Mont Backcountry Pack - Thoughts?

[User54321]

Has anyone had any experience with a Mont Backcountry pack?

I am looking to buy my first multi-day hiking pack. I am trying to avoid spending over $350. The Backcountry seems ok. They are on special for $330 at a nearby retailer. Most people on this board seem to suggest the OP McMillian or the MP Cascade are the best packs of the kind. Those packs are most definitely not on special at a retailer near me...

Should I wait for the OP or MP packs to go on special (they will still probably be $400 or more when they do)? Or is a Mont pack a sensible purchase at a discount?

[Drifting]

My wife has a Mont pack- it is exceptional. Well-designed, tough as nails, with an outstanding suspension system. We tried them all, and I DO mean all the ones you can get in Tassie, and that was her choice. She has a very bad back and neck, and has to be very careful with packs. I had already bought my WE when she got her Mont, otherwise I might have gone down that route myself.

[Maelgwn]

Go and try them on and see which one works for you (ie most comfotable). Make sure you get someone experienced to fit you and try them all on with similar weights (atleast 10kg, preferably 15kg) in them ...

[cams]

I had the Mont Backcountry as my first pack. Definitely tough and at the time that I bought it, I was happy with the fit. However, I was never completely satisfied with it. For starters I soon realised that it was way too big. This was even before I got into a more "UL" mindset and started thinking about what I was packing. I would just chuck everything in that I thought I'd need for a 4 day walk and still there was acres of room. And if you don't pack it up high the lid straps are too short and the lid flops around. If you're doing longer trips where you need the size though then ignore this.

I didn't like the front flat pocket. It was hard to get anything in or out of. I could never get the harness to fit just the way I wanted either. But this is a personal thing and like others have said, you're best to try it on.

Personally, I would look at the OP or Osprey (which usually go on sale quite often) packs from the commonly available ones these days.

[frenchy_84]

I had the Mont Backcountry as my first pack. Definitely tough and at the time that I bought it, I was happy with the fit. However, I was never completely satisfied with it. For starters I soon realised that it was way too big. This was even before I got into a more "UL" mindset and started thinking about what I was packing. I would just chuck everything in that I thought I'd need for a 4 day walk and still there was acres of room. And if you don't pack it up high the lid straps are too short and the lid flops around. .

? the size range of the Mont is pretty standard for a large pack. If the Mont is to big isnt a Macpac Cascade or OP Strezleki going to be to? And my Macpac Cascade is the same regarding the straps when it is half full. IMO if money wasnt an issue i would get a OP, however if you find the Mont fits and feels comfortable on your back it looks like a pretty good pack

[User54321]

I'm going to try on any pack worth considering several times. It's my cautious spend thrift nature. I'm just looking to see which packs are actually worth trying on - some may feel ok but be dodgily constructed or have tricks the young player might miss.

Has anyone tried the Wilderness Equipment 'Breakout' pack? It is their cheap ($200 odd dollar) canvas pack. It is 70-75l. Looks very sturdy.

[cams]

? the size range of the Mont is pretty standard for a large pack. If the Mont is to big isnt a Macpac Cascade or OP Strezleki going to be to? And my Macpac Cascade is the same regarding the straps when it is half full. IMO if money wasnt an issue i would get a OP, however if you find the Mont fits and feels comfortable on your back it looks like a pretty good pack

Yes, I guess my point is that as a first pack maybe think a bit more about whether you really need an 85L pack (at the time I thought bigger the better). Or, if you don't fill it up how well it compresses. Personally, I didn't think the Mont compressed very well with a smaller load. I think the straps issue is a design flaw and wouldn't be that hard for manufacturers to fix.

I'm going to try on any pack worth considering several times. It's my cautious spend thrift nature. I'm just looking to see which packs are actually worth trying on - some may feel ok but be dodgily constructed or have tricks the young player might miss.

Has anyone tried the Wilderness Equipment 'Breakout' pack? It is their cheap ($200 odd dollar) canvas pack. It is 70-75l. Looks very sturdy.

My brother has had his for probably 8 years or so. Once again, pretty tough and has lasted well. Nice and simple design. The front pocket is actually usable compare to some packs.