may require it urgently. Although the product is of the highest quality, the downside of this particular product is that the pocket that can be used to keep stuff is too small. To ensure that the rain cover fits perfectly on your backpack you should make sure that you consult with the experts or at least read the manual that comes with the product before purchasing it. For the majority of people who have used this product they have all agreed to the fact that the product is easy to use and at the same time, it is water resistant. The rain cover can be a good addition to your backpack given that it is much lighter in weight and it would play a very significant role in helping to protect your backpack from adverse climatic conditions.
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$23.95
 Tour
The backpack is made of a high-quality Cordura material. It has a waist that can be easily adjusted to the comfort of the user. You can either pull the bag strap forward or fasten it depending on your waist size. The bag has a padded sleeve compartment that can be used as a storage point for a tablet. The backpack also has storage pockets around the belt area that can be used to keep smartphones securely. The phone compartment fits Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6+.
Amazon Link
$99.92
 Lumber
The waist area of the belt is fitted with pockets that can be used as storage points for smartphones. The backpack has an ideal stash pocket at the back that is often used for storing valuable items such as boarding pass, passport, and wallet. The water pockets at the sides of the bag can easily be reinforced to fasten the bottle on the bag. The bag also has an interior well-padded pocket that can be used in storing delicate items such as a tablet.
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 Mountaintop 65L
The zippers of the backpack are of increased quality making it easier for the user to open and close the backpack with convenience. The buckles are of the highest quality and they are much easy to clip together. Similarly, when necessary, it is much easier to release the buckles to make the process of taking off the bag quick and easy.
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 Drift
This particular backpack has an expansion pocket at the front segment that can be used in adjusting the storage capacity of the backpack. It is made of a high-quality Cordura material. It is has a zippered main compartment with an organizer sleeve that makes the storage of different items convenient and easy to access. The waist belt is well aerated and it can easily be tucked away when the user does not require it. The other important unique feature of this particular backpack is that it has a removable shoulder strap that allows the user to fit it on when required and remove it when necessary.
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 K-9
The backpack has a single belly strap that can easily be adjusted to fit the body size of any one user. The backpack has a handle at the top that makes it easy to haul the bag when necessary thus making it very convenient. It also has a D-shaped metal ring that can be used as an attachment point for an additional carrying leash. The air mesh panels on the bag increase ventilation for any one user thus increasing comfort when in use. The bag has two zippered storage compartments.
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 Borealis
This backpack is made from high-quality nylon that has increased tenacity. The pocket at the bottom of the bag is the storage point for a camera. The inside of the backpack is divided into distinctive storage points that can be used to carrying the camera as well as its gear. The inside part of the bag is also well padded or cushioned to enhance the safety of the items that would be carried in the bag. The backpack is also fitted with a laptop compartment, which provides room for additional gear other than the camera.
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 Apex 60
This 60-liter backpack was developed to fit the needs of individuals who opt to go on long trails or extended journeys. Based on the statements issued by individuals who have tried this particular backpack at one point in their lives, Apex 60 is a joy to wear when hiking or engaging in long distance travels. Durability is guaranteed with this type of backpack since it is made of a lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum suspension as well as CORDURA fabric material. The convenience of the backpack comes with the top u-shaped zipper access, side water bottle pocket, hydration sleeve, and waist belt pocket that can be used for storing a phone, compartments for tool storage, stash pocket mesh, and adjustable suspension fitted at the torso area.
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 World Cup
The bag comes with great convenience for the user given its designed side-access compartments. The bag also features accessory pockets as well as internal organization pockets that make it much easier for the user to gain access to a tablet, Smartphone, laptop, charger among many other items that individuals carry in their bags during travel.
Amazon Link
 Spectrum
The backpack has a cover flap that gives users quick access to the main compartment of the bag. It has pocket access points on the sides that provide users with easy access to the camera compartment that can fit both the camera and its accessories. It has a laptop compartment on the side that can easily fit laptops that are 17 inches in size.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Water Resistance

Water Resistant Material

It is not mandatory to acquire a backpack that is 100% waterproof. You would only acquire 100% waterproof backpack if you plan to go on a prolonged trip to a place that experiences adverse weather at different times of the day. Otherwise, acquiring a semi-waterproof backpack would do the trick to help keep your things dry during a drizzle. If possible, you would need to look for a backpack that has a tarp that you could use to cover the bag during times of severe rain. The tarp will help keep your items dry at all times. The backpack you choose should be one made of a material that would dry fast to prevent the bag from becoming mildewed or musty. The material of the bag should be thick and lightweight. The backpacks made of treated nylon fiber are usually considered the best option for any person to choose. The backpack you choose should be one that would not allow water to penetrate inside to interfere with the stuff inside the bag.

Features

Lockable Zippers

For security purposes or the safety of the items that you would carry in the backpack at any one point in time, the bag you choose should be one fitted with two zippers that you would be able to lock together. Locking your backpack helps you feel secure wherever you would go or in whichever place you may decide to stay. Such a feature comes in handy more so or people who paranoid about losing their stuff during their adventures.

Alternatively, for those people who may go for the backpacks with compartments that have only a single zipper, individuals have the option of obtaining a Pacsafe to go with the bag. With the Pacsafe, you would be able to wrap a lockable mesh around your bag and this would help keep the bag contents secure at all times. The protective mesh can also be tied to a bigger object and this would mean that your items would not only be kept safe but that it would be difficult for any ill-intended person to walk away with your bag. A Pacsafe device is most suitable for people who may have to leave their equipment unattended for a prolonged duration when attending to other issues of concern.

Advanced Features

Multiple Compartments

A good backpack is one that with various compartments. The numerous compartments in a bag would help you to arrange your items neatly so that it becomes easier to access and find stuff that you may require. For instance, you may keep your clothes in the main compartment of the backpack, shoes in the side compartments and umbrella in the top compartment of the bag based on the arrangement that you would find most convenient. Knowing where every item is kept saves you time and effort.

Effectiveness

Internal Frame

It is important that individuals go for backpacks with internal metal frames as opposed to the ones with the external metal support frames. This is because the backpacks with the internal frames are much lighter, beautiful from the outlook, and slimmer thus making movement much easier for the user. The backpacks with the internal frames are also durable as opposed to the ones fitted with external frames.

Comfort

Padded Features

Padded Hip Belt

Most weight that people carry around on their backpacks is usually exerted on the hip area. Therefore, it is important that individuals acquire a backpack with a padded hip belt that can help in supporting the excessive weight so that the user can remain comfortable. There would be less strain for the user since the supportive belt would help reduce the strain on the body by distributing the weight evenly on an individual’s back. The hip belt should be one that can be easily adjusted so that it becomes easy to tighten the belt for additional support.

Padded Shoulder Straps

The weight exerted by your backpack would push down on your shoulder. Therefore, acquiring a backpack with a padded shoulder strap would make the user much more comfortable in carrying heavy luggage. The padding reduces the degree of pressure on your shoulders while at the same time taking off pressure exerted on your lower back area. Nevertheless, the padding should be thick and made of a single piece material as this guarantees great comfort and durability of the product.

Contoured Padded Back

This feature increases the degree of comfort enjoyed by the user as the weight of the bag is distributed evenly. This particular feature also allows free airflow on the back thus helping the user to stay cool and less likely to sweat more so when the bag lugs around on your back.

10 Best Mountainsmith Backpacks

1. Rain Cover

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$23.95
 Rain Cover
Amazon Link

The rain cover is of the highest quality one could ever wish for in life. In line with this, the moment you purchase the product the delivery is done fast and efficiently thus making the product acquisition highly convenient more so to people who may require it urgently. Although the product is of the highest quality, the downside of this particular product is that the pocket that can be used to keep stuff is too small. To ensure that the rain cover fits perfectly on your backpack you should make sure that you consult with the experts or at least read the manual that comes with the product before purchasing it. For the majority of people who have used this product they have all agreed to the fact that the product is easy to use and at the same time, it is water resistant. The rain cover can be a good addition to your backpack given that it is much lighter in weight and it would play a very significant role in helping to protect your backpack from adverse climatic conditions.

Exceptional coverage for light to moderate rain
The medium rain cover fits the bag very well. However, the rain cover can only protect the top of the backpack area up to the shoulder strap section of the backpack. This is such that during times of heavy rainfall, water can penetrate down the user’s back and most probably seep into the bag.

Easy fit
For a small backpack, you would be able to get the rain cover in place way before the rains hit. The rain cover is not only easy to use but it is also easy to store when it is not being used.

Cost and Value
This feature makes it much easier to carry the cover on your backpack without experiencing any extra weight. With this product well fitted, you would be able to keep the rain from reaching the contents of your backpack, at all times.

Amazon Link
$23.95

2. Tour

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$99.92
 Tour
Amazon Link

The backpack is made of a high-quality Cordura material. It has a waist that can be easily adjusted to the comfort of the user. You can either pull the bag strap forward or fasten it depending on your waist size. The bag has a padded sleeve compartment that can be used as a storage point for a tablet. The backpack also has storage pockets around the belt area that can be used to keep smartphones securely. The phone compartment fits Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6+.

Comfort
The backpack has a well-ridged and padded back panel that allows free airflow thus guaranteeing increased comfort for the user when in use. The free airflow feature reduces users’ rates of sweating when they wear the bag.

Secure Stash Pocket
The stash pocket on the bag can be used as a storage point for valuable items such as passports and wallets.

Cost and Value
It is made of Cordura material that makes the bag an invaluable and durable material to acquire regardless of its pricing. The waist belt strap can easily be adjusted thus making the product a custom fit for individuals with different body sizes and shapes. This backpack is light and very convenient to be used for hikes regardless of the distance to be covered during the journey.

Amazon Link
$99.92

3. Lumber

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Lumber
Amazon Link

The waist area of the belt is fitted with pockets that can be used as storage points for smartphones. The backpack has an ideal stash pocket at the back that is often used for storing valuable items such as boarding pass, passport, and wallet. The water pockets at the sides of the bag can easily be reinforced to fasten the bottle on the bag. The bag also has an interior well-padded pocket that can be used in storing delicate items such as a tablet.

Comfortable
The back panel has very soft padding, it is well ridged, and this allows free airflow at the back. Subsequently, you would remain comfortable when using the bag even during the hot times of the day.

Convenient
The waist belt can easily be adjusted to improve comfort for the user.

Cost and Value
With this particular backpack, you would not have to worry about ending up with the wrong product without the hope of getting a replacement or a refund. This is because the product has a lifetime warranty allowing the user to enjoy the product without worrying about the warranty period ending. Consequently, quality is guaranteed.

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4. Mountaintop 65L

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Mountaintop 65L
Amazon Link

The zippers of the backpack are of increased quality making it easier for the user to open and close the backpack with convenience. The buckles are of the highest quality and they are much easy to clip together. Similarly, when necessary, it is much easier to release the buckles to make the process of taking off the bag quick and easy.

Waterproof
The backpack is made of a water-resistant coating fabric material. This helps in keeping the inside contents of the bag dry at all times. It is advised that when using this product you should not wash it with bleach or a liquid detergent as such a precaution would help you retain the quality of the backpack.

Capacity
The backpack has an extendable collar at the top that is fitted with a drawstring that you could use in expanding the space of the bag by close to a 5-liter additional capacity.

Cost and Value
The backpack has a limited warranty period of 90 days, a period within which the user is allowed to return the less favorable backpacks for a refund or a replacement under certain conditions. You would be able to taste the quality of the product within the stipulated warranty period so that you would be able to find what fits and find replacements for dysfunctional products.

Amazon Link

5. Drift

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Drift
Amazon Link

This particular backpack has an expansion pocket at the front segment that can be used in adjusting the storage capacity of the backpack. It is made of a high-quality Cordura material. It is has a zippered main compartment with an organizer sleeve that makes the storage of different items convenient and easy to access. The waist belt is well aerated and it can easily be tucked away when the user does not require it. The other important unique feature of this particular backpack is that it has a removable shoulder strap that allows the user to fit it on when required and remove it when necessary.

Convenient
It is easy to tuck away the waist belt so that you can fit the shoulder strap at your own convenience if you require a shoulder bag for your travels. If you would need to use the bag as a backpack all that you would be required to do is to detach the shoulder strap, remove the waist belt and fit a two shoulder strap to the bag.

Light and Comfortable
It is the perfect backpack to use for trail runs or during exercise.

Cost and Value
The backpack is made of high-quality material and it is well built. It is best for day trips and less bulky thus making it easier to carry around.

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6. K-9

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 K-9
Amazon Link

The backpack has a single belly strap that can easily be adjusted to fit the body size of any one user. The backpack has a handle at the top that makes it easy to haul the bag when necessary thus making it very convenient. It also has a D-shaped metal ring that can be used as an attachment point for an additional carrying leash. The air mesh panels on the bag increase ventilation for any one user thus increasing comfort when in use. The bag has two zippered storage compartments.

Well Ventilated
It has air mesh panels that help improve the level of ventilation when placed against the body of a canine. This enhances the level of comfort experienced by the user of the backpack.

Design
It has a 4-point adjustable chest strap up that is well padded to increase the level of comfort for the user. The adjustable chest strap makes the backpack a custom fit for the majority of users.

Cost and Value
The back of the backpack is well padded and adequately aerated. The padding prevents the bag from rubbing against the back of man best friend, which could lead to soreness after a prolonged use of the bag. The bag compartments make it easier for dogs to carry their food, leash, play ball and several other gears that would be required for the dog during the trip. However, before you acquire the bag for your dog, it is important to look at the backpack’s size in relation to the dog’s size and weight so that you would not end up with a backpack that would overwhelm your dog. With these features, it offers value for money.

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7. Borealis

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Borealis
Amazon Link

This backpack is made from high-quality nylon that has increased tenacity. The pocket at the bottom of the bag is the storage point for a camera. The inside of the backpack is divided into distinctive storage points that can be used to carrying the camera as well as its gear. The inside part of the bag is also well padded or cushioned to enhance the safety of the items that would be carried in the bag. The backpack is also fitted with a laptop compartment, which provides room for additional gear other than the camera.

Convenient Size
The backpack is large enough to accommodate as many gears as you may require. The camera can be placed in the well-cushioned bottom pocket of the bag. The top compartments of the backpack can be used to carry books, clothes among several other essentials that you may require for your journey. The bag also has a water bladder compartment as well as a large computer compartment.

Multifunctional
A perfect bag that can be used for carrying out different activities such as hiking, or sporting events. Whichever the case, the bag just works great. There are those who would prefer using this bag for carrying their camera equipment and it works just perfect.

Cost and Value
The backpack would be a wise investment for any person who needs a backpack that would not purely be used for carrying electronics. The bag allows you to carry additional gear such as food, water bottle, and clothing that are essential items to carry during any trip. The bag is also light and well structured thus coming with great convenience for the user.

Amazon Link

8. Apex 60

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Apex 60
Amazon Link

This 60-liter backpack was developed to fit the needs of individuals who opt to go on long trails or extended journeys. Based on the statements issued by individuals who have tried this particular backpack at one point in their lives, Apex 60 is a joy to wear when hiking or engaging in long distance travels. Durability is guaranteed with this type of backpack since it is made of a lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum suspension as well as CORDURA fabric material. The convenience of the backpack comes with the top u-shaped zipper access, side water bottle pocket, hydration sleeve, and waist belt pocket that can be used for storing a phone, compartments for tool storage, stash pocket mesh, and adjustable suspension fitted at the torso area.

Material
This exceptional backpack is well made with quality material. It is made of heavy-duty aluminum suspension and CORDURA fabric material. The material makes the backpack very sturdy.

Durability
The backpack is built to last for years down the line. The lid can easily be taken off thus allowing the user to have a nice daypack to use when necessary. It is sturdy and well constructed.

Cost and Value
The backpack is well padded at the back and well ventilated. This is such that air freely flows at the back thus minimizing the rates at which individuals sweat when carrying the bag on a journey more so during a hot sunny day. The padding at the back at the strap points increases comfort for the user.

Amazon Link

9. World Cup

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 World Cup
Amazon Link

The bag comes with great convenience for the user given its designed side-access compartments. The bag also features accessory pockets as well as internal organization pockets that make it much easier for the user to gain access to a tablet, Smartphone, laptop, charger among many other items that individuals carry in their bags during travel.

Strong Material
The backpack is made of a strong durable material with very strong and stable zippers that would help keep the items stored in the bag from falling out of the bag. The bag material is water resistant.

Design
The countless compartments on the bag make it easier for individuals to remain organized when carrying accessories required for play or when carrying work items. This backpack help make recreational activities that involve traveling fun. It has two mesh pockets on the sides that can be used as storage for bottles (the pockets have a bungee closure for a better grip of the items kept on the side pockets).

Cost and Value
The bag can be used in carrying out a variety of tasks. It is the perfect companion for individuals always on the move. The inside of the bag is spacious enough to fit everything an individual may require for a journey be it office essentials or biking gear. The side mesh pockets on the bag can be used for various purposes including carrying laptop chargers, water bottles or biking shoes if necessary.

Amazon Link

10. Spectrum

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Spectrum
Amazon Link

The backpack has a cover flap that gives users quick access to the main compartment of the bag. It has pocket access points on the sides that provide users with easy access to the camera compartment that can fit both the camera and its accessories. It has a laptop compartment on the side that can easily fit laptops that are 17 inches in size.

Design
The backpack has back panel with an air mesh that increases the level of comfort experienced by the user. This feature improves the level of air circulation on the back when we wear the bag such that the user’s sweating rate is reduced thus improving comfort for as long as the back would be in use.

Quality Reviewed Brand
A majority of people who have used this bag at one point in their lives could attest to the fact that the bag would meet your every need as long as it is used for its rightful purpose.

Cost and Value
For the countless people who love going on day trips to different parts of the universe, this backpack would be a very good acquisition and worth spending money on. You can carry your laptop, camera amongst several other travel gears that would make your trip a memorable one. It provides a user with satisfaction and value for money.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. REI, How to Clean a Backpack, Website
  2. REI, How to Choose a Backpack, Website
  3. The Optics Planet, Choosing a Backpack, Website