Gear Review: Mountain Smith Ultra Waistpack

Posted on the Ultralist:

Date:    Tue, 29 May 2007 09:04:49 -0500
From:    Ben Kadas
Subject: Gear Review: Mountain Smith Ultra Waistpack

I have been running in the Ultra for the past month. I have run in a Mountain Smith Blur for the past two years. Other packs previously used include a variety of shoulder bags and waist bags from Golite, Ultimate Directions, and Camelbak. What I look for in a pack is carrying capacity for a days worth of unsupported running: two litres of water, food, safety gear, clothes, water treatment, etc.

I purchased the Mountain Smith Ultra to replace the Blur. The Ultra is a far superior pack to the Blur in that it has a true suspension system that supports the pack bag away from the runner’s back, keeping you cooler and the pack dry. The bottles are easily accessible and slide in and out smoothly. The bag has no noticeable bounce and carries very light even when loaded with two 20oz bottle and an additional litre in the storage compartment.

The bag has enough main pack storage for a food and misc gear, on each hip is a mesh pocket for bars and goo, there are also additional attachment points for goo bottle on each side. The suspension is well padded at the hips and has two pull tights on each hip to further secure the load. This is the only true suspension pack I have seen that isn’t bulky and heavy. A very well designed pack for sure.

Overall I give this pack a 9/10. My only complaint is that I wish it carried two litre water bottles and the main pack pocket were bigger: Super Ultra?

If price is an issue, check out www.ebags.com ($76, free shipping, free returns)